Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

COSMETICS

In the ancient world men and women used cosmetics much the same as they are used today: to beautify and preserve the skin, to counterpoise body odors, and to adorn the hair. Perfume is the most common cosmetic found in the OT (Esth. 2:12; Prov. 27:9), worn primarily to counteract the body’s natural odors. Perfumes also served hygienic purposes, providing an alternative to water in bathing. One kind of perfume, myrrh, was ground into a powder, collected in a small pouch, and worn around a woman’s neck (Cant. 1:13). Henna was used for painting fingernails and dyeing hair (Cant. 4:13). Archaeological discoveries have uncovered cosmetic dishes and palettes, mirrors, and hair accessories such as combs and hairpins.

Egyptian wall paintings reveal that a black substance known as kohl was rubbed underneath the eyes, probably as a protectant against the bright rays of the sun. Kohl was used by women to outline the eyes and darken the eyebrows, thus enhancing their physical appearance. In the OT women who outlined their eyes were regarded as dishonorable (Jer. 4:30; Ezek. 23:40; cf. esp. Jezebel who, before her violent death, painted her eyes; 2 Kgs. 9:30). In addition to substances used to beautify the eyes, various ointments were applied to protect and preserve the skin from the arid climate of the Middle East.

Jim Oxford, Jr.

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

COSMETICS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)