Topical Bible: Ear-Ring: Worn for Idolatrous Purposes

◄ Ear-Ring: Worn for Idolatrous Purposes ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, ear-rings were not merely ornamental but often held significant cultural and religious connotations. Within the context of Scripture, ear-rings are sometimes associated with idolatrous practices, serving as symbols or instruments in the worship of false gods.

One of the most notable instances of ear-rings being used for idolatrous purposes is found in the account of the golden calf in Exodus 32. After the Israelites grew impatient waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai, they demanded that Aaron make them gods to lead them. Aaron instructed them to "take off the gold earrings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me" (Exodus 32:2). The collected ear-rings were then melted down and fashioned into a golden calf, which the people worshiped, thus committing a grave act of idolatry against the LORD.

The use of ear-rings in this context highlights their role as a medium through which the Israelites transferred their wealth and devotion from the true God to a man-made idol. This incident underscores the potential for jewelry, such as ear-rings, to become entangled in practices that lead the heart away from God.

In Genesis 35:2-4, Jacob instructs his household to "get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments" (Genesis 35:2). As part of this purification process, they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had, as well as the ear-rings in their ears. Jacob then buried them under the oak near Shechem. This act of burying the ear-rings along with the idols suggests that these items were associated with pagan worship and needed to be discarded to renew their covenant with God.

The prophet Hosea also alludes to the use of jewelry in idolatrous practices. In Hosea 2:13, God declares judgment on Israel for her unfaithfulness, stating, "I will punish her for the days of the Baals to which she burned incense. She decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but Me she forgot," (Hosea 2:13). Here, the adornment with rings and jewelry is linked to Israel's spiritual adultery and pursuit of other gods, illustrating how such items can symbolize infidelity to the covenant with the LORD.

Throughout Scripture, the use of ear-rings in idolatrous contexts serves as a cautionary reminder of the ease with which material possessions can become objects of worship or facilitate the worship of false deities. The biblical narrative consistently calls God's people to discernment and fidelity, urging them to remove anything that might lead their hearts away from exclusive devotion to Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 35:4
And they gave to Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
Nave's Topical Index