From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.

In our culture today we have many types of jewelry.  There are earrings, necklaces, rings, etc.  A common term used today to describe it all is the word “bling.”

In addition to adorning one’s ears, neck, fingers, toes, etc, there is now a way to display “bling” on your teeth, called a “grill.”  You may have spotted Olympic gold medalist, Ryan Lochte sporting his latest grill at the Olympic games in London.

A grill is basically a retainer filled with diamonds, which Lochte has displayed at other competitions after winning.  But for this year’s Olympics, he had a special American flag grill designed.  And while he was not allowed to wear it during the award ceremony, he promptly displayed his patriotic “bling” following the ceremony.

“Bling” has been around for a long, long time.  Pharaoh put his signet ring on Joseph’s hand to indicate authority.  He also put a chain of gold around Joseph’s neck indicating honor.

In Bible times, a husband would give his wife a gold chain that indicated that he honored her.   On very special occasions a wife would wear her “ten pieces of silver.”  http://confidenceandjoy.com/ten-pieces-of-silver/   In the book, Song of Solomon, “rows of jewels” are symbolic of love.

For centuries, shiny sparkling items have been used to demonstrate and indicate love, honor and authority.  As I type this post I see the gold band on the finger of my left hand, and I know what it means to me.

Long before “piercing” became popular, I was in a conversation with a young girl who had a silver ring in her nose.  I must admit it was hard to carry on a conversation with her without gazing at her nose.  But, I did share some of God’s Word with her and she became a Christian.

Did she get rid of her nose ring when she accepted Christ?  Does it matter?  So, while you may see some “bling” people wear that you don’t like, or don’t agree with, try not to be judgmental.  There is a reason they are wearing it, if only to get attention.

Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

Song of Solomon 1:10
Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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