Topical Bible: Rings were Worn: On the Hands

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, rings were significant adornments that carried various meanings and functions. They were often worn on the hands, symbolizing authority, wealth, and personal identity. The use of rings is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting their cultural and spiritual importance.

Symbol of Authority and Power

Rings were frequently used as symbols of authority and power. In Genesis 41:42, Pharaoh gives Joseph his signet ring as a token of his new position: "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 signified Joseph's elevation to a position of high authority in Egypt, with the ring serving as a tangible representation of his power to act on behalf of Pharaoh.

Similarly, in the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus uses his signet ring to authorize decrees. Esther 8:8 states, "Now you may write in the king’s name whatever pleases you concerning the Jews, and seal it with the king’s signet ring. For a decree written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s signet ring cannot be revoked." The ring here is a crucial instrument of governance, underscoring the irrevocable nature of the king's commands.

Wealth and Status

Rings also denoted wealth and social status. In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus describes the father placing a ring on his returning son's hand as a sign of restored status and acceptance. Luke 15:22 records, "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.'" The ring in this context is a symbol of honor and familial reinstatement, reflecting the father's forgiveness and the son's restored position within the household.

Personal Identity and Commitment

In addition to authority and wealth, rings could signify personal identity and commitment. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved speaks of love and commitment using the imagery of a seal, which can be understood as a ring: "Set me as a seal over your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave" (Song of Solomon 8:6). This metaphorical use of a seal or ring emphasizes the enduring and binding nature of love and commitment.

Cultural and Historical Context

The wearing of rings in biblical times was influenced by the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Rings were often crafted from precious metals and stones, reflecting the wealth and craftsmanship of the period. They served not only as personal adornments but also as practical tools, such as signet rings used for sealing documents.

In summary, rings worn on the hands in biblical narratives are rich in symbolism, representing authority, wealth, identity, and commitment. They are woven into the fabric of biblical accounts, illustrating the multifaceted roles they played in the lives of individuals and communities.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... in the room while he was in the hands of the ... rings, ankle-rings, nose-rings,
ear-rings, gorgeous head ... Two kinds of necklaces were worn"one close-fitting, the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The City of Gold
... Rows of rings were worn on each finger. ... Immense fortunes, which had gathered in the
hands of certain people, either through inheritance or swindling, enabled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the city of gold.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... strips hung over his breast, like the bands worn by our ... I saw many rings being held
against the monstrance ... each side of the ring, as if Joseph were placing the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

All the Bells were Ringing the Angelus. ...
... of the sun encompassed him with fiery rings, as though ... the martyrs of old,"the worn
figures of ... of the Evangelists surrounding him,"they were the followers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/i all the bells were.htm

Synodical Letter from the Council at Constantinople.
... The sound of them still rings in the ears alike ... Others, worn away with various cruelties,
still bear in ... likely to leave the churches who were just recovering ...
/.../chapter ix synodical letter from the.htm

Council of Constantinople.
... The sound of them still rings in the ears alike ... Others, worn away with various cruelties,
still bear in ... likely to leave the churches who were just recovering ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/council of constantinople.htm

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ...
... The godfather then changes the rings, giving the gold ... The garments worn by the apostles
and their companions ... vestments in the early centuries were purely what ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iii.htm

Homeward Bound
... He had worn it for functions, and would bear it in death, and have nothing ... Passing
by the shower of gold rings, necklaces, and bezants which were given at ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... band of gold round his brow, and rings of gold ... Elisha stood before him in worn cloak
and sandals, his ... The camels were there, laden with presents in their saddle ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

The Promised Land
... The collar of golden rings became popular in Israel, and, after ... For centuries it
was worn and no one knows when ... His sons were artists after him, but they were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvii the promised land.htm