Jewelry In The Bible:

What You Always Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask

Ángel Manuel Rodríguez

Biblical Research Institute

General Conference

Silver Spring, MD

Published by

Ministerial Association

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

12501 Old Columbia Pike

Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6600

Copyright © 1999

Pacific Press Publishing Association

1350 North Kings Road

Nampa, Idaho 83687

The author assumes responsibility for the accuracy of all facts and quotations cited in this book.

ISBN 1-57847-054-4

To the Reader

Controversy continues to grow around whether jewelry can or should have a place in the committed Christian life. This small book is designed to help the reader cut a path through the maze of questions, opinions, and even passions to arrive at genuinely biblical answers. It responds to requests made to the Biblical Research Institute from church leaders, pastors, and interested lay people for a review of the subject. Dr Angel Manuel Rodríguez, associate director of the Institute, was requested to do a serious study of how the Bible deals with jewelry and how the Seventh-day Adventist understanding compares.

The chapters you find here were reviewed by the Biblical Research Institute Committee, a group of more than 30 Bible scholars and teachers. In the process of sometimes spirited discussions, but always marked by Christian dignity, numerous suggestions emerged that have strengthened the final product.

Because of its special value for pastors, elders, and interested lay people, the Ministerial Association of the General Conference joins with the Biblical Research Institute in producing and making available copies of this book. Dr Rodríguez has shared major sections of his findings with pastors in several ministerial councils, where the insights received vigorous positive reception. We believe this book will make a lasting contribution to Christian growth in believers who want the Bible to speak to them despite the confusion of contemporary values drawn from every direction. We are grateful to Dr Rodríguez for his many days spent probing the Scriptures and writing, as well as to the members of the Biblical Research Committee and other reviewers whose helpful suggestions add to the value of the book.

Contents

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Purpose and Definition

B. Organization of the Discussion

C. Foundation of Christian Standards

II. RECENT TRENDS ON THE ADVENTIST STANDARD ON JEWELRY

A. Position of the Church on Personal Adornment

B. Wedding Ring Controversy

C. Controversy over the Standard on Jewelry

D. Conclusion

III. JEWELRY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT: A DESCRIPTION OF ITS FUNCTIONS

A. Introduction

B. Uses of Jewelry in the Old Testament

1. Used as Adornment

2. Used as Currency

3. Evidence of Wealth

4. Symbol of Social Status

5. Symbol of Power/Authority

6. Religious Function

7. Magical/Apotropaic Function

8. Used as Offerings...