Definition and Context:
Brushing, in the modern sense, refers to the act of cleaning or grooming with a brush. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the act of brushing as understood today, the concept of cleanliness and grooming is present throughout the Scriptures. In biblical times, personal hygiene and cleanliness were important aspects of daily life, often associated with spiritual purity and ritual practices.

Biblical References and Symbolism:
The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, both physical and spiritual. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses contains numerous instructions regarding cleanliness, which can be seen as a precursor to modern practices like brushing. For example, Leviticus 15 outlines various laws concerning bodily discharges and the necessary steps for purification, highlighting the importance of maintaining cleanliness.

In a symbolic sense, brushing can be related to the concept of purification and sanctification. Psalm 51:7 states, "Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow." This verse underscores the desire for spiritual cleansing, which can be metaphorically linked to the act of brushing away impurities.

Cultural Practices:
In ancient Israel, grooming and personal care were integral to daily life. The use of oils and perfumes for anointing and grooming is well-documented in the Scriptures. For instance, Esther 2:12 describes the beauty treatments given to the women in preparation for meeting King Xerxes: "Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics."

While the specific act of brushing hair or teeth is not mentioned, the emphasis on grooming and appearance is evident. The Song of Solomon also contains references to the beauty and care of one's appearance, reflecting the cultural importance of grooming.

Spiritual Implications:
The act of brushing, as a form of cleansing, can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the removal of sin. In the New Testament, the concept of being cleansed from sin is central to the message of the Gospel. 1 John 1:9 states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This cleansing is akin to the spiritual brushing away of impurities, aligning with the broader biblical theme of purification.

Practical Application:
While the Bible does not provide specific instructions on brushing, the principles of cleanliness and care for the body are applicable to modern practices. Believers are encouraged to maintain their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 : "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

In this light, brushing and other forms of personal hygiene can be viewed as acts of stewardship over the body, honoring God through the care and maintenance of His creation.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Brush.

2. (a.) Constructed or used to brush with; as a brushing machine.

3. (a.) Brisk; light; as, a brushing gallop.

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... One of the slaves began brushing the dark hair of his master while the other was
rubbing a precious ointment on his face and arms. "Fool!" he shouted. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

The Surprising Jew.
... every other imaginable way, except this of being Jews, men who hate each other
intensely because of divergent beliefs in other matters, yet brushing elbows in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the surprising jew.htm

The Three Tribunals
... were making of him. There was nothing brusque, rough, contemptuous in his
brushing aside these popular judgments. He gave them all ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the three tribunals.htm

The Rich Fool
... Such indifference must have struck a chill into Christ's heart, and how keenly he
felt it is traceable in the curt and stern brushing aside of the man's request ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the rich fool.htm

Mighty in Word and Deed
... little disturbance as possible. It is easy to get the cheap praise of
'originality' by brushing aside existing methods. It is harder ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/mighty in word and deed.htm

Morning
... Thou rustling breeze so fresh and gay,. That dancest forth at opening day,. And
brushing by with joyous wing,. Wakenest each little leaf to sing;". ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cclxxxviii morning.htm

A Dialogue with God
... there is a whole world of difference between the lowly petition, 'Show me wherefore
Thou contendest with me,' and the curt, self-complacent brushing aside of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a dialogue with god 2.htm

The Christ of the Sermon on the Mount
... prophetic anticipation, but also He claims to have, and He exercises, the power
of moulding, expanding, interpreting, and in some cases brushing aside, laws ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the christ of the sermon.htm

Two visitors by Night
... I must, I must see him!' said the boy; and brushing past the astonished slave, he
sprang to the partly opened door of Chrysostom's study, through which there ...
/.../chapter iv two visitors by.htm

The Approval of the Spirit
... pain convulsed her body, "I have not been free from pain in twenty years and have
scarcely slept a night through all that time," and then, brushing the tears ...
/.../chapman/and judas iscariot/the approval of the spirit.htm

Brushing (2 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Brush. 2. (a.) Constructed or used to brush with; as a brushing machine.
3. (a.) Brisk; light; as, a brushing gallop. ...Brushing (2 Occurrences). ...
/b/brushing.htm - 7k

Brush (1 Occurrence)
... 7. (n.) The act of brushing; as, to give one's clothes a brush; a rubbing or grazing
with a quick motion; a light touch; as, we got a brush from the wheel as ...
/b/brush.htm - 8k

Sweep (34 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To drive or carry along or off with a broom or a brush, or as if with a
broom; to remove by, or as if by, brushing; as, to sweep dirt from a floor; the ...
/s/sweep.htm - 19k

Brushed (2 Occurrences)
... his family every male child, those who are shut up and those who go free in Israel;
the family of Jeroboam will be brushed away like a man brushing away waste ...
/b/brushed.htm - 7k

Brushwood (9 Occurrences)

/b/brushwood.htm - 9k

Cutting (178 Occurrences)
... his family every male child, those who are shut up and those who go free in Israel;
the family of Jeroboam will be brushed away like a man brushing away waste ...
/c/cutting.htm - 46k

Line (131 Occurrences)
... his family every male child, those who are shut up and those who go free in Israel;
the family of Jeroboam will be brushed away like a man brushing away waste ...
/l/line.htm - 43k

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