Earrings? Why not? God piereces ears!

[staysharp]

Since there is so much fuss about earrings on men, thought I would offer proof positive that God himself pierced David's ears and certainly doesn't mind if u do either.

Psalms 40:6
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

[DAII]

He required servants to be pierced as well ...

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him for ever.

Exodus 21:6

[pelathais]

I just don't like the needles and awls.

In antiquity most piercings and cuttings of the flesh were done to "brand" an individual as a slave or the possession of another. That's why primarily women and pirates or other mercenary forces wore the ear ring - that loop or hoop style dangle thing. Of course there were many other reasons as well - a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood, etc.

The woman was chattel for her father until he sold her off to become the chattel of another man (a wife). The pirates were often run away slaves. Mercenaries were often the slaves possessed by their captain who hired out the entire band to the highest bidder.

Free men had no such scars or piercings to identify them as the property of another. This is my own primary motivation for not being branded in any way - I am a free man. However, if I can accept a woman wearing uncut hair as a consecration to God (and I do) I suppose that on the same grounds I could accept someone else wearing an ear ring to signify a similar purpose.

[staysharp]

Originally Posted by DAII

He required servants to be pierced as well ...

Exodus 21:6

OUCH! is all I can say, that was before the Chinese at WAL-MART.

[staysharp]

Originally Posted by pelathais

I just don't like the needles and awls.

In antiquity most piercings and cuttings of the flesh were done to "brand" an individual as a slave or the possession of another. That's why primarily women and pirates or other mercenary forces wore the ear ring - that loop or hoop style dangle thing. Of course there were many other reasons as well - a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood, etc.

The woman was chattel for her father until he sold her off to become the chattel of another man (a wife). The pirates were often run away slaves. Mercenaries were often the slaves possessed by their captain who hired out the entire band to the highest bidder.

Free men had no such scars or piercings to identify them as the property of another. This is my own primary motivation for not being branded in any way - I am a free man. However, if I can accept a woman wearing uncut hair as a consecration to God (and I do) I suppose that on the same grounds I could accept someone else wearing an ear ring to signify a similar purpose.

P, earrings on men are certainly not new to our generation. However, I am curious as to why there is such an aversion and distaste. Maybe, its due to gender bias perception. Even when I see men wearing large diamond earrings, something is unsettling in me.

I consider myself liberal minded, however I still struggle with this. I pastor in a predominately black city and I know this issue will eventually show itself in my leadership. Still haven't decided where to stand.

BTW, while u r absolutely correct as to the gender branding, etc. I doubt any today consciously wear them as a symbol....just sayin.

[Sam]

When I was going to the Vineyard Church in Springdale, OH, several of the pastors --both men and women-- had piercings.

[MissBrattified]

I guess I've never understood why people want to put holes in their skin. If I did wear earrings, they'd be clip-ons. No ear punctures for me, thanks anyway.

That aside, are you sure the meaning of the verse in Psalms is "pierced" ears?

KJV: Psalm 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

MY husband (and my son) will most certainly NOT be having their ears pierced. I think it looks girly, and that's the end of that. I don't care whether David did it or not.

[deltaguitar]

My wife just got her ears pierced. After being UPC for about 12 years the holes had grown back together. I was all worried that it might hurt or she would be in pain but she said she didn't even feel it.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by staysharp

P, earrings on men are certainly not new to our generation. However, I am curious as to why there is such an aversion and distaste. Maybe, its due to gender bias perception. Even when I see men wearing large diamond earrings, something is unsettling in me.

I consider myself liberal minded, however I still struggle with this. I pastor in a predominately black city and I know this issue will eventually show itself in my leadership. Still haven't decided where to stand.

BTW, while u r absolutely correct as to the gender branding, etc. I doubt any today consciously wear them as a symbol....just sayin.

Yeah. Today it seems to be just another fad to go along with. It's too much hassel for me.

"Let me stab a hole in your head and sell you something to wear in it..."

Why not just leave it alone? People look fine without it. Just MHO.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I guess I've never understood why people want to put holes in their skin. If I did wear earrings, they'd be clip-ons. No ear punctures for me, thanks anyway.

That aside, are you sure the meaning of the verse in Psalms is "pierced" ears?

KJV: Psalm 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

MY husband (and my son) will most certainly NOT be having their ears pierced. I think it looks girly, and that's the end of that. I don't care whether David did it or not.

Yes. The word in the original is "pierced" and appears to be an allegorical allusion to the branding of a "love slave."