267. Armlets

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

• 1 min. read • grade level: 10

Etsadah, “bracelet,” is, according to Gesenius, more properly an anklet than a bracelet; yet as it is here spoken of in connection with the arm it doubtless means an armlet. The word occurs also in Numbers 31:50⁵⁰We have therefore brought an oblation for the Lord, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the Lord. (Numbers 31:50), where it is associated with tsamid, (bracelet,) and is rendered “chains.” Saul’s armlet is supposed to have been a part of the insignia of his’ royalty. Egyptian monarchs are often represented on the monuments wearing armlets and bracelets. The Persian kings often wore them, and they are still common among Oriental sovereigns, many of them being elaborately wrought and richly ornamented with jewels. From Song of {s 22221}Solomon 8:6⁶Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. (Song of Solomon 8:6), it appears that the signet was sometimes placed in the armlet: “As a seal upon thine arm.”