In 1941, the North Carolina native, David C. Cox, left college and joined the US Army Air Corps. Before his departure his parents gave him a gold signet ring that featured a propeller and wings with an inscription on the inside reading, “Mother and Father to David C. Cox Greensboro“. In July 1943, Cox’s plane was shot down over Kassel, Germany. He parachuted to the ground and was taken prisoner by German forces that shipped him to a Nazi prison camp near Munich. Rations provided by the Red Cross dwindled down to nothing, so Cox and the other prisoners were forced to survive on meager portions of soup and bread. When an Italian prisoner managed to get his hands on two chocolate bars, the starving Cox traded his precious ring for the sweet treat. A few months later he was liberated and made his way back home to North Carolina. Cox had a replica of the lost ring made soon after his return. When he died in 1994, he passed the ring to his son, David Jr. Meanwhile, the original ring had made its way into the hands of Martin Kiss, a member of a Hungarian family from the northern part of present-day Serbia, who had lived in Germany since 1971. With the help of an American couple Kiss was able to locate its owner. David Cox Jr. confirmed that the ring in Kiss’s possession was his father’s and so the long-lost ring made its way back in a package to the USA.
The Bible also mentions the signet ring in different contexts. In the book of Daniel, we read that the king used his signet ring to seal the mouth of the lion’s den so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed (Daniel 6:16–18). In the book of Esther, we see the king giving his signet ring to Esther so that she could sign the decree which was written in favour of the Jews (Esther 8:8). In ancient times, a signet ring was worn on the right hand or suspended by a cord around the neck. Always when on the hand, it was ever in sight and treasured by the wearer. As God’s signet ring you are like an object that He is constantly regarding; you are always before His eye. “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.” Psalm 33:18. The signet ring was sometimes carried also by a string on the breast, and would therefore be near to the heart. This means that God wants you to be close to His heart so He can comfort you, encourage you, restore your hope and build you up again. Like Solomon beautifully expressed, let it also be your inner most desire: “Wear me as a signet ring on Your heart, as a ring on Your hand.” Song of Solomon 8:6 GWT
Furthermore, the signet ring was something precious and unique, often made out of gold, silver, or iron. This possession was carefully guarded from being stolen or copied. In the same way you are precious and very dear to God. When you express doubt about your value to another human being or even to yourself, remember that the Creator of this universe wears you as His signet ring. “Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee.” Isaiah 43:4. The ring itself had markings on it that identified the specific person or the family wearing it. Sometimes this was a family crest or a coat of arms, but other times it was a monogram, a simple symbol or a distinct pattern. The ring was made in a mirrored image to ensure it came out properly when leaving its mark or impression. By dipping it into hot wax or soft clay, the ring left a distinct seal that was considered to be more official than that of a signature. You have your own unique stamp that reveals how you were created in God’s image and expresses your particular mix of gifts and talents. You are chosen for a noble purpose: God wants you to represent Him in this world and to impress His glory in the heart of your neighbour. As God’s signet ring you can make a mark on the people surrounding you as you spread the good message. God is granting you a great privilege: “I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you.” Haggai 2:23 NIV
Manuela Di Franca