BIBLE AND JEWELLERY

BIBLE  AND  JEWELLERY

Jan.T.Knopper

The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with biblical information regarding the wearing of jewellery. Distinction will be made between prescription, what should or what should not be done and description of what people did in Bible times. .
We believe both were recorded under divine inspiration. 2Tim.3:16,17; 1Cor.10:11 (KJV), (if other translation used it will be indicated)   We are only presenting the Biblical facts, but that does not determine whether what was done was right or wrong. Each will need to make up his/her own mind as to whether what was done is in harmony with the principles prescribed.
“The history of the children of Israel shows the sure result of turning from Bible principles to the customs and practices of men” (RH May 2, 1899)

We will start our study from before the fall in Eden, then after the fall through the time of the Patriarchs, Israel in the desert, their Exodus from Egypt and their living in Canaan.
We will examine the NT re this matter and close with the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. We will use E.G.White comments where needed for more clarification.

BEFORE THE FALL IN EDEN.
We do not have much information re how Adam/Eve were dressed in Eden. They were created, Gen.1:27, but no information how their bodies were dressed. When they ate from the forbidden tree their eyes were opened and they discovered that they were naked, Gen.3:7, 10 something had left them.
Psalm 104:2 tells us that the Lord covers Himself with light as with a garment We learn from Gen.1:27 that man was created in the image of God. We may conclude that man also was covered in raiment of light, which left them upon eating from the forbidden tree. We have the following information from E.G.White;
“The garment of innocence, a covering from God which surrounded them, departed”
RH Nov.15, 1898. (PP 57; RH March 17, 1904)
Nowhere we read that they were wearing ornamental items to beautify themselves.

B. AFTER THE FALL AND BEFORE THE FLOOD
In the chapters of Genesis after the fall in Eden till the time of the flood we do not read anything regarding the wearing of jewellery. We do read in Gen.6:2 that a mingling took place of God’s children and those not belonging to God’s family. Ultimately this led to the flood in the time of Noah. The mingling of heavenly things with the earthly never succeeds. The divine is different from the human.

C. AFTER THE FLOOD the time of the Patriarchs.
Did Sarah, wife of Abraham adorn herself with outward items?  From 1Pet.3:5, 6 it may appear she did not. Peter writes that holy women did concentrate more on the inward character than on the outward appearance by way of wearing jewellery. We will come back to Peter’s statement later.
In Genesis 24 we start to read about jewellery being used as gifts. The servant of Abraham,   sent to look for a wife for Isaac, uses these gifts. The servant had made preparation for this journey on his own account. He was in charge of his master’s goods. Gen.24:10 He must have known about the customs of the land, Mesopotamia, and was ready with gifts for the girl of his choice, which was Rebecca. When Laban saw these gifts, being a greedy man, as we learn later, he became interested as well. In this instant we have a historical description of what took place at that time. Not a divine prescription of what the Lord had in mind should be applied here.

In Jacob’s life we discover a different story re jewellery. Upon returning from 20+ years in Mesopotamia with Laban, he had an encounter with the Lord and got a name change, from Jacob to Israel. In Gen, 35:1 he is instructed to go to Beth-el where he had met the Lord before, after running away from home. He is told to make an altar for the Lord.
In return he tells his household that he is going to make an altar unto God, ib 35:.3 and that they should put away their strange gods.
Where did the strange gods/idols come from? Remember his household comes from a mixed society, where idolatry and serving the Yahweh Creator God was mixed.  When Jacob left Laban, Laban discovered that one of his house gods was missing. Gen.31:30
Rachel had them, but Laban never found out, ib.31:34, 35 Jacob did not know, ib.31:32.
Apparently Rachel had not completely adjusted to Jacob’s religious lifestyle. In Jacob’s household existed also a mixed religion.

Now Jacob is instructed to go to Beth-el, to make an altar for the Creator Living God. He knows the seriousness of such a matter of coming before the Lord in an act of worship.
He gives clear instruction to his household what to do, Gen.35:2 put away the strange gods, be clean and change your garments. In Gen.35:.4 we read how this was followed up by his household. They gave it all to Jacob and also the earrings which were in their ears. Jacob buried it all under the oak by Shechem ib., 35:4b Jacob knew that these things were not appropriate for the worship of God. We read in PP205 that Jacob “determined that before going to this sacred spot his household should be freed from the defilement of idolatry” And in 3SG 137 we read Jacob was humbled and required his family to humble themselves and to lay off all ornaments for he was to make atonement for their sins….”

This historical incident can be seen as a divine prescription how the Lord wants us to meet Him in our Beth-els of this day. We deal with an unchangeable God, James.1:17

Joseph’s story is a part of the patriarchal time. Here we also have an incident relating to the wearing of so called jewellery, but in a different form. After Joseph has been elevated to the second person in authority in Egypt he receives Pharaoh’s ring and a chain around his neck. Gen.41:42 The ring is to be seen as an item for sealing documents and the chain a sign of authority. Today town mayors are wearing the official mayoral chain. This story must not be used as an excuse for doing same today. This is a description not a prescription.

D. ISRAEL AND JEWELLERY
Israel was 400+ years in slavery in Egypt. During that time they lost much about how to worship the living Creator God. It is not difficult to accept the fact that they had become contaminated by the Egyptian customs and lifestyle.
Israel had never been paid for their labour in Egypt. For that reason Moses told them take from the people jewellery and clothes, Ex.3:22 and they did according to Ex.12:35 we read in PP 281 “Before leaving Egypt, the people by the direction of Moses, claimed a recompense for their unpaid labour….” These valuables not to be used for personal wearing but to be used as needed later in the building of the Tabernacle.

But also a mixed multitude went up with Israel, Ex.12:38 these people were not fully dedicated to the Yahweh God. They went up with Israel for alternative reasons.
“And a mixed multitude went up also with them. In this multitude were not only those who were actuated by faith in the  God of Israel, but also a far greater number who desired only to escape from the plagues, or who followed in the wake of the moving multitudes, merely from excitement and curiosity.” (PP 281)

This mixed multitude caused quite some trouble. Numb.11:4 In fact so much that nobody leaving Egypt ever entered the Promised Land, except Joshua and Caleb. What they took from the Egyptians was assumed to assist them in obtaining goods they would need along the way to the Promised Land. We like to make one point clear. According to the KJV of Ex.3:22 it sounds as if Moses told them to adorn their children with these jewels .But that may not be the case Berkeley’s translation reads: “Each woman shall request from her neighbour and from the lodger in her home silver and gold articles, and garments with which you will dress your sons and daughters”. The NIV and New Living Translation have similar readings. In view of the Sinai experience there is reason to believe this is descriptive rather than prescriptive. Note that “garments” is the last item mentioned, and these were intended for clothing

We saw in Jacob’s story, Gen.35, when he was asked to go up to Beth-el that body
ornamentation and coming before the Lord does not fit together. A similar situation took place with Israel in the desert, which suggests that God did not endorse the wearing of jewellery. The story commences re the making of a covenant between God and Israel. Three times Israel promises to obey; Ex.19:8; 24:3, 7. This covenant is sealed with animal blood. Ex.24:8 Moses goes up on the mount to meet with God. ib.24:18
During Moses’ absence the people are getting tired from waiting for Moses’ return. They ask from Aaron to make them gods See Ex.32 Aaron complies with their request. He asked them to bring their gold and silver items which they had taken from the Egyptians upon leaving Egypt. The whole event ends in a crisis between God and His people. Moses becomes their mediator We read in Exod.34:4-6 that the people became so impressed about God’s  “anger” regarding their idolatry that they did not put on their ornaments, an act of mourning Ex.34:4 At God’s own direction Moses also instructed them to put off all their ornaments in preparation for a reconciliation with the Lord, ib.34: 5 Here we have a description of the people wearing jewellery and a divine prescription what they had to do in order to get back into harmony with the Lord.

Because of their golden calf idolatry and seeing the Lord’s anger over this case, “their was mourning throughout the encampment. In penitence and humiliation, the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb”.  (PP327) It is significant that Israel’s experience presents a type of the final judgment, at which time God seeks to prepare His people for the judgment. As then, the lives of God’s people are at stake in their preparation for the judgment
Are we not living in a time where we are called upon to live before the Lord in humility, penitence and humiliation? Micah 6:8 is oft quoted for our admonition, to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly. The question to ask is, does the wearing of jewellery en- courage humility or pride and self-righteousness – the special problem which God calls upon us to correct.  Read Rev.3:14-19

Note that this is the principle conveyed in divine instruction for the annual Day of
Atonement Lev.16:29, 31; 23:27, 32 & Numb.29:7 It was a holy day and to afflict their souls. To afflict means to put oneself into an attitude of repentance and humility. For Israel this was the annual judgment day. To clean things up and set everything right before the Lord.

If we take Rev.14:6,7 as  it reads, for the hour of judgment is come, then for sure Micah 6:8 applies to us and so does the instruction for the  annual Day of Atonement. The laying off of all ornaments, as was done in Jacob’s time and in Israel’s time in the desert could well be taken as an appropriate example for God’s people today.

But even after this impressive desert experience Israel did not remain faithful. Ahab took himself a heathen woman as wife, 1Kings 16:31. Her name: Jezebel. Under her influence Israel turned to gross apostasy. They suffered divine retribution of 3.5 years of drought.
Jezebel ended her life in a gruesome manner while she was using cosmetics, 2Ki.9:30-37
Her name is used in the book of Revelation in the letter to the church of Thyatira, Rev.2:20 this relates to the medieval church causing spiritual drought of 3.5 or 1260 years.  No doubt Jezebel was also a jewellery wearer and through her example enticing Israel to do likewise. We read in Judg.8:24-27 that Israel came to Gideon requesting that he should rule over them. He refused to do so. But he asked them to give him the earrings which they had plundered from the Ishmaelites, who did wear earrings. Gideon made an ephod/idol out of these earrings, thus leading them astray ib.8:27

E   A PROPHET ON JEWELLERY
In Isaiah’s day the wearing of jewellery was rife. In chapter 3:16-26  the prophet gives a very strong message from the Lord against wearing of jewellery in any shape or form We encourage the reader to turn to this scripture passage and read it carefully The expression “in that day” ib.3:.18 refers to Israel’s Day of Judgment, the start of their 70 years of captivity. But it could also be applied to the last and final day of judgment for the whole world.

According to Hosea in his book chapter 2:13 the wearing of jewellery was attached to
Baal worship forgetting the Lord and His worship. ‘I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewellery, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot” NIV We do well to remember that the same God speaking in those days is the One we are asked to worship today, Rev.14:6, 7 It is the Lord Who does not change, Mal.3:6 and Who does not alter what is gone out of His lips, Psalm 89:34 and by Whom also is no variableness or shadow of turning, James 1:17

F  THE NEW TESTAMENT AND JEWELLERY
Let’s first pay attention to the parable of the prodigal son. A parable is always a description never a prescription. It is recorded in Luke 15
The prodigal son receives a ring on his finger upon his return back home.
Some people take this as an example of putting ring(s) on their finger(s). Jesus was describing a well known ritual of that day to illustrate the son’s reinstatement as part of the family. Our sign having been accepted as part of God’s family will be exhibited in our Christian conduct and life style. We come back to that point later. Believing on His name, the name of Christ, gives us the right to become sons and daughters of God, John 1:12; 1 John 3:1

Now we go to two scripture readings where none wearing of jewellery is directly mentioned. These texts should be taken by the Christian as prescriptive for that time and for today.
First 1 Tim.2:9, 10 in addressing women, we may as well include men, because what women did was later done by men as well. When Paul speaks against braided hair it is clear he speaks against making a show of hair .Those interested should find out about the hairstyle in Paul’s day. Compare this with our day and the principle will become clear.
Jewellery is a different matter it clearly points to adornment of certain items, as people did in Paul’s day and still is custom today. If people like to make a point regarding ”costly” as Paul writes and the  “non-costly” stuff of today, in some cases, that’s up to that person. The principle is then grossly overlooked. We must not screen the Word of God into our favour or what we desire or wish to do.

Now we go to Peter who also has to say something on the matter before us. 1 Peter 3:1-5
Peter speaks first about the relationship between a believing woman and an unbelieving husband According to 1 Pet.3:2 the unbelieving husband should see in his wife her purity and reverence. (NIV).Then follows 3:.3 that they should not make themselves attractive by way of outward adorning. “Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel” (NKJV) Peter is using a similar statement as Paul in 1Tim.2:9, 10.

Thus in the NT we have two prescriptive statements regarding jewellery where no further comment or explanation is needed. Just accept or reject. In 1Pet.3:.4 Peter adds that adornment   should be of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight .NIV. He supports his position by referring to the past in 3:.5 For in this way in former times the holy women also who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves” NASB We will not speculate which holy women of the past Peter had in mind. It is sufficient to have this word from Peter. Also it will be wise to follow this divine prescription written by the hand of the apostle Peter and Paul.

Rest us in this study to go to the last book of the Bible, the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Here we find two women, illustrating two churches, One the faithful church Rev.12:1 and the other one the apostate church Rev.17:1-3. The relationship between Christ and His church is like the relationship of husband and wife, Eph. 5:22-25; Isa.54:5 Christ the husband and the church the woman (wife).

The true, clean church is found in Rev.12:1. She is clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and wearing a crown of twelve stars. The sun can refer to the Sun of
Righteousness Mal.4:2. The moon acting as sun’s reflector will act as the reflection of Christ’s righteousness. The twelve stars may refer to the 12 apostles and/or the twelve tribes of Israel. Both are also found in the New Jerusalem which is also called the Bride of Christ, Rev.21:2. The adornment of the church is Christ righteousness, that’s the point
we must try to grasp. We must also grasp the idea that the church is made of people. His saints, the ones sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, 1Cor.1:2; Acts 26:18; Eph.1:1; Phil.1:1

According to these scripture passages being sanctified in Christ, born again, comes first.
Biblical standards for our daily Christian life follows as the fruit of our born again experience. We become saints first, by being sanctified in Christ, and then we live as saints. No other outward adornment is mentioned. Those who belong to Christ have an example here in Rev.12:1 how they should adorn themselves.

Going to Rev.17 we find another woman. This one represents the apostate church and is called the great whore in vs.1. This means she has become unfaithful to her husband Christ with whom she had a marriage relationship in the past. She has lost her adornment of Christ’s righteousness and is now adorned with jewellery, ib.17:.6. As the woman of Rev.12 is made up of people, so is this woman. To which woman do we wish to belong?

In closing consider 1Cor.10:31 whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (NKJV). Ask yourself: is what I am doing to the glory of God or to my own honour and glory?

APPENDIX: THE WEDDING RING
We like to say something about the wedding ring, because this question will be raised. Those who are interested in learning about the origin of the wedding ring should go to their computer and click GOOGLE. The wedding ring is not of Biblical origin. If the wedding is treated as a piece of jewellery for outward adornment the above study may apply.  If it is a sign of loyalty to one’s spouse it should be treated as such. As far as I know the only reference to the wedding ring in E.G.White writings is found in
TM 180/181. Based upon that statement, in particularly ministers were advised not to wear the wedding ring, except in countries where the custom is imperative.
In our homeland The Netherlands it is custom. When we married we took the wedding ring. For interest sake I like to add the following.  Protestants have the ring on the left hand 4th finger during engagement and the same ring is put on the right hand 4th finger at the time of the wedding. In case of being a Roman Catholic Church member it is just the other way around. At the time of our wedding in 1953 we were not fully aware of that statement in TM 180/181.If we had known we could have applied the custom of our home land We also found out that when church officers travelled to the USA for General World Church meetings, some took their wedding off because they did not want to be an offence to our people in the USA. When we received our call to Africa in 1962 we decided not to become an offence to our fellow USA missionaries and to our people in Africa. So we took our rings sold them and put the money in the mission offering box. Arriving in Africa we found we had made the correct decision. Some national African SDA delegates for GC session later told me that they were disappointed to find that in the homeland of their missionaries, USA, they found church members wearing jewellery of which they had been told and instructed to put off and not to wear.

Today, 2006, and 44 years later matters have changed re the wedding ring. It is now I understand also common practice in the USA and the General Conference even has dropped the policy of not wearing the wedding ring. But for those who do have a problem with it, the E.G.White counsel in TM 180/181 is still there. The matter should be treated individually and nobody should judge the other person, one way or the other.

We trust that this paper has been helpful in understanding the matter of wearing or not wearing jewellery according to biblical prescription. The closer we walk with the Lord the fewer questions we will have and the easier it will be to comply with  Biblical prescriptions. God bless and let’s be found faithful. 1Cor.4:1, 2

February 14, 2006
Edited August,2010
Jan.T.Knopper