RINGS

- Antiquity of Ge 24:22; 38:18 - Made of gold and set with precious stones Nu 31:50,51; So 5:14 - WERE WORN . On the hands Ge 41:42 . On the arms 2Sa 1:10 . In the ears Job 42:11; Ho 2:13; Eze 16:12 . In the nose Isa 3:21 - Rich men distinguished by Jas 2:2 - Women of rank adorned with Isa 3:16,21 - OF KINGS . Used for sealing decrees Es 3:12; 8:8,10 . Given to favourites as a mark of honour Ge 41:42; Es 3:10; 8:2 - Numbers of, taken from Midianites Nu 31:50 - ILLUSTRATIVE . Of the glory of Christ So 5:14 . (Put on the hands,) of favour Lu 15:22

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Ornaments for the ears, nose, legs, arms, or fingers. The antiquity of rings appears from Scripture and from profane authors. Judah left his ring with Tamar, Ge 1:1-50:26 38:18. When Pharaoh committed the government of Egypt to Joseph, he gave him his ring from his finger, Ge 41:42. After the victory of the Israelites over the Midianites, they offered to the Lord the rings, the bracelets, and the golden necklaces taken from the enemy. Nu 31:50. The Israelitish women wore rings, not only on their fingers, but also in their nostrils and their ears, and on their ankles. See BRACELETS. James distinguishes a man of wealth and dignity by the ring of gold on his finger, Jas 2:2. At the return of the prodigal son, his father ordered a handsome apparel for his dress, and that a ring should be put on his finger, Lu 15:22. The ring was used chiefly as a signet to seal with, and Scripture generally assigns it to princes and great persons; as the king of Egypt, Joseph, Ahaz, Jezebel, king Ahasuerus, his favorite Haman, Mordecai, king Darius, etc., 1Ki 21:8 Es 3:10 Jer 22:24 Da 6:17. The patents and orders of these princes were sealed with their rings or signets, an impression from which was their confirmation. See SEAL, SEALING.