Ezekiel 44:20
““‘“They shall not shave their heads, or allow their locks to grow long. They shall only cut off the hair of their heads.”
What does Ezekiel 44:20 mean?
This instruction was part of God's detailed guidelines for priests serving in the restored temple, establishing standards that set them apart and kept them looking neat and dignified. The rule essentially meant priests should maintain their appearance in a moderate, intentional way, neither shaving completely bald nor letting hair grow wild. It reflected the idea that those serving in God's presence should be orderly and well-kept, without adopting practices associated with pagan worship or excessive grief. For many people today, this reminds us that how we care for ourselves can be an expression of respect, both for ourselves and for the sacred work we're called to do.