Topical Bible: Gold was Used for Earrings

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Topical Encyclopedia

Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and rarity, has been used throughout history for various purposes, including the crafting of jewelry. In the biblical context, gold earrings are mentioned several times, reflecting both cultural practices and spiritual symbolism.

Cultural Significance

In ancient times, earrings were not merely decorative but often held cultural and social significance. They could indicate wealth, status, or even tribal affiliation. The use of gold for such adornments underscores the value placed on these items. Gold's durability and luster made it an ideal material for crafting jewelry that was both beautiful and lasting.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several instances where gold earrings are mentioned, highlighting their common use among the people of the time. In Genesis 24:22, when Abraham's servant finds Rebekah as a suitable wife for Isaac, he gives her a gold nose ring and bracelets, indicating the use of gold in personal adornment. Although this specific verse mentions a nose ring, it reflects the broader practice of using gold for jewelry, including earrings.

In Exodus 32:2-3, Aaron instructs the Israelites to take off their gold earrings to create the golden calf: "So Aaron told them, 'Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.' Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron." This passage illustrates the prevalence of gold earrings among the Israelites and their willingness to part with them for the creation of an idol, highlighting a moment of spiritual failure.

Judges 8:24-26 recounts Gideon's request for the gold earrings from the spoils of the Midianites: "Gideon added, 'I would like to make a request of you, that each of you give me an earring from his plunder.' (For the enemies had gold earrings because they were Ishmaelites.)" The collection of these earrings resulted in a significant amount of gold, further emphasizing their commonality and value.

Spiritual Symbolism

Gold earrings, like other forms of gold jewelry, can symbolize wealth and prosperity. However, their use in the creation of the golden calf also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for material wealth to lead to idolatry and spiritual downfall. The willingness of the Israelites to contribute their gold earrings for idol-making reflects a momentary lapse in faith and obedience to God.

In contrast, the gifting of gold jewelry, as seen in the account of Rebekah, can symbolize honor, commitment, and the establishment of important relationships. The use of gold in these contexts underscores its dual role as both a symbol of divine blessing and a potential snare when misused.

Conclusion

The use of gold for earrings in the Bible reflects both the cultural practices of the time and deeper spiritual lessons. While gold earrings were a sign of wealth and beauty, their misuse serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing spiritual devotion over material possessions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 8:24,26
And Gideon said to them, I would desire a request of you, that you would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Prolegomena.
... in all her customary elaborate costume, with earrings, necklaces, and the rest of
her ornaments of gold, her silk ... To Peter he used to pay a weekly visit ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/prolegomena.htm

Guests at an Imperial Banquet
... from the Gospels, their necklaces, their earrings, their hands ... seats; and because,
by walking on gold dust, you ... sausage-seller Bargus, whom he had used as his ...
/.../chapter xix guests at an.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... with gold, the same that he had used on his bed ... were found one hundred and fifty
objects,"gold rings with engraved stones, earrings, brooches, necklaces ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... of any cedar woodwork inlaid with gold, or panels of ... The decoration of the larger
chambers used for public ... rings; they wore necklaces and earrings, and carried ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... inscriptions from the praetorian camp which were used to close the ... discovered, I
remember a pair of silver earrings, a necklace of gold and emeralds ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Treatise ii. On the Dress of virgins.
... they that use this world, as though they used it not ... the daughters of Sion, corrupted
with gold, and silver ... and their armlets and rings, and earrings, and silks ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ii on the dress.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... weight of gold, known as the "gold of bravery ... the name of the Uauaiu was, indeed,
used as a ... to load themselves with rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ...
... retains the name of the "Nix mangiare stairs," from the crowd who used there to ... as
is the custom of that climate, and each with a pair of gold earrings in its ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay vi the way of.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... the miners who were going to the gold-mines of ... court of each god; they are used to
distinguish ... variety of necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and sceptres ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
... is used, as if to show that the generous gifts of the ... I put a jewel on thy forehead,
and earrings in thine ... Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the spiced wine of my.htm