Topical Encyclopedia Ankle-chains, also known as anklets, are ornamental pieces of jewelry worn around the ankle. In biblical times, these adornments were often associated with wealth, status, and sometimes with idolatrous practices. The use of ankle-chains is mentioned in the context of ancient Israelite culture and neighboring societies, reflecting both the aesthetic and cultural values of the time.Biblical References: The most direct reference to ankle-chains in the Bible is found in Isaiah 3:16-18, where the prophet Isaiah speaks against the pride and vanity of the daughters of Zion: "The LORD also says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling their ankle bracelets, the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.'" In this passage, ankle-chains are part of a broader critique of the ostentatious display of wealth and beauty, which is seen as a reflection of spiritual and moral decay. The jingling of the ankle bracelets is symbolic of the frivolity and arrogance that had taken hold of the people, leading to divine judgment. Cultural Context: Ankle-chains were common in the ancient Near East and were often made of precious metals such as gold or silver. They could be simple in design or elaborately decorated with jewels and intricate patterns. In some cultures, ankle-chains were believed to have protective or magical properties, warding off evil spirits or bringing good fortune. In the context of Israelite society, the wearing of ankle-chains by women could signify wealth and social status. However, as seen in Isaiah, such adornments could also be criticized when they became symbols of pride and moral corruption. Symbolism and Interpretation: From a theological perspective, the mention of ankle-chains in the Bible serves as a reminder of the dangers of vanity and the pursuit of external beauty at the expense of inner spiritual values. The prophets often used physical symbols to convey deeper spiritual truths, and the ankle-chains in Isaiah's prophecy are a vivid illustration of how materialism and pride can lead to spiritual downfall. The conservative Christian interpretation of these passages emphasizes the importance of humility and modesty, both in appearance and in heart. The focus is on cultivating a spirit that honors God rather than seeking the approval and admiration of others through outward adornment. Conclusion: While ankle-chains themselves are not inherently negative, their use in the biblical narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the potential for material possessions and external beauty to distract from a life devoted to God. The biblical message encourages believers to prioritize spiritual virtues over physical adornments, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANKLET; ANKLE-CHAINan'-klet, an'-k'-l-chan: "Anklets" is rightly found in Isaiah 3:18 the Revised Version (British and American), and "ankle-chains" in Numbers 31:50 the Revised Version (British and American). A cognate word of essentially the same meaning is used in Isaiah 3:20, and is rendered by the King James Version "ornaments of the legs." It was these "anklets" that Isaiah represented the ladies of Jerusalem as "rattling" as they walked (Isaiah 3:16 to end), "making a tinkling with their feet"; and a part of the punishment threatened is, "The Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet" (Isaiah 3:16 the King James Version). Strong's Hebrew 6807. ts'adah -- a marching... going, ornament of the legs Feminine of tsa'ad; a march; (concretely) an (ornamental) ankle-chain -- going, ornament of the legs. see HEBREW tsa'ad. ... /hebrew/6807.htm - 5k Thesaurus Anklechain... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANKLET; ANKLE-CHAIN. an'-klet, an'-k'-l- chan: "Anklets" is rightly found in Isaiah 3:18 the Revised ... /a/anklechain.htm - 7k Ankle-chain Anklet Ankle-bones (1 Occurrence) Ankle-chains (1 Occurrence) Resources How should a Christian respond to chain letters? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the kalam cosmological argument for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.org How do we decide which books belong in the Bible since the Bible does not say which books belong in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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