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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comFausset Bible Dictionary: Ring
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tabaath, "to impress with a seal." (See EARRING.) Used as "a signet" (, chothem), worn on the hand, or suspended, as the Arabs do, by a cord from the neck. Pharaoh's transfer of his ring from his finger to Joseph betokened his investing him with royal authority (; a device, as the beetle or the owner's name, was engraven on it, ). So Ahasuerus in the case of Haman (-10), and Mordecai (). In it is the father's token of favor, dignity, and sonship to the prodigal; Roman slaves wore no gold rings. We are no longer slaves, but God's free sons when we believe, and receive the Holy Spirit as the pledge of sonship and earnest of sharing the Father's glory (-7). Rich men (especially Romans of the equestrian order, whose badge the ring was) wore many rings on the left hand (). Greek "golden-ringed," not merely with one ring.
Christians derived the usage of the wedding ring from the Jews. The ring was treasured much, and so symbolizes what is most precious to us (, Jehoiachin's popularity is alluded to); the signet ring was worn on the right hand (contrast ). A costly sacrifice to the Lord (). , "his hands" bent are compared to "rings" in which "beryls" are set, as the nails in the fingers; compare as to our names being "sealed" upon His heart, , and palms, . The bride desires herself to be a signet ring on His arm. God in turn seals us with His signet (-4), "I will make thee as a signet" (), i.e. an object of constant regard, as the ring is ever before the eye. Christ the Antitype is always in the Father's presence, ever pleasing in His sight; so we, through Him our representative. The signet represents legally the owner; so Christ wields the Father's delegated authority (; -23).