* took.
30 Ex 32:2,3 Es 5:1 Jer 2:32 1Ti 2:9,10 1Pe 3:3,8
* earring. or, jewel for the forehead.
Ex 32:2,3 Isa 3:19-23 Eze 16:11,12
From the word being in the singular number, it is not likely
to have been an ear-ring, or a "jewel for the forehead," but
"a jewel for the nose, a nose-ring," which is in use
throughout Arabia and Persia, particularly among young women.
It is very properly translated [epirrinon,] "an ornament for
the nose," by Symmachus; and Sir John Chardin informs us, that
"it is a custom in almost all the East, for the women to wear
rings in their noses, in the left nostril, which is bored low
down in the middle. These rings are of gold, and have
commonly two pearls and one ruby between, placed in the ring.
I never saw a girl or young woman in Arabia or in all Persia,
who did not wear a ring after this manner in her nostril."
* of half.
23:15,16
* bracelets.
The word rendered "bracelet," from a root which signifies "to
join or couple together," may imply whatever may clasp round
the arms and legs; for rings and ornaments are worn round both
by females in India and Persia. The small part of the leg,
and the whole arm, from the shoulder to the wrist, are
generally decorated in this way. As these were given to
Rebekah for "her hands," it sufficiently distinguishes them
from similar ornaments for the ankles.
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