715. Baldness was scarce, and suspicion of leprosy was often attached to the condition. When the youth said to Elisha, "Go on up, you baldhead!" (2 Kings 2:23), he was using an extreme curse.
716. Baldness disqualified a man from the priesthood, as is demonstrated by Leviticus 21:5. Priests were not allowed to shave their heads or rip their clothes, or even to mourn a mother's or father's death (Lev. 21:10-11).
717. Men allowed their beards to grow long and rarely if ever cut them.
718. Jews always wore a turban in public. At certain seasons of the year it is dangerous to expose the head to the rays of the sun. This turban was made of thick material that was wound several times around the head. Both Job and the prophet Isaiah mention the use of the turban as a headdress (Job 29:14).
719. Wearing what is appropriate. The Law of Moses forbade men to wear women's clothing or women to wear men's clothing (Deut. 22:5).
720. The dress of women was different in detail from men's clothing rather than in style. They too wore a tunic and cloak, but in every case their dress was a little more elaborate. The veil was the distinctive female apparel. All females, with the exception of maidservants, women of low status, and prostitutes, wore a veil.
721. The headgear of Bethlehem women shed light on Biblical customs. The headgear included a high cap on the front of which might have been sewn rows of gold and silver coins. There was also a veil, perhaps six feet long and four feet wide that covered the cap but left the coins showing. Some had embroidery work and some were nearly covered with needlework.
