Topical Bible: Rings: Antiquity of

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Rings have been a significant part of human adornment and symbolism since ancient times, serving various purposes from personal decoration to signifying authority and covenantal relationships. In the biblical context, rings are mentioned in several instances, reflecting their importance in the cultural and religious practices of the time.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The earliest mention of rings in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph. In Genesis 41:42 , Pharaoh gives Joseph his signet ring as a symbol of authority: "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." This act signifies the transfer of power and trust, as the signet ring was used to seal documents and decrees, representing the king's authority.

Rings also appear in the context of marriage and covenant. In Genesis 24:22 , when Abraham's servant finds Rebekah as a wife for Isaac, he gives her a gold ring: "And after the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold." This gesture symbolizes the establishment of a covenantal relationship, marking the betrothal.

In the Book of Esther, rings again play a crucial role. King Ahasuerus gives his signet ring to Haman, and later to Mordecai, to issue decrees in the king's name (Esther 3:10, 8:2). The transfer of the ring signifies the delegation of royal authority and the power to enact laws.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rings were not only decorative but also functional. They were often used as seals, engraved with unique designs or inscriptions that identified the owner. The use of signet rings for sealing documents was a common practice, ensuring authenticity and security.

Rings were typically made from various materials, including gold, silver, and bronze, and could be adorned with precious stones. The craftsmanship and material of a ring often indicated the wearer's social status and wealth.

Spiritual and Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, rings in the Bible can symbolize God's covenant with His people. The use of rings in betrothal and marriage reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, and later, between Christ and the Church. The imagery of a ring as a sign of commitment and fidelity is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are described as the bride of Christ.

Furthermore, the authority conferred through the giving of a signet ring can be seen as a reflection of divine authority and the responsibility entrusted to God's chosen leaders. The biblical narrative often uses the imagery of rings to illustrate themes of trust, fidelity, and the transfer of power.

In summary, rings in the Bible are rich in symbolism and cultural significance, representing authority, covenant, and identity. Their presence in biblical narratives underscores their importance in ancient societies and their enduring spiritual implications.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:22
And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 38:18
And he said, What pledge shall I give you? And she said, Your signet, and your bracelets, and your staff that is in your hand. And he gave it her, and came in to her, and she conceived by him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... the poets of the epic cycle are placed amongst those of most remote antiquity. ... And
Execestus, the tyrant of the Phocians, wore two enchanted rings, and by the ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

Gold and Silver not Superior in Origin or in Utility to Other ...
... For not only are rings made of iron, but the memory of antiquity still preserves
(the fame of) certain vessels for eating and drinking made out of brass. ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter v gold and silver not.htm

Examples from Nature Proving that Bodies May Remain Unconsumed and ...
... mountains of Sicily have been continually on fire from the remotest antiquity until
now ... so that there hung from the stone a kind of chain of rings, with their ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 examples from nature proving.htm

Elucidations.
... [4270] This most touching prayer bears marks of great antiquity, the reference to ...
The bell rings: they adore the host, but that is all their relation to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/elucidations.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... in a volume, as the leaves of a book, with three rings running through ... The whole
book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction, and much skill in ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

The Analogy Between the Two Advents of Christ.
... of old heathen faiths and the passing away of the prejudices of antiquity disposed
men ... became the custom for women to count them by the number of rings worn on ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/10 the analogy between the.htm

The Epistle to the Philippians
... The tone of joyous gratitude rings through the entire Epistle. ... And this testimony
of antiquity is clearly borne out by the evidence furnished by the Epistle ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the philippians.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... composed of thirty-six pearls and eighteen emeralds, two clasps, two rings on the ...
present day, there was a temple of great veneration and antiquity, and that ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

Job's Sure Knowledge
... piece of Hebrew, partly, I suppose, owing to its great antiquity, being found ... of
glory, whose fingers are adorned with stars of light like rings of priceless ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 50 1904/jobs sure knowledge.htm

Absolution.
... sin. There was not a people in antiquity who had not dispensers of Divine favour. ...
loudest. Every book, every journal, rings with warnings. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/v absolution.htm