Biblical Perspectives on Jewelry: Applying Exodus 33:5 Today

Exodus 33:5

5 For the LORD had said to Moses, Say to the children of Israel, You are a stiff necked people: I will come up into the middle of you in a moment, and consume you: therefore now put off your ornaments from you, that I may know what to do to you.

Yes, the instruction to remove ornaments is a permanent requirement for those who desire to live in the presence of God and maintain a humble relationship with HimBHOTV2 112.3. This directive was not a temporary measure but a call to lasting repentance and a departure from worldly prideBHOTV2 112.3.

The Meaning of the Instruction

In Exodus 33:5 God commanded the Israelites to put off their ornaments so that He might know what to do with them Exodus 33:5. This act represented a state of "permanent mourning" for their sins and a necessary step to prevent being consumed by the presence of a holy GodBHOTV2 112.3. For modern believers, this signifies that a heart filled with the love of display and outward adorning serves as an effectual barrier to receiving the "inward adorning" of the SpiritPH157 14.1.

New Testament Confirmation

The principle found in Exodus is reinforced by the apostles, who provide clear, prescriptive instructions for followers of Christ today:

• The Inward Ornament: True beauty is defined as the "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," which is of great price in the sight of God 1 Peter 3:3-4CG 139.3.

• Modesty and Sobriety: Believers are exhorted to dress in modest apparel, avoiding gold, pearls, or costly array 1 Timothy 2:9-10RH June 25, 1861, par. 7.

• Consistency of Faith: Wearing jewelry and following worldly fashions is seen as a "wide departure from Bible simplicity" and a form of friendship with the world, which is enmity with GodBDOC 1.73+1.

The Danger of Idolatry

Devoting time, thought, and money to unnecessary ornaments is classified as a species of idolatry2SM 317.2+1. It fosters pride and consumes resources that should be used to advance the gospel and help the needyYI November 5, 1896, Art. A, par. 3+1. Furthermore, a display of gold and gaudy ornaments is often an indication of a "weak head and a proud heart"2MR 2.2.

The Present-Day Test

We are currently living in a time analogous to the ancient Day of Atonement, where we are called to humble ourselves and "afflict" our soulsBDOC 1.36.

• A Sign of Loyalty: Choosing plainness and modesty is a sign that one has "put on Christ" and is dead to the world1TT 350.4+1.

• Practical Self-Denial: Those who possess ornaments are encouraged to sell them and use the proceeds for the cause of God, rather than adorning a "poor fallen mortal" bodyBDOC 1.77+1.

• Influence: True influence is not gained through expensive dress, but through a character that reflects the meekness of JesusBDOC 1.77+1.

Ultimately, if we desire to be with Christ in heaven, we must be like Him on earth, leaving behind the things that belong to the worldLS 113.3+1. The call to remove ornaments is a call to prepare for His soon appearing by focusing on a "hidden man of the heart" that will never decayHR November 1, 1871, par. 13+1.