Because of Rebekah’s kindness to him, Abraham’s servants presented her with gifts of jewelry. The “earring” was actually a nose ring. The servant said later that he had put this piece of jewelry “upon her face” (Gen 24:47).
Matthew and Luke include the phrase in their reports of John the Baptist’s announcement concerning the baptism that Jesus will bring. Mark and John do not report it. What did John the Baptist mean?
Jehovah said to my Lord the Messiah, “Rule as my regent–I will subdue your enemies and make them bow low before you.” Jehovah has established your throne in Jerusalem to rule over your enemies. In that day of your power your people shall come to you willingly, dressed in holy alter robes. And your strength shall be renewed day by day like morning dew. Jehovah has taken oath and will not rescind his vow that you are a priest forever like Melchizedek. God stands beside you to protect you. He will strike down many kings in the day of his anger. He will punish the nations and fill them with their dead. He will crush many heads. But he himself shall be refreshed from springs along the way.
Sex was part of God’s good perfect creation. It was his stamp of approval on the intimate relationship between Adam and Eve before their sin (Gn 2:24-25). But just as sin has blemished the rest of creation, so sin and evil blemished the rest of this gift from God (3:7).