Gold
Summary
The most precious of metals in the ancient world, extensively used in Scripture both literally in temple construction and symbolically to represent purity, value, and divine glory.
☩Biblical Terms and Sources
Six Hebrew words are used for gold, the most common being zahabh ('yellow gold'). Other terms include paz ('fine or native gold'), kethem ('carved out gold'), and betser ('gold ore'). The chief gold-producing regions mentioned in Scripture are Ophir, Sheba, Arabia, Havilah, and Parvaim. Gold was obtained from Egypt, brought back by the Israelites at the Exodus, and imported through trade with Arabian caravans and Phoenician merchants.
☩Uses in Ancient Israel
Gold was used extensively for jewelry, including bracelets, earrings, and crowns. It was beaten into thin plates for overlaying the ark of the covenant, the altar of incense, and other tabernacle furnishings. Solomon's temple consumed enormous quantities of gold for its decorations, vessels, and sacred objects. Gold was not coined in early times but was weighed in rings and bars for commercial transactions.
☩Symbolic Significance
Being the most precious metal, gold represents what is most valuable and enduring. It symbolizes divine righteousness and purity, being refined by fire as believers are tested. The streets of the New Jerusalem are described as pure gold, transparent as glass. Christ counseled the Laodiceans to buy from Him 'gold tried in the fire' that they might be spiritually rich.
Related Verses366 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gold," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Gold," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Gold," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Gold," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 5.George Morrish, "Gold," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).