Topical Bible: The Hair: Innumerable

◄ The Hair: Innumerable ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, hair is often used symbolically to convey various spiritual truths and divine principles. One of the most profound references to hair in the Bible is its description as "innumerable," highlighting God's intimate knowledge and care for His creation.

Divine Omniscience and Care

The concept of hair being innumerable is vividly illustrated in the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reassures His disciples of God's meticulous care and attention to detail: "And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered" (Matthew 10:30). This statement underscores the omniscience of God, who knows every aspect of His creation, down to the smallest detail. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's personal involvement in the lives of His people, emphasizing that nothing is too trivial for His concern.

Symbol of God's Sovereignty

The innumerability of hair also symbolizes God's sovereignty and the vastness of His creation. In the Psalms, the psalmist reflects on the countless wonders of God's works, which include the intricacies of human life: "How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand" (Psalm 139:17-18). This passage parallels the idea of hair being innumerable, illustrating the boundless nature of God's wisdom and the infinite care He extends to His creation.

Human Limitations and Divine Providence

The notion of hair being innumerable also serves to highlight human limitations in contrast to divine providence. While humans may struggle to comprehend the full extent of God's creation, the Bible assures believers that God is fully aware and in control. This is further emphasized in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus reiterates the message of God's attentive care: "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows" (Luke 12:7). Here, the innumerability of hair is used to comfort believers, reminding them of their value in God's eyes and His unwavering provision.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, hair held significant cultural and religious importance. It was often associated with strength, beauty, and identity. For instance, the Nazirite vow, as described in Numbers 6, involved letting one's hair grow long as a sign of dedication to God. Samson, a notable Nazirite, derived his strength from his uncut hair, symbolizing his covenant with God (Judges 16:17). The innumerability of hair, therefore, also reflects the depth of one's commitment and the divine empowerment that comes from living in accordance with God's will.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of hair as innumerable serves as a profound metaphor for God's intimate knowledge, sovereign care, and the intricate design of His creation. Through this imagery, believers are encouraged to trust in God's providence, recognizing their inherent worth and the divine purpose woven into every aspect of their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 69:4
They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head: they that would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of all the Parts of the Body.
... which He either adorned with beauty only, or covered with thick hair, or fenced ... of
God, that one arrangement and one state exhibits innumerable varieties of ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap vii of all the parts.htm

On the Physical Basis of Life.
... whole hair consists of a very delicate outer case of wood, closely applied to the
inner surface of which is a layer of semifluid matter, full of innumerable ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/vii on the physical basis.htm

Hebrews xii. 18-24
... men have mercy on a merciful man, even if he has done innumerable wrongs, much ... Some
contributed even hair in the fitting up of the temple, and not even these ...
/.../homily xxxii hebrews xii 18-24.htm

Voluntary Suffering
... back to the smiters, His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair, He hid ... of our
best friend and benefactor, to whom our obligations are so innumerable, and so ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xviii voluntary suffering.htm

Chrysostom as a Monk. AD 374-381.
... They wore coarse garments of camel's hair or goat's hair over their linen tunics. ...
common, and the words of "mine and thine," which cause innumerable strifes in ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter v chrysostom as a monk.htm

Commandments to Men.
... curls and round rasures." [2558] Nor may men destroy the hair of their ... eyes upon
her: for she hath thrown down many wounded; yea, innumerable multitudes have ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii commandments to men.htm

Changed Conditions
... of military uniform necessitated the removal of long hair, it was ... Celestial Branches"
and "Earthly Stems," complicated with innumerable elemental antipathies ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

Grundtvig's Later Years
... Till your hair turned white ... of the material used in the folk-school, his greatest
contributions to their work are probably, his innumerable Biblical, historical ...
/.../hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter sixteen grundtvigs later years.htm

Psalm LII.
... For when thou hast pity, thou sheddest as it were tears: when thou relievest,
thou wipest with hair. ... But of poor men are thousands innumerable. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lii.htm

Carletta and the Merchant
... A face dark and hollow, all overgrown with hair black as night and ... Treading innumerable
passages they came to the gloomy building where lived Carletta's father ...
/.../carletta and the merchant.htm