In biblical times, the wearing of nose jewels was a common practice, particularly among women, as a form of adornment and a symbol of beauty and status. The custom of adorning the nose with jewelry is mentioned in several passages of Scripture, reflecting its cultural significance in ancient Near Eastern societies.

Cultural Context and Significance

Nose jewels, often in the form of rings or studs, were typically made of precious metals such as gold or silver and sometimes adorned with gemstones. These ornaments were not merely decorative but also served as indicators of wealth and social standing. The practice of wearing nose rings is believed to have originated in the Middle East and spread to other regions, including ancient Israel.

Biblical References

One of the earliest mentions of nose jewels in the Bible is found in the account of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac. In Genesis 24:22, Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold nose ring as a gift, signifying her selection as Isaac's bride: "When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels." This act of giving a nose ring highlights its role as a token of betrothal and a symbol of beauty and favor.

In the prophetic literature, the imagery of nose jewels is used metaphorically to describe the adornment and beauty of Israel. In Ezekiel 16:12, God speaks of adorning Jerusalem with jewelry, including a nose ring, as a symbol of His covenant relationship with His people: "And I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head." This passage illustrates the use of nose jewels as a metaphor for divine favor and blessing.

Symbolism and Interpretation

From a theological perspective, the use of nose jewels in Scripture can be seen as a reflection of God's desire to adorn and beautify His people. The physical adornment with jewelry, including nose rings, serves as a tangible expression of inner beauty and worth bestowed by God. It also underscores the cultural practices of the time, where such adornments were integral to expressions of identity and social status.

Contemporary Reflections

While the specific practice of wearing nose jewels may not be as prevalent in modern Western cultures, the underlying principles of beauty, adornment, and divine favor continue to resonate with believers today. The biblical references to nose jewels invite reflection on the ways in which God's people are called to reflect His beauty and glory in their lives, both inwardly and outwardly.

In summary, the biblical references to nose jewels provide insight into the cultural practices of ancient times and offer rich symbolism for understanding God's relationship with His people. Through these adornments, Scripture communicates themes of beauty, favor, and covenantal love.Proverbs 11:22
As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 3:21
The rings, and nose jewels,
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 16:12
And I put a jewel on your forehead, and earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
Nave's Topical Index

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... and the mufflers, the bonnets and the ornaments of the legs and the headbands, the
tablets and the earrings, the rings and nose jewels, the changeable suits of ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

Pagans.
... In the last place, her nearest relations, to whom, on the banks of the river, she
had given her nose-jewels, came with a burning torch, and set the straw on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/pagans.htm

Chapter vii
... the joints of thy thighs are like jewels the work of the hands of a cunning ... eyes
like the fish-pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim; thy nose is as the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter vii.htm

Second Sunday after Epiphany
... On the other hand, the eye does not despise the nose; it rejoices in all ... according
to our merits." Grace as well as faith brings these noble jewels"our gifts ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after epiphany.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... rested a crown of about a hand's-breadth, decorated with jewels and surmounted by ...
eyes with long black lashes, a rather long straight nose, delicately shaped ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Low Beetling Brows, -- a Sensual, Cruel Mouth with a Loosely ...
... to be furtively watching each other across the thin bridge of nose,"a receding ... animals,
requiring to be fed with sweets and ornamented with jewels, and then ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/ix low beetling brows .htm

The Heir to the Throne
... were the same narrow temples with the sloping brow, the same hawked nose, the same ...
not the robe of costly stuffs he wore, nor the trappings of jewels, which if ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter v the heir to.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... She wore not one, but many kinds of jewels, and her anklets and armlets ... The forehead
retreated, the nose was long, low, slightly depressed at the end; the mouth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Chapter xxiv
... verse (22) omits mentioning that the servant put the nose ring upon her nose; it
seems ... However, for those days such jewels apparently were the most appropriate ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

A Night to be Remembered
... my own will and desire, so that the blood flowed from my mouth and nose, and I ... And
she gave him all her jewels, that he might sell them for the work of God ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxxix a night to.htm

Should married Christians wear wedding rings? | GotQuestions.org

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Nose: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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