Ezekiel 16:12

“And I put a jewel on thy forehead, &c.] The same with the nose jewel, which was hung upon the forehead, and reached down to the nose and mouth; and, however disagreeable it may seem to us, was reckoned very ornamental in the eastern countries, (<230321>Isaiah 3:21 <012422>Genesis 24:22,47); and where now, as in Persia, as well as in all the Levant, the women put rings through their noses, which they pierce with needles, as Monsieur Thevenotf214 relates; so Dr. Shawf215 says that nose jewels are used still by the Levant Arabs. The Targum applies it to the ark, thus, “and I put the ark of my covenant among you;” but may be better applied a public profession of religion, which every good man…”

“jewel on thy forehead--rather, "a ring in thy nose" (Isa 3:21). a crown--at once the badge of a bride, and of her being made a queen, as being consort of the King; the very name Israel meaning "a prince of God." So they are called "a kingdom of priests" (Exo 19:6; compare Rev 1:6). Though the external blessings bestowed on Israel were great, yet not these, but the internal and spiritual, form the main reference in the kingly marriage to which Israel was advanced.”

“A jewel on thy forehead - literally, “a nose-ring on thy nostril” (Genesis 24:22 note). return to 'Top of Page'”