052. "Thy Signet, and Thy Bracelets, and Thy Staff"

"Thy Signet, and Thy Bracelets, and Thy Staff"

(Genesis 38:18) The articles most appropriate to a patriarch were, "a staff, a signet-ring, and bracelets." Thus when Judah asked Tamar what pledge she desired from him, she replied, "Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand." The ring was engraved with the name of the owner or with some emblem.

Both sexes wore rings, both for ornament and use. The one for use had seals or signets, and are much used today where the custom of sealing every document still prevails. A document without a seal would not be legal. A merchant’s letters and bills must be sealed. The modern Egyptians wear the seal-ring on the little finger of the right hand. The ring is usually silver, with a carnelian or other stone, upon which is engraved the owner’s name.

"Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand." "The king took his ring and gave it to Mordecai." Job 38:14, "It is turned as clay to the seal." In Egypt the granary doors were kept sealed, but not with wax. The inspectors put the seal of their rings upon a handful of clay and covered the lock. The ring is still an emblem of authority in Egypt, Turkey, Persia, and other parts of the East. When Pharaoh placed his ring upon Joseph’s hand, it meant delegated power, and Pharaoh could have conferred no greater honor.