Topical Bible: The Eye: The Jewish Women often Painted

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In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the practice of painting or adorning the eyes was a common cosmetic practice among women in the ancient Near East, including Jewish women. This practice is referenced in several biblical passages and is often associated with themes of beauty, seduction, and sometimes idolatry.

Biblical References:

One of the most direct references to the painting of the eyes is found in the book of 2 Kings. Jezebel, the infamous queen, is described as painting her eyes before her encounter with Jehu: "When Jehu came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it. So she painted her eyes, arranged her hair, and looked out of a window" (2 Kings 9:30). This act of painting the eyes is often interpreted as a symbol of Jezebel's vanity and her attempt to maintain her regal and seductive appearance even in the face of impending doom.

The prophet Jeremiah also alludes to the practice in a metaphorical sense, highlighting the futility of outward adornment in the face of judgment: "And you, O devastated one, what are you doing that you dress yourself in scarlet, that you adorn yourself with gold jewelry, that you enlarge your eyes with paint? You beautify yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life" (Jeremiah 4:30). Here, the painting of the eyes is used to illustrate the futility of relying on external beauty and adornment when one's heart is far from God.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, the use of cosmetics, including eye paint, was widespread across various cultures in the Near East. Eye paint, often made from kohl, was used not only for beautification but also for its believed protective properties against the harsh sun and evil spirits. The practice was not unique to Israel but was part of a broader cultural milieu.

For Jewish women, as for their neighbors, painting the eyes could have been a normal part of personal grooming and beautification. However, the biblical narrative often uses this practice to convey deeper spiritual truths, particularly when it is associated with figures like Jezebel or when it becomes a metaphor for spiritual adultery and idolatry.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the Bible's references to painted eyes often serve as a caution against the prioritization of external beauty over inner spiritual integrity. The emphasis is on the heart's condition before God rather than outward appearances. The prophets and biblical writers frequently warned against the seductive allure of idolatry and the dangers of being led astray by superficial attractions.

In the New Testament, the apostle Peter echoes this sentiment, advising women to focus on the "unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight" (1 Peter 3:4). This reflects a consistent biblical theme that true beauty is found in godliness and a heart aligned with God's will.

Conclusion:

The practice of painting the eyes, while culturally common, is used in the Bible to illustrate broader spiritual lessons. It serves as a reminder of the importance of inner beauty and the dangers of relying solely on external appearances. Through these references, the biblical narrative calls believers to a deeper understanding of true beauty as rooted in a life devoted to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 9:30
And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.
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Jeremiah 4:30
And when you are spoiled, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you deck you with ornaments of gold, though you rend your face with painting, in vain shall you make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you, they will seek your life.
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Ezekiel 23:40
And furthermore, that you have sent for men to come from far, to whom a messenger was sent; and, see, they came: for whom you did wash yourself, painted your eyes, and decked yourself with ornaments,
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Library

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... Thus it often happened that, to save his voice ... He keeps his eye on the facial
expressions and ... Saturday, while he is preaching, some Jewish women set themselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

Death, the Friend
... But faith has an eye, and there is light, and this ... do if I have no nursery or kitchen?'
say the women. ... The Jewish king on the fatal field of Gilboa called his ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/death the friend.htm

The Gradual Healing of the Blind Man
... hopeless, listless; not believing that this Jewish stranger is ... you good-hearted
Christian men and women, in all ... A dim glimmer had come into the eye, but there ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the gradual healing of the.htm

Christian Morals. Part I.
... out of many men, and, to the perfect eye of God ... SINCE men and women have their proper
virtues and vices ... This was practised by the Jewish doctors with regard to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part i.htm

The Foreign Missions and their Influence.
... his master, looking on with a gluttonous eye, smoked a ... converts, he was so beloved
by his Jewish friends that ... the missionary, at the head of the women his wife ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi the foreign missions.htm

The Exhortation of Barnabas
... We are scarcely just to these early Jewish Christians when ... joy; and let us remember
that the eye-salve which ... sacredest, closest tie that men and women can know ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the exhortation of barnabas.htm

Our Spiritual Ancestry
... The Jewish belief in a bodily resurrection and a Messianic ... a power to give to common
men and women a nobility ... This bird's-eye view will grow more distinct and ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/i our spiritual ancestry.htm

'Time for Thee to Work'
... Surely, as the eye prophesies light, so the longing of ... It is strange that the Jewish
race should have so ... among our younger cultivated men and women, whom it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/time for thee to work.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... of the Pagan; but of the Jewish, Mahometan, and ... great image at Hugernaught!" and
of women "voluntarily climbing ... behold them with their mental eye, as clearly ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... so, but only seems to be so to the eye. ... usual discloses the real countenances of
those women whom I ... What great forethought was bestowed upon the Jewish nation! ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm