The next Old Testament law(s) come from Leviticus 19:27-28.
Do not cut off the hair on the sides of your head. Do not trim the edges of your beard.
These verses are obviously meant for men. The first part of that says not to cut “off” the hair on the sides of your head. Does that mean you can trim it up? Can you let them grow really thick and bushy? Perhaps the most important question from this first part is this. Was Elvis trying to make a statement of faith with his mutton chops and the whole world misunderstood?
The second part of this verse tells men not to trim the edges of their beard. This means it is implied that men should have a beard.
So now we have laws stating that men should all have beards and sideburns. Have you noticed that mustaches are conspicuously missing from these requirements? I suppose that means the only part of the face men are allowed to shave is above the lip. In other words you may as well keep the mustache too, cause I can’t begin to imagine how ridiculous a shaved upper lip would look with a full beard and sideburns.
May 21st, 2008 - 2:09 pm
Check this out here and click on the second pic labeled “Young Jew.” I gives a clue as to how Jews interpret this Levitical command. Note the long strand of hair hanging from the side of his head. Also, the sparse amount of hair on his upper lip. Although “ridiculous” may be too strong of a description, it does look strange!
May 21st, 2008 - 9:25 pm
Wow! Strange would be correct. I assume my description of ridiculous could be viewed as offensive by some, though certainly not meant that way.