BEARD
For the Hebrews, a thick, curly beard was a symbol of manhood and a highly prized adornment (Ezra 9:3; Ps. 113:8; Is. 19:2; Jer. 48:37; Dan. 10:3); to be deprived of it was great infamy (1 Sam. 2:13; 2 Sam. 10:4-14; 10:24; 20:9; cf. Is. 7:20; Ex. 5:1-5).
Assyrian monuments depict beardless eunuchs. On the other hand, the Egyptians let it grow as a sign of mourning. That is why Joseph had to shave to go to appear at court (Gen. 41:14).
Levitical law prohibits cutting the tip of the beard because this is an act of devotion among certain idolaters (Lev. 19:27; Jer. 25:23). He was ordered to shave it in case of leprosy as a hygienic measure (Lev. 14: 9).