ORNAMENT (Or'na-ment), (Hebrew generally 711"„ ad-ee', trapping).
1. The fondness which the human race in gen eral, and Oriental nations in particular, have .for personal ornaments was shared in by the ancient Hebrews. The Bible abounds in references to the appreciation of ornaments. The first mention of jewelry is in Gen. xxiv :22, where Abraham's servant presented Rebekah with earrings and bracelets. The weakness of Hebrew women for jewelry is well brought out (Jer. ii :32) : "Can a maid forget her ornaments?" The ornaments worn by the Hebrews consisted of bracelets, neck laces, earrings, noserings (Ezek. xvi :1 1, 12, etc.; Is. iii :16-25),gives a graphic picture of the fashion able woman of his day and her ornaments.
2. One of the eminent services rendered by Assyrian and Egyptian archaeology has been the revelation of the wonderful proficiency to which these nations had attained in the cutting and setting of gems, and in the designing of gold and silver ornaments. In the Arabian Nights there is constant allusion to the beautiful clothes worn by the heroes and heroines whose exploits are recorded. Lucian, in his Dialogues of the
Dead (`The Pagan Olympus'), contrasts the gorgeous appearance of the Oriental divinities with the simple elegance of the Greek images. The tendency to excess in ornament led Milton to describe the East as the home of 'barbaric pearl and gold' (Par. Lost, ii. 4). (G. M. Mackie, Hastings' Bib. Dict.) 3. The laying aside of ornaments appears as a sign of mourning in Exod. xxxiii :4.
FiguratiVe. ( 1) The laws, religion, and prosperity, which God gave the Hebrews, are called "excellent ornaments ;" they rendered their nation distinguished from, and more glori ous than others (Ezek. xvi :7, II ). (2) Useful instruction and faithful reproof are "an orna ment ;" they ought to be highly prized, readily received and complied with ; and so will render one truly honorable and respected (Prov. 1:9; xxv :12). (3) The apostles exhort the women of their day to adorn themselves with good works (I Tim. ii :to), and with a meek and guiet spirit rather than with the wearing of gold (I Pet. iii :4).