Page 89 - Sarah's Children

So we are able to answer the question, “Is a woman’s hair the only covering she
needs?” The answer is clearly “No.” By comparing passage to passage we see that it
was Paul’s practice and manner to first declare his topic and then to later support it
with natural examples. Hair is not the topic of Paul’s writing in I Corinthians chapter
11anymore than oxen were the topic in chapter 9. These are merely mentioned as a
way of adding support to, and an understanding of, the instructions Paul is
delivering. How evident this becomes when we compare passage to passage and
discover Paul’s patterns in his writing.

We have used scripture comparisons to arrive at Paul’s meaning semantically, but
we also need to get understanding. In the preceding chapter we read of headcovering
being a sign to the angels, and an attesting witness that the godly woman is content
with her role and calling in Yahweh’s creation. Yet headcovering has a further
significant purpose that is marvelous to understand.

In this passage from the book of I Corinthians, we have read the statement that man
“is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.” Let us answer
two questions and we will see another profound reason for women to have their
heads covered. The questions are: “Should God’s glory be covered?”, and “ Should
man’s glory be covered?”

The scriptures make it plain that it is Yahweh’s will for His glory to fill the whole
earth, the heavens, and all creation.

Numbers 14:21
As I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of Yahweh.

Psalms 57:5
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

We also know from the scriptures that it is shameful for man to expose his own glory.

I Corinthians 1:27-29
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the
wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the
things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which
are despised, God has chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring
to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.

As we consider this we can see that it would be dishonoring to God for a man to cover
his head when he is praying or prophesying. Man is the glory of God and God’s glory