Historical Grammatical Analysis of Exodus 33:1-6 as a response to Contemporary Interpretations of Ornaments

Abstract

Exodus 33:1-6 stands as one of the Old Testament texts that have been used by some scholars and believers as a biblical basis to prohibit the use of ornaments and other fashion-related discourse. It has been argued tenaciously that ornaments are unbiblical, sinful and devilish with special emphasis on certain experiences from the patriarchal period of the Old Testament. Certain believers who are not using some of these ornaments like earrings, necklaces, rings or bracelets etc. see themselves as more holy and godly than those who do use them. The correct biblical position about ornaments has puzzled humanity for ages. However, the context, culture, antecedents and language used in the biblical narratives have not been carefully studied from the socio-linguistic perspective. Therefore, this work investigated the basic understanding of and rationale for ornaments. It also examined Christian attitudes to ornaments in the contemporary era, and draw implications for Christians and preachers alike. This study employed an exegetical method of biblical interpretation that utilizes discourse analysis also known as text-linguistic approach in order to bring out the nearest meaning to the author’s autograph of the pericope. The study revealed that the declaration of Yahweh to the Israelite to put off their ornament was not a complete prohibition to the use of ornaments. The instruction was situational or circumstantial and should be taken as such. Therefore, against existing beliefs that ornaments are demonic and sinful, the study revealed that, this is indeed a fallacy.

Keywords

• ornaments
• contemporary
• demonizing
• prohibition
• bracelets