In this entry we look at the historical and symbolic meaning of gold in spiritual and political contexts, focusing on 2 key figures: Aaron, Israel's first advanced priest, and Donald Trump, modern political leader. We will dig into Bible rituals about ear, thumb, and toe, and compare them to modern events, emphasizing the lasting strength of symbols and their influence on leadership.
Early Life and function in Exodus
Aaron, Moses ’ elder brother, was born into the tribe of Levi. He played a key function in Exodus, acting as Moses ’ spokesperson and performing miracles before Pharaoh to persuade him to release the Israelites from slavery.
An incidental with a golden calf
While Moses was in Sinai and received the 10 Commandments, Aaron succumbed to the demands of the people and created a golden calf for which they were worshiped. This act of idolatry was a grave sin, violating the first of the 10 Commandments.
– Consequences for Aaron and the Israelites:
– God's anger led to the death of about 3,000 people and the plague that followed.
– Aaron was reproved, but not immediately punished, though he later encountered difficulties, including the failure of sons and the ban on entering the Promised Land.
Chapter 2: The ritual of the ear, thumb and toe
Bible Meaning
The rite of anointing the right ear, thumb and finger at the ft of blood was part of the ceremony of consecration of priests in ancient Israel. This act symbolized the dedication of priests to hear God’s word, to do his work and to follow his ways.
– Symbolic:
– Ear: Listening and obeying the commandments of God.
– Thumb: Performing holy deeds.
– Toe: Going the right way.
Interpretations by Scholars
– Philo: He emphasized purity in words, deeds and life.
– Rabbi Abraham ibn Ezra: He focused on obedience to God's commandments and commitment to holy deeds.
Chapter 3: Aaron’s Legacy
Establishment of a priesthood
Despite his engagement in the golden calf incident, Aaron was consecrated to the first advanced priest, establishing an hereditary priesthood that played a central function in the worship of the Israelites.
– Priestly Responsibilities: They included offering sacrifices, intercession for the people, and maintaining ritual purity.
Chapter 4: Donald Trump and Gold Symbolism
Trump’s Love for Gold
Donald Trump has long utilized gold as a symbol of wealth and success. Its properties, brand and public image are frequently decorated with gold, which builds the image of luxury and power.
Golden Trump statue
In 2021, a golden Trump statue was unveiled at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), comparing it to a biblical golden calf. The event highlighted the usage of gold as a symbol of idolatry and a combination of political and spiritual images.
Chapter 5: Comparison between Aaron and Trump
Background and motivation
– Aaron: He created a golden calf under force to guarantee a tangible presentation of the divine presence.
– Trump: Uses gold to advance wealth and success, motivated by individual brand and status.
Religious Importance vs. secular
– Aaron: The golden calf had deep spiritual implications, breaking God's commandments.
– Trump: The usage of gold is primarily secular, symbolizing material success alternatively than spiritual devotion.
Consequence
– Aaron: He faced God's punishment and loss, though he retained his priestly role.
– Trump: Meets criticism and political response, but inactive has a crucial impact.
Chapter 6: Persistent power of symbols
Religious Symbolism
The ritual of the ear, thumb, and toe in Bible past emphasizes the importance of consecration and sacrifice in spiritual service. These symbols inactive substance in judaic and Christian traditions.
Modern Political Symbolism
Trump's Golden Monument on CPAC shows how symbols of wealth and power can be utilized for political purposes, reflecting wider social values and tensions.
Summary
Aaron and Donald Trump's stories illustrate the lasting importance of symbols in shaping leadership and social perception. From ancient rituals of the Israeli priesthood to modern political iconography, the usage of gold and another symbols continues to influence how leaders are perceived and remembered.
Bibliography
1. My judaic science. "Earths, thumbs and toes."
2. Word views. "On the ear, thumb and large finger."
3. Rabbi Daniel Aronson. "To service Divinity with his ear, thumb and large toe."
4. Britannica. "Aaron | Biblical advanced priest and brother of Moses."
5. Incredible timeline of Bible time. "Aaron, Biblical figure."
6. My judaic science. "Aaron, advanced Priest."
7. I have questions. "What should we learn from the golden calf incidental in Exodus 32?".
8. BYU Scholarships Archives. "The Golden calf of Aaron."
9. I have questions. "Why wasn't Aaron punished for making a golden calf?"
10. Wikipedia. "Golden calf."
11. Diana Butler Bas. "Political idolatry by Donald Trump: Just Say No."
12. The fresh York Times. "4 ways Fred Trump made Donald Trump and his siblings rich."
13. Israel Bible Weekly. "Why anoint thumbs and toes?"
14. Tools for Bible study. "6 Things Worth Knowing About Aaron in the Bible."
15. Church of Christ in Klang. "Aron's failures in the golden calf incident."
16th MarketWatch. "This Trump statue of the 'golden calf' CPAC triggers a reaction on a biblical scale."
This entry provides a comprehensive overview of the symbolic usage of gold in spiritual and political contexts, highlighting the similarities and differences between Aaron's actions in the Bible and the contemporary symbolism of Donald Trump.
Source:
[1] https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ears-thumbs-and-toes/
[2] http://www.insightsfromtheword.com/184-your-ear-lobe-thumb-and-big-toe.html
[3] https://rabbiaronson.com/2016/03/25/serving-the-divine-with-ear-thumb-and-big-toe/
[4] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Aaron-biblical-figure
[5] https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/aaron-biblical-figure/
[6] https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/aaron-the-high-priest/
[7] https://www.gotquestions.org/golden-calf.html
[8] https://scholararchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1669&context=msr
[9] https://www.gotquestions.org/Aaron-golden-calf.html
[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_calf
[11] https://dianabutlerbass.substack.com/p/donald-trumps-political-idolatry
[12] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/02/us/politics/trump-family-wealth.html
[13] https://weekly.israelbiblecenter.com/why-anoint-thumbs-and-toes
[14] https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topic-studies/things-to-know-about-aaron-in-the-bible.html
[15] https://klangchurchofchrist.org/the-failures-of-aaron-in-the-golden-calf-incident/
[16] https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-cpac-golden-calf-trump-statue-is-spurring-backlash-of-biblical-proportions-11614360507
https://defmike.substack.com/p/the-curious-case-of-donald-j-trumps
