Razor
“A shaving instrument”
Summary
The razor was a shaving instrument that carried symbolic significance in Israel, particularly in Nazirite vows and prophetic imagery.
☩Nazirite Vow
The Nazirite vow prohibited the use of a razor on the head during the period of separation to the Lord. Samson was a Nazirite from birth, and no razor was to come upon his head; his strength was tied to this uncut hair as a sign of his consecration. Samuel likewise was dedicated as a Nazirite, with his mother promising that 'no razor shall come upon his head.'
☩Prophetic Imagery
Isaiah used the razor as a symbol of Assyrian devastation, declaring that the Lord would 'shave with a razor that is hired' (Assyria) to remove Israel's glory. Ezekiel was commanded to shave his head and beard with a sharp sword, dividing the hair into thirds to symbolize the three-fold judgment coming upon Jerusalem. These prophetic actions depicted the humiliation and destruction awaiting God's disobedient people.
Related Verses7 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Razor," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Razor," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Razor," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).