On Monday (August 22), Desiring God published an article titled “O Beard Where Art Thou,” wherein Greg Morse argued that growing a beard is a matter of theological significance. Morse is a staff writer for the John Piper founded media nonprofit and a graduate of Bethlehem College & Seminary, where Piper serves as chancellor.
Morse Argues for the Theology of Beard Growing
Morse began his argument for beards by recounting a story from the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel in which Joab, the general of King David, prepared for battle against the Ammonites.
The reason for the battle was the newly crowned King Hanun of the Ammonites having rejected David’s offer of a diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The manner in which Hanun rejected the offer was particularly offensive. He cut the clothes of David’s messengers in half, from top to bottom, also shaving off half their beards.