Ring: Worn As a Badge of office
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In biblical times, rings were not merely ornamental but often served as significant symbols of authority and office. The use of rings as badges of office is well-documented in Scripture, where they are depicted as instruments of power, trust, and identity.

One of the most notable instances of a ring being used as a badge of office is found in the account of Joseph. After interpreting Pharaoh's dreams, Joseph is elevated to a position of high authority in Egypt. Pharaoh bestows upon him a signet ring, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the trust placed in Joseph to act on behalf of the king. Genesis 41:42 states, "Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck."

The signet ring, in this context, was more than a piece of jewelry; it was a tool for sealing documents and decrees, effectively granting Joseph the power to govern and make decisions in Pharaoh's name. This act of giving a ring signified the conferral of authority and the establishment of Joseph's new role as second-in-command over Egypt.

Similarly, in the book of Esther, the signet ring plays a crucial role in the narrative of Mordecai and Haman. After Haman's plot against the Jews is exposed, King Ahasuerus gives his signet ring to Mordecai, thereby transferring the authority that Haman once held. Esther 8:2 records, "The king removed his signet ring, which he had recovered from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over the estate of Haman."

In this instance, the ring signifies the king's trust and the official empowerment of Mordecai to act in the king's stead. The transfer of the ring marks a pivotal shift in authority and the reversal of fortunes for the Jewish people.

The use of rings as symbols of authority is not limited to these narratives. In the New Testament, the parable of the prodigal son also features a ring as a symbol of restored position and honor. When the prodigal son returns home, his father orders that a ring be placed on his finger, signifying his reinstatement as a son with full rights and privileges. Luke 15:22 states, "But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'"

In these biblical accounts, rings serve as tangible representations of authority, trust, and restored relationships. They are not merely decorative but carry profound implications for the roles and responsibilities of those who wear them. The giving and receiving of a ring as a badge of office underscore the importance of authority and the responsibilities that accompany such positions in biblical narratives.
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Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in clothing of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
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Library

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... Letters form our distinction here, and are our badge, as if ... Gyges [4424] of the turning
of his ring, if this ... from the number of his years, and worn away almost ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... inscription, composed by himself, commemorative of his work and office. The doggerel
was sometimes absurd enough:". Samuel Knight made this ring In Binstead ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Concerning Persecution
... conscience and a good name is like a gold ring set with a ... The saints have worn their
sufferings as ornaments. ... Persecution, as it is a badge of our Order, so an ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... But, as was hinted before, he used to be the ring-leading sinner, or the master
of ... I told you, he counted above all this kind of sinning to be a badge of his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Resources
Should married Christians wear wedding rings? | GotQuestions.org

What is the curse of Jeconiah? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Zerubbabel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Ring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Ring

Ring of Gold

Ring: Given As a Token

Ring: Offerings of, to the Tabernacle

Ring: Worn As a Badge of office

Ring: Worn in the Nose

Related Terms

Ring-streaked (5 Occurrences)

Ring-straked (5 Occurrences)

Ear-ring (6 Occurrences)

Seal-ring (3 Occurrences)

Nose-ring (4 Occurrences)

Ring-leader (1 Occurrence)

Nose-jewels (1 Occurrence)

Nosejewels

Necklace (9 Occurrences)

Ringstreaked (5 Occurrences)

Bracelet (5 Occurrences)

Stamped (27 Occurrences)

Sealed (31 Occurrences)

Earring (7 Occurrences)

Keeper (72 Occurrences)

Ornaments (50 Occurrences)

Jewel (12 Occurrences)

Wrists (5 Occurrences)

Forehead (23 Occurrences)

Ringed (2 Occurrences)

Edict (22 Occurrences)

Bracelets (10 Occurrences)

Collar (6 Occurrences)

Signet (21 Occurrences)

Signed (8 Occurrences)

Nose (23 Occurrences)

Earrings (14 Occurrences)

Seal (47 Occurrences)

Liketh (3 Occurrences)

Grisled (4 Occurrences)

Fitted (13 Occurrences)

Forming (27 Occurrences)

Toll (8 Occurrences)

Traveler (5 Occurrences)

Ringleader (1 Occurrence)

Rams (81 Occurrences)

Reversed (2 Occurrences)

Revoked (5 Occurrences)

Reverse (12 Occurrences)

Ringstraked (5 Occurrences)

Document (9 Occurrences)

Pleaseth (13 Occurrences)

Pare (1 Occurrence)

Beads (3 Occurrences)

Bead (2 Occurrences)

Coupled (9 Occurrences)

Carts (13 Occurrences)

Circle (32 Occurrences)

Angles (20 Occurrences)

Stamping (11 Occurrences)

Beneath (73 Occurrences)

Camels (52 Occurrences)

Cattle (277 Occurrences)

Stick (47 Occurrences)

Xerxes (24 Occurrences)

Corners (56 Occurrences)

Bottom (33 Occurrences)

Putteth (182 Occurrences)

Finger (35 Occurrences)

Money (284 Occurrences)

Ahasu-e'rus (30 Occurrences)

Dressed (77 Occurrences)

Ahasuerus (28 Occurrences)

Entire (119 Occurrences)

Hire (48 Occurrences)

Pleases (51 Occurrences)

Hook (10 Occurrences)

Double (49 Occurrences)

Best (252 Occurrences)

Seals (10 Occurrences)

Goods (231 Occurrences)

Decree (82 Occurrences)

Fine (184 Occurrences)

Fit (47 Occurrences)

Single (65 Occurrences)

Joined (146 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)

Base (127 Occurrences)

Games (2 Occurrences)

Ring: Offerings of, to the Tabernacle
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