Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead New Living Translation Anything made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead— English Standard Version only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Berean Standard Bible Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— King James Bible Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, New King James Version Only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, New American Standard Bible only the gold and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, NASB 1995 only the gold and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin and the lead, NASB 1977 only the gold and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin and the lead, Legacy Standard Bible only the gold and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin and the lead, Amplified Bible only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Christian Standard Bible The gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— Holman Christian Standard Bible Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— American Standard Version howbeit the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, English Revised Version howbeit the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, GOD'S WORD® Translation Any gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead- International Standard Version concerning anything containing gold, silver, brass, iron, tin, lead, NET Bible Only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, New Heart English Bible however the gold, and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Webster's Bible Translation Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOnly the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— World English Bible However the gold, and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiononly the gold, and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Young's Literal Translation only, the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Smith's Literal Translation Only the gold and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGold, and silver, and brass, and iron, and lend, and tin, Catholic Public Domain Version Gold, and silver, and brass, and iron, and lead, and tin, New American Bible gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin and lead— New Revised Standard Version gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOnly the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “However gold and silver and brass and iron and tin and lead. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Howbeit the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Brenton Septuagint Translation Beside the gold, and the silver, and the brass, and the iron, and lead, and tin, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Vengeance on Midian…21Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, “This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded Moses: 22Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— 23everything that can withstand the fire—must be put through the fire, and it will be clean. But it must still be purified with the water of purification. And everything that cannot withstand the fire must pass through the water.… Cross References Exodus 25:3 This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; Exodus 35:5-9 Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze; / blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; / ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; ... 1 Chronicles 29:2 Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God—gold for the gold articles, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and slabs of marble—all in abundance. 1 Kings 10:21 All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. 2 Chronicles 9:20 All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. Ezekiel 16:13 So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen. Isaiah 60:17 Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler. Job 28:1-2 “Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. / Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. Proverbs 8:10-11 Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. Daniel 11:38 And in their place, he will honor a god of fortresses—a god his fathers did not know—with gold, silver, precious stones, and riches. Revelation 18:12 cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; Revelation 21:18-21 The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. / The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ... Matthew 2:11 On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. Luke 15:22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Acts 3:6 But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” Treasury of Scripture Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, Jump to Previous Brass Bronze Copper Howbeit Iron Lead Silver TinJump to Next Brass Bronze Copper Howbeit Iron Lead Silver TinNumbers 31 1. The Midianites are spoiled, and Balaam slain13. Moses is angry with the officers, for saving the women alive 19. How the soldiers, with their captives and spoil, are to be purified 25. The proportion in which the prey is to be divided 48. The voluntary offering unto the treasure of the Lord Only the gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead— This phrase lists specific metals that were to be purified and kept after the Israelites' victory over the Midianites. The instruction to retain these metals highlights their value and utility in ancient times. Gold and silver were precious metals often used for currency, jewelry, and religious artifacts. Bronze and iron were essential for tools and weapons, indicating the practical needs of the community. Tin and lead, though less frequently mentioned, were used in various alloys and for specific purposes like sealing and construction. The command to keep these metals aligns with the broader biblical theme of consecration and purification. In the context of Numbers 31, the Israelites were instructed to purify themselves and their spoils of war, reflecting the holiness required by God. This purification process is symbolic of spiritual cleansing, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. Historically, the use of these metals can be traced back to ancient metallurgy practices. Archaeological findings in the Near East, including the region of Canaan, have uncovered artifacts made from these materials, confirming their widespread use and significance. Theologically, the purification of metals can be seen as a type of Christ, who purifies and refines believers. Just as metals are purified by fire, Christians are refined through trials and the work of the Holy Spirit, as seen in passages like Malachi 3:3 and 1 Peter 1:7. In the broader narrative of Scripture, the mention of these metals also connects to the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where gold, silver, and bronze were prominently used. This foreshadows the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is described as the cornerstone of the spiritual temple in Ephesians 2:19-22. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who is receiving instructions from God regarding the spoils of war. 2. Israelites The people of God who are being instructed on how to handle the spoils from their victory over the Midianites. 3. Midianites The people defeated by the Israelites, whose possessions are being sorted and purified. 4. God The divine authority giving specific instructions on the purification process of the spoils. 5. The Wilderness The setting where the Israelites are journeying and receiving God's laws and instructions. Teaching Points Purification and HolinessThe instruction to purify metals symbolizes the need for spiritual purification. Just as metals are refined, believers are called to undergo spiritual refinement to remove impurities and become holy. Value and Usefulness The specific mention of valuable metals highlights their importance and usefulness. Similarly, God sees value in each believer and desires to use them for His purposes. Obedience to God's Instructions The Israelites' obedience in handling the spoils reflects the importance of following God's commands precisely. Believers today are called to obey God's Word in all aspects of life. Stewardship of Resources The careful handling of resources, as instructed by God, teaches the principle of stewardship. Believers are entrusted with resources and must manage them wisely for God's glory. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Numbers 31:22?2. How does Numbers 31:22 emphasize the importance of purification in spiritual life? 3. What metals in Numbers 31:22 symbolize enduring faith and spiritual refinement? 4. How can we apply the purification principles from Numbers 31:22 today? 5. Connect Numbers 31:22 with other biblical teachings on purification and holiness. 6. Why is obedience to God's purification commands crucial in Numbers 31:22? 7. Why does Numbers 31:22 list metals instead of focusing on moral or spiritual lessons? 8. How does Numbers 31:22 relate to the broader context of war and spoils in the Bible? 9. What is the significance of purifying metals in Numbers 31:22 for modern believers? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 31? 11. Why is there so little archaeological evidence for a massive tabernacle project described in Exodus 36? 12. Why does the Bible not mention germs or diseases caused by bacteria and viruses? 13. Is there any archaeological evidence that supports the massive labor force and vast resources described in 1 Chronicles 22:2 and verses 15-16? 14. Where is the archaeological evidence to substantiate the extensive tributes of gold, silver, and bronze mentioned in 1 Chronicles 18:7-11? What Does Numbers 31:22 Mean Only the goldNumbers 31:22 opens with “Only the gold,” drawing a line between what may be preserved and what must be discarded. • Numbers 31:23 notes that gold “can withstand fire,” so it is purified and reused rather than destroyed. • Exodus 25:3 lists gold first among materials for the tabernacle, underscoring its value when dedicated to God. • 1 Peter 1:7 says, “so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes, though refined by fire—may result in praise,” linking literal metal-testing to the refining of believers. • Revelation 3:18 invites the church to “buy from Me gold refined by fire,” echoing the same principle: what survives God’s fire is worthy for His service. silver Silver follows gold in the inventory of what must be preserved. • Exodus 30:16 records that Israel’s atonement money was silver, highlighting redemption. • Zechariah 13:9 pictures God refining His people “as silver is refined,” equating purification with covenant faithfulness. • Psalm 12:6 affirms, “The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace,” showing how divine truth stands every test. Together, these passages remind us that both metal and people are meant to emerge purer after God’s refining work. bronze Bronze—harder than gold or silver—was often tied to judgment and strength. • Exodus 27:1-2 details the bronze altar where sacrifices met God’s fire, a place of judgment absorbed on behalf of sinners. • Numbers 21:9 reports Moses’ bronze serpent; those who looked in faith were healed, linking bronze to both judgment and mercy. • Revelation 1:15 describes the risen Christ with “feet like polished bronze refined in a furnace,” an image of absolute, tested righteousness. Just as bronze withstands heat, so God’s standards remain unscorched. iron Iron signals unyielding strength. • Deuteronomy 8:9 calls Canaan a land “whose stones are iron,” underscoring provision that can be forged for kingdom use. • Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another,” picturing believers strengthening each other through candid, truth-telling fellowship. • Daniel 2:40 portrays a kingdom “strong as iron, for iron breaks and crushes everything,” contrasting earthly empires with God’s eternal rule. Iron’s endurance after fire mirrors the believer who emerges resilient from testing. tin Though less precious, tin still belongs on the list. • Ezekiel 22:18-20 groups tin with “dross” that must be removed, showing how lesser metals can picture impurity; yet, once separated from dross, tin remains useful. • Isaiah 1:25 promises, “I will turn My hand against you; I will thoroughly purge your dross and remove all your tin,” revealing God’s intent to refine every layer of His people’s lives. If God cares about tin, no area of our lives is too minor for His purifying fire. and lead— Lead, heavy and malleable, rounds out the catalog. • Zechariah 5:7-8 depicts wickedness sealed beneath a lead cover, illustrating how God contains evil until final judgment. • Exodus 15:10 celebrates God’s deliverance: “They sank like lead in the mighty waters,” proving that what burdens the world is no burden to Him. Lead’s inclusion reminds us that even what seems least likely to survive heat is still accountable to God’s refining process. summary Numbers 31:22 singles out six metals that could “withstand fire” and therefore be purified for Israel’s future use. Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, and lead each tell a story: priceless worth, redemption, judgment, strength, overlooked details, and weighty accountability. The verse teaches that whatever can endure God’s refining fire is not discarded but dedicated. In every life, God sifts for what will last, burns away the dross, and reserves the purified for His glory. Verse 22. - The brass. Rather, "copper." The six metals here mentioned were those commonly known to the ancients, and in particular to the Egyptians and Phoenicians.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Onlyאַ֥ךְ (’aḵ) Adverb Strong's 389: A particle of affirmation, surely the gold, הַזָּהָ֖ב (haz·zā·hāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky silver, הַכָּ֑סֶף (hak·kā·sep̄) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3701: Silver, money bronze, הַנְּחֹ֙שֶׁת֙ (han·nə·ḥō·šeṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5178: Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, base iron, הַבַּרְזֶ֔ל (hab·bar·zel) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1270: Iron, an iron implement tin, הַבְּדִ֖יל (hab·bə·ḏîl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 913: Alloy, tin, dross and lead— הָעֹפָֽרֶת׃ (hā·‘ō·p̄ā·reṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5777: Lead (a metal) Links Numbers 31:22 NIVNumbers 31:22 NLT Numbers 31:22 ESV Numbers 31:22 NASB Numbers 31:22 KJV Numbers 31:22 BibleApps.com Numbers 31:22 Biblia Paralela Numbers 31:22 Chinese Bible Numbers 31:22 French Bible Numbers 31:22 Catholic Bible OT Law: Numbers 31:22 However the gold and the silver (Nu Num.) |
    |