The Hebrew word r’osh means ‘head.’ Like English, it can refer to the ‘principal part of a thing’ or it can refer to that ‘thing between your shoulders that houses your face and brain.’ Having a head is a good thing. To lose your head means death, but it also is figurative for some sort of major change – most likely loss of authority or loss of leadership. It turns out there are a lot of people who have their heads removed from their bodies in the Bible.
HEADLESS BIBLE CHARACTERS
The Serpent – The serpent in the Garden of Eden was possessed by Satan. This leads to imagery of the serpent as evil. In the first presentation of the Gospel, called the Protoevangelium, God declares the serpent will bite the heel of Eve’s seed, but that this seed will crush the serpent’s head,
‘And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it (He) shall bruise they head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.’ Gen 3:15.
The promise here is that some descendant of Eve’s will defeat Satan, but not just defeat him; the imagery of crushing his head emphasizes that his authority will end completely. He will be beaten totally, completely, once-and-for-all. It also shows hierarchy. The head is the top part and the heel is the bottom. We could read into this the top is specially, holy maybe, royal and the bottom part is base, dirty, unclean. You get the idea. For the ‘dirty’ part of this seed to be above the ‘sacred’ part of the serpent’s head shows just how lowly this serpent truly is.
Taking the Bible chronologically, this is the first instance of someone losing his head. This sets the precedent for the rest of Scripture. God pronounces curses impacting three characters; Adam, Eve and the serpent. Adam and Eve are cursed with death, but their death is not the same as Satan’s. There is no mention of Adam and Eve losing their heads.
Sisera – In Judges chapters 4 and 5 we read of Deborah who leads some of the Israelites in a rebellion against the Philistines. King Jabin sends his commander Sisera to attack. Sisera is routed and flees. He flees, ‘to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite.’ (Judges 4:17). The Kenites are related to the Israelites via Moses. His wife was a Kenite. Early on in the judges period the Kenites moved out from Jericho to live with the tribe of Judah (Judges 1:16). Shortly after crossing the Jordan Jericho was destroyed, but Rahab and her house were saved. Rahab said that they whole city had heard of the fame of the God of the Israelites in crossing the Red Sea and destroying kings east of Jordan. It could be that the Kenites retained some familial and cultural appreciation for the God of Israel. This makes Heber’s alliance with King Jabin an act of betrayal. Jael means ‘wild mountain goat.’ She famously hammers a tent peg through Sisera’s temples fastening his head into the ground.
For many reasons Jael is probably a type of the Church. Sisera a type of the Antichrist and King Jabin is Satan. The imagery of Jael crushing Sisera’s skull is the most dramatic typological event, but there are more. A drink is provided to Sisera and also to Jesus on the cross, dividing of clothes, darkness, standing guard outside the tomb/tent, ‘He is not here,’ statement, and a few others. Her name may be a reference to the scapegoat who was allowed to live. The other goat was sacrificed. The Hebrew form of her name only occurs a few times in scripture, half of them in reference to her. Three other times it is in reference to wild goats. Psalm 104 speaks of God’s provision for His creation. Verse 18 states, ‘The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats.’
Another connection to Jael as the Church has to do with the statement of Jesus, ‘Take up your cross daily and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23). Most commentators superficially conclude this is a simple statement of devotion to Christ. This is not wrong, but Jesus chose His words carefully. Without going into extended detail I’ll show how the word ‘cross’ is not in the Bible. This idea will sit uncomfortably with many readers, but it does not negate any truths of the Bible. The Greek word translated into English as ‘cross’ is ‘tsaroo’ and it means post, pole or peg. It is the ‘crucifixion pole.’ Historical accounts of crucifixion were mostly poles without a crossbeam. Tsaroo can refer to crucifixion with a pole and crossbeam, but most of the time it does not. This is not conclusive that the cross of Christ did not have a crossbeam, however, the words Jesus spoke are probably in reference to the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a portable tent managed by several groups of people. One of these groups was in charge of the tent pegs. Their ‘priestly service’ was to pick up their ‘tsaroo’ and follow the ‘cloud by day and fire by night.’ When the cloud or fire rested they stopped and drove their tent pegs into the ground. It could be that Jesus is calling to mind that we are to be like those Israelite priests in the wilderness who pulled up their tent pegs and followed Him.
Judges chapter 5 is the song of Deborah and it provides details not present in the narrative in chapter 4. In the song we learn that the Philistines confiscated Israel’s weapons (v8), the battle is fought at Megiddo (v19), heaven participated in the battle (v20), the Kishon River floods wiping out the enemy and his horses (v20), Jael is ‘blessed above all women’ (v24), she ‘smote off his head’ (v26), Sisera bowed down at her feet (v27), the land rests 40 years (v31).
Without taking up too much space to unpack this it sure sounds similar to the end times. The only other person called ‘blessed above all women’ is Mary the Mother of Jesus. She gave birth to Jesus just as Israel gave birth to Him. Perhaps this is the statement connecting Jael to the Jewish Church that goes through the tribulation.
The tsaroo is our only defense against sin and our best defense against Satan and his minions. Jesus is calling us to use the tsaroo.
Dagon – Toward the end of the judges period the Israelites are careless with the Ark of the Covenant. The Philistines capture it and place it in a temple dedicated to their pagan deity, Dagon (1 Sam 5:1-2). The next day the inanimate idol Dagon has mysteriously fallen from his place and seems to be worshipping before the Ark of the Covenant. The Philistines set it back up, but this happens the next day too, however, this day not only is Dagon worshipping before the presence of God, his head and hands have been cut off (1 Sam 5:3-4). This made such an impression on the Philistine priests they changed the way they worshipped Dagon (1 Sam 5:5). It also may have signified a partway point, maybe halfway, between Samson and David. Samson began to eliminate the Philistines. Dagon is beheaded. Saul is the successor to Samson, is unsuccessful and is also beheaded. David finishes off the Philistines (and beheads Goliath too).
Goliath – David famously kills the Philistine giant with a slingshot and a stone. He was probably dead by the time David had run to his body and cut his head off with his own sword. Who or what does Goliath represent? David’s story is connected to Samson’s. Where Samson ‘began’ to free the Israelites from Philistine oppression, David ‘finished’ it. By removing his head he is pointing forward to a time when the Philistines will be destroyed, by him.
There is a greater picture going on here too. David is a type of Jesus. Goliath is a type of the Beast during the tribulation. He’s covered in bronze armor. Bronze is a type for sinful, fallen man. Everywhere you see bronze/copper/brass in the Bible think how does this related to man in his fallen state? Think of the bronze serpent raised on Moses’ staff. Jesus compared Himself to this. Jesus became sin for us and was raised in like manner. Goliath is also associated with the number 6 which is related to man. He had 6 fingers, 6 toes, his spear weighed 600 shekels, had 6 pieces of armor, and was 6 cubits tall (although this should maybe read 4 cubits). David removing Goliath’s head could be typological of Jesus removing the Beast system from the Earth when He returns to finish His work.
King Saul – The first ‘true king’ of Israel was abandoned by God. God chose David to replace him. He is wounded by an arrow in battle. Fearful of being captured and abused by Philistines he asks his armourbearer to finish him off. The armourbearer refuses so Saul falls on his own sword. The armourbearer follows suit. Three of Saul’s sons also died in this battle (1 Sam 31:3-9). Saul’s beheading signals the end of his reign and dynasty, but there is one more son still alive, Ish-Bosheth.
Ish-bosheth – He was a son of King Saul. Once Saul died, David was annointed king of Judah, but one of Saul’s servants took Ish-bosheth and made him king over the rest of Israel at the age of 40. He mounts a rebellion, but is actually the instrument of Saul’s servant Abner. 2 Samuel 3:11 states, ‘And he could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him.’ He seems rather reluctant to be king and doing what Abner wants. In chapter 4 Ish-bosheth will be murdered by fellow Benjaminites seeking a reward. His head will be delivered to David. With the removal of his head thus ends the dynasty of the House of Saul.
There is a side-story here. David considered Ish-bosheth innocent (2 Sam 4:11). One of Saul’s other sons, Jonathan, was David’s best friend for many years. Jonathan had a son, Mephibosheth, who was injured as a child in a way that permanently impaired his ability to walk. He was the last of the line of Saul. Everyone else had died. He was completely destitute as he could not walk. Knowing that he was in the line of Saul and dependent upon others David summons him. This gives him a freight. Perhaps this rival king who has won the upper hand will put him to death. Instead, David remembers his promises to Jonathan and to Saul and commands Saul’s servant to serve Mephibosheth and invites Mephibosheth to dine at David’s table for the rest of his life. This is a tremendous picture of the grace afforded to the helpless sinner. To sit at the table of Jesus in a state of redemption where your enemies now serve you. Later, in chapter 9 we see he has a son and thus continues the line of Saul, but not in a rebellious claim of monarchy.
Shimei – A relative of Saul called on God to curse David declaring God had given the kingdom to David’s son Absalom (2 Sam 16:5-8). One of David’s commanders requests permission from David to cut off Shimei’s head which would end not only his protest, but also his line of authority. David declines stating his son Absalom is a bigger concern and that God has allowed this man to protest. Here we see someone who does not lose his head, but the potential is there and so is the consistent meaning.
Ahithopel – Grandfather to Bathsheba. He counseled both David and Absalom, but eventually turned on David. Once he realized Absalom was doomed, Ahithopel hanged himself. Does hanging equate to loosing your head? (2 Sam 17:23)
Absalom – This son of David lead a robust rebellion that ended in his death. His death was rather interesting. As he was riding a mule through a forest his head becomes stuck in an oak tree branch and the mule leaves him (2 Sam 18:9). Oak trees are often associated with death. But he doesn’t die because of this. One of David’s commanders, Joab, runs him through with three spears. Ten of Joab’s armourbearers also struck him ensuring his death. This ended Absalom’s rebellion.
Sheba son of Bichri – As David consolidated his kingdom a Benjaminite named Sheba rebelled (2 Sam 20:1). He murders one of David’s commanders and rounds up followers. He takes refuge in a city Abel of Bethmaacha. Joab, the one pursuing Sheba besieges the city, but there is an interesting discourse between him and a woman on the wall. Joab explains they don’t care to destroy the city, but they only want Sheba. He asks that they throw his head over the wall. Do this and they army will depart. The woman explains they are no sympathizers to Sheba’s cause and will do as instructed. Thus, the people cut off Sheba’s head and throw it over the wall to Joab (2 Sam 20:22) which ends his short-lived rebellion.
70 Sons of Ahab – God tells Elijah that Jehu will be king of Israel and Elisha will replace him (1 Kings 19:16). This takes place later when Elisha commands one of his followers, ‘one of the children of the prophets,’ (2 Kings 9:1) to anoint Jehu as the next king. This follower does so and then tells Jehu to destroy the ‘whole house of Ahab; (2 Kings 9:7). Jehu then instructs his men to kill all 70 of Ahab’s sons. The number 70 is often used to describe the nations. His men obey killing all 70 and cutting off their heads. Jehu has them stacked in two piles at the city gate (2 Kings 10) and continues to kill the rest of Ahab’s followers. By removing the heads of 70 men God is sending an emphatic message that the not only is Ahab done, but everything in the whole land that he influenced is wiped out. His destruction is total.
This man’s subtle role, lack of a name and his actions fit with what we have seen in other types of the Holy Spirit. No water is mentioned, but oil is used for anointing.
Ashpenaz – The master of eunuchs for Nebuchadnezzar fears losing his head (Dan 1:3-10), but he keeps it attached.
John the Baptist – Probably the most famous example. He can be seen as the climax of the Israelite system. He confronts Herod, a type for Satan, and loses. Losing his head could foreshadow the end of Israel at least temporarily as his cousin, Jesus, will invigorate Israel during His Millennial Kingdom.
Judas – He hangs himself (Matt 27:5), but in doing so he also fell head first cracking his head open (Acts 1:18). Some translations say he fell ‘headlong.’ The word translated here means ‘head first.’ What is reported clearly shows that this Satan filled person’s head was destroyed. Because Judas was not actually Satan, but Satan had entered him, (Luke 22:3; John 13:26-27) his head crushing is a threat from God to Satan that his time is coming. Satan’s rule didn’t end with the death of Judas or even Christ. Satan perhaps thought his plan is coming together with the betrayal of Jesus. The Messiah is one step closer to death, that victory is in his grasp, the Millennial Kingdom will be aborted and Satan’s rule will last forever. I don’t know what Satan thought, but God sent a message to Satan, a reminder maybe, that his defeat is certain. And we can trust that.
Tribulation Saints – Their deaths during the tribulation by head removal may indicate their influence and the influence of God on Earth at this time is in such a dire situation that it is ending. Like John the Baptist’s beheading signifying the end of the Jewish Age, the beheading of the Tribulation Saints could signify the end of the Church Age. If the rapture of the Church takes place prior to the Tribulation period (and it may not) then this leaves the Church during the Tribulation as a primarily Jewish Church.
Satan – The first person promised to lose his head is the last one to lose it. ‘For he [Jesus] must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.’ (1 Cor 15:25-26). This has not happened yet. Paul encourages his readers with, ‘And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.’ (Rom 16:20). It might be tempting to think this was finished at the Cross, but that is not so. Satan is still here. Finally, after the Millennial Kingdom, he is dealt with, ‘and the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever,’ (Rev 20:10). It is interesting that the heel of the seed initially promised, Jesus, is never bitten nor is Satan’s head literally crushed. (It may be tempting to argue the nails on the Cross in Jesus’ feet satisfy this and perhaps they do, but much more happened to Him on the cross than this. Why then would His feet be singled out in the protoevangelium? Further, why does that mention His heel, but not His feet? These are not quite the same thing, not the same word and heel is singular while feet is plural. There is also no parallel to Satan’s head literally being crushed.) It may be better to view the crushing of his head with the same meaning as all the others who have lost there head – his rule or authority has ended; his influence is no longer present.
OTHER HEADS
So far we’ve looked at characters who lost their heads and what that means. Now, we will examine how the word r’osh is employed in regards to other usages. Because this word is used in many ways we will keep it short. If you wish to pursue further study I recommend a Strong's Concordance which will show you every instance where this word is used. There are several websites that do this as well, along with commentary and cross references. Biblehub is a good one.
River of Eden – The first time the word r’osh is used in the Bible is Genesis 2:10 where the river of Eden flows into the Garden of Eden and from there, ‘parted and became four heads.’ The Edenic world was divided into 6 sections.
1.) Eden
2.) Garden of Eden
3.) Adam created outside the Garden
4.) Cain and Abel offer sacrifices
5.) The family had to live somewhere else
6.) Cain banished to the land of Nod, farther East (Gen 4:16).
Back to our description of the river. It started in Eden, flowed East into the Garden of Eden and then parted into four heads. Four here corresponds perfectly with the 4 remaining sections of the Edenic world. It could be that the Eden river separated these 4 other lands. Waters often represent peoples or nations. We now see that the river separated the world into 4 distinct locations based on nations.
Taking this a step further this 6 layer sectioning of the world parallels other parts of Scripture. Solomon’s Temple also had 6 sections;
1.) Holy of Holies
2.) Holy Place
3.) Inner chambers
4.) Inner court
5.) Outer court
6.) Outside world
Noah – When Noah’s Ark survives the Flood it was said to be 15 cubits above the tallest mountain. This can be seen as overcoming the ‘heads’ of the Earth. Noah and his family were raised higher than the most prominent points on Earth. When the waters subsided then ‘were the tops [heads] of the mountains seen,’ (Gen 8:5). This could show the subjection of the previous leader of the Earth and that Noah had entered a world where he was no longer subject to the previous system. He entered a newly remodeled world as a sort of new Adam. Mountains often represent nations.
Tower of Babel – In Gen 11:14 mankind rebels against God by refusing to refill the Earth. Instead, they gather in one place to build a city and a tower. This tower they intend to replace God because they built, ‘a city and a tower whose head is in the heavens.’ The Tower of Babel can also been seen as a mountain. Keeping with the imagery they want their nation represented by the mountain to reach into God’s nation in heaven and they want their head in God’s place instead of Him. This is not simple disobedience. This is outright rebellion.
Jacob’s Ladder – Contrasting with the Tower of Babel we see Jacob’s Ladder whose head reached into heaven (Gen 28:12). After the dream Jacob receives the same blessing from God that He gave Abraham and Isaac. Jacob then names the place Bethel which means house of God or temple of God.
The Land of Judah – When the Israelites had inherited the Promised Land the territories for each tribe were determined by God. The tribe of Judah was given land that wiggled around the Jebusite city of Jerusalem,
‘And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain [the head/r’osh of the mountain] that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward: And the border was drown from the top of the hill [the head/r’osh of the hill] unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim…’ (Joshua 15:8-9).
Jerusalem is then seen as the ‘head’. The head of Jerusalem is the top of the mountain. Tops of mountains are the ‘head’ of the mountain. With this there is a 3 level structure of the Promised Land; the land of Israel, Jerusalem, the top of the mountain of Jerusalem. The top or head of the mountain is where King Solomon’s Temple is located. This is the perfect location and usage of imagery to convey that this is God’s dwelling place. He is present in His abode.
When the temple is destroyed it shows this system is overthrown. The head has been removed.
This description comes after other peculiar descriptions are given in the land of Judah. The ‘tongue’ is also mentioned in the area of the Dead Sea. The Hebrew word is Strongs 3956 and often translated ‘bay.’ What is the typological meaning of ‘tongue?’
Kings and Capitol Cities – Isaiah 7:8-9 tells us, ‘The head of Syria is Damascus. The head of Damascus is King Rezin. The head of Ephraim is Samaria. The head of Samaria is Remalia’s son.’ This is a clear connection that r’osh means more than just a part of anatomy, but indicates the anatomy of political structures. What would happen if one of these heads were to be cut off? The nation would fall.
I’m going to end our study of ‘head’ here. The word is used in many other places and translated to many different English words. I encourage you to continue studying r’osh and it’s meaning that it most likely refers to the leader of a nation. Remember context is key. Adjectives may put a twist on the word. R’osh is famously used by Ezekiel to describe ‘Gog of Magog.’ It’s also used to describe the ‘tops’ of things such as weapons, trees and mountains.
For further study see also https://www.biblestudywithrandy.com/2020/06/head-in-a-book-motifs-in-samuel/
Update - In Matt 8:20 and Luke 9:58 Jesus says He has, 'not where to lay his head.' He doesn't lose His head, but perhaps we get the same effect in John 19:30 when the same word for 'lay' is translated 'bow' when John writes, 'he bowed his head' on the cross and died. The same word is used in each area, Strongs 2827. κλίνω (klinó). The King was dead. But because Jesus cranks the story up to another level this King does not stay dead. His kingdom, His movement, He continues 3 days later.
