Bible Dictionary
SHAVING
Shaving could express mourning, fulfill a Nazirite obligation after a vow, or signify humiliation and devastation. Israelite law restricted shaving the edges of the beard, while cutting the beard could be a serious insult.
Biblical Usage
Shaving the head could mark mourning. Nazirites abstained from the razor during their vow but shaved when the vow ended or when defiled. Israelites were forbidden to shave the corner of the beard. Isaiah uses a razor hired by the Assyrian power as an image of Judah’s complete devastation.