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Bible Dictionaries
Ashes

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

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ASHES . Ashes on the head formed one of the ordinary tokens of mourning for the dead (see Mourning Customs as of private ( 2 Samuel 13:19 ) and national humiliation ( Nehemiah 9:1 , 1Ma 3:47 ). The penitent and the afflicted might also sit ( Job 2:8 , Jonah 3:6 ) or even wallow in ashes ( Jeremiah 6:25 , Ezekiel 27:30 ). In 1 Kings 20:38; 1 Kings 20:41 we must, with RV [Note: Revised Version.] , read ‘Headband’ (wh. see) for ‘ashes.’

In a figurative sense the term ‘ashes’ is often used to signify evanescence, worthlessness, insignificance (Genesis 18:27 , Job 30:19 ). ‘Proverbs of ashes’ ( Proverbs 13:12 RV [Note: Revised Version.] ) is Job’s equivalent for the modern ‘rot.’ For the use of ashes in the priestly ritual see Red Heifer.

A. R. S. Kennedy.

Bibliography Information
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Ashes'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hdb/​a/ashes.html. 1909.
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