Jewelry: God’s Signet Ring

The signet ring is part of a verification method which seals important documents with an impression that identifies these documents as genuine ("Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia", n.d., p. 1).   The signet ring also bears witness to the authority of the wearer.  In the Bible, individuals who wear signet rings have reached a high level of spiritual achievement and advancement by overcoming difficult and problematic situations and hardships in their lives (Ester 8:10; Haggai 2:23 New International Version [NIV]1984). 

In Genesis, the story of Joseph reveals the life of an individual who endured one hardship after another with an optimistic attitude.  Joseph’s unwavering faith in God and positive outlook worked in union with God, which opened doors of opportunity in the complex and challenging environments of prison.  After many years of working in obscurity and anonymity, God promoted Joseph to a position second only to Pharaoh Ruler of Egypt (Genesis 41:39 NIV 1984). 

Pharaoh symbolized Joseph’s unwavering faith, spiritual discernment and his noble position and authority by dressing him in royal jewelry and clothing which mirrored these mental attributes.

Genesis 41:42 NIV 1984

Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck.

The story of Joseph illustrates that in the midst of the most difficult and trying circumstances of my life, I can remain faithful to God and maintain my optimism—that is, and expectant attitude that God will deliver me from my current situation to a better place in life if I don’t give in to a negative mental attitude.

References

(1984). The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan.

"Signet Ring." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Aug. 2012. Web. 02 Sept. 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Signet_ring.