061. Rings

Rings

(Isaiah 3:21) When Pharaoh committed the government of Egypt to Joseph, he took his ring from his finger and gave it to Joseph. (Genesis 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 (Numbers 31:50). St. James (James 2:2) distinguishes a man of wealth and dignity by the ring of gold on his finger (Luke 15:22). The ring was used chiefly to seal with; and the Scripture generally assigns it to princes and great persons - as the king of Egypt, Joseph, Ahaz, Jezebel, and others. The patents and orders of these princes were sealed with their rings or signets, an impression from which was their confirmation. The ring was one mark of sovereign authority. Pharaoh gave his ring to Joseph, as a token of authority."