The term "assayed" in the context of the Bible refers to the act of attempting or testing something, often with the implication of examining or proving its worth or authenticity. This concept is rooted in the broader biblical theme of testing and proving, which is prevalent throughout Scripture.

Biblical Usage:

1. Testing of Faith and Character:
The Bible frequently uses the concept of testing to describe the process by which God examines the faith and character of His people. This is seen in various narratives where individuals are put to the test to reveal their true nature or to refine their faith. For example, in the account of Abraham, God tests his faith by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). Although the term "assayed" is not directly used in this passage, the concept of testing is central.

2. Assaying in the Context of Battle:
In 1 Samuel 17:39, the term "assayed" is used in the context of David preparing to face Goliath. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not used to them. 'I cannot walk in these,' David said to Saul. 'I am not used to them.' So David took them off." Here, "assayed" is understood as David attempting to use Saul's armor, testing its suitability for him before deciding against it.

3. Testing of Metals:
The imagery of assaying is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the process of refining metals, which serves as an analogy for God's refining work in the lives of His people. In passages like Malachi 3:2-3, God is depicted as a refiner and purifier of silver, testing and purifying the sons of Levi. This metaphor highlights the process of removing impurities and proving the genuineness of one's faith.

4. New Testament References:
While the specific term "assayed" is more commonly found in the Old Testament, the New Testament continues the theme of testing and proving. For instance, in 1 Peter 1:7, the apostle Peter speaks of the "tested genuineness" of faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire. This reflects the ongoing biblical theme of trials serving to prove and strengthen faith.

Theological Implications:

The concept of assaying in the Bible underscores the importance of testing and proving in the spiritual life. It reflects the belief that God allows trials and challenges to refine and strengthen the faith of believers. This process is not merely punitive but is intended for growth and maturity, aligning with the biblical understanding that faith, like precious metal, must be tested to reveal its true value.

In summary, "assayed" in the biblical context involves the idea of testing, whether it be in the literal sense of trying on armor, the metaphorical refining of metals, or the spiritual testing of faith. This concept is integral to understanding the ways in which God interacts with His people, using trials to purify and strengthen their faith.(imp. & p. p.) of Assay.

The Best Light for Studying a Thorn.
... And again this, "they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered
them not."[20] Tell me, is this the way the Spirit of God leads? ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the best light for studying.htm

Acts ix. 26, 27
... "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples:
but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi acts ix 26.htm

The First Chapter.
... Neuerthelesse the men assayed wyth rowenge to bringe the sheppe to lande: but it
wold not be/ because the se so wrought & was so trowblous agenst them. ...
/.../tyndale/the prophete ionas with an introduccion/the first chapter.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... The first part I have told you in the three sermons past, in which I have
assayed to set forth my plough, to prove what I could do. ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

The Work Awaiting the Worker
... When Paul first came to Jerusalem after his conversion and assayed to join himself
to the Christians there, they were all afraid of him, suspecting the teeth ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter v the work awaiting.htm

The Cry of the Heathen
... And "after they had come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit
suffered them not." The apostle was like Abraham of old; he went forth, not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the cry of the heathen.htm

Of Patience
... Temptation truly that we consent not to is a matter for using virtue. For no man
wots whether he be weak or strong until the time he be assayed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of patience.htm

Of Cleanness of Mind
... Lover. I spare to say more here for I seem to myself a full great wretch.
For oft my flesh is noyed and assayed. Although forsooth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter x of cleanness of.htm

"As Verily as Sin is Unclean, So Verily is it Unkind" --A Disease ...
... For it shall be seen afore God by all His Holy in joy without end that Nature hath
been assayed in the fire of tribulation and therein hath been found no flaw ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lxiii as verily as.htm

"Above the Faith is no Goodness Kept in this Life, as to My Sight ...
... For we have by His goodness and His own working to keep us in the Faith; and by
His sufferance through ghostly enmity we are assayed in the Faith and made ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter lxx above the faith.htm

Assayed (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Assayed (5 Occurrences). ... Acts 16:7 After they were come
to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. ...
/a/assayed.htm - 7k

Assay (3 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The alloy or metal to be assayed. 7. (v.) To try; to attempt; to apply.
8. (v.) To affect. 9. (v.) To try tasting, as food or drink. 10. ...
/a/assay.htm - 9k

Go (17871 Occurrences)
... British and American) "Why seek ye?" and Romans 10:3; of peirazo, "to try," "attempt"
(Acts 24:6, the Revised Version (British and American) "assayed"), and of ...
/g/go.htm - 19k

Trophimus (3 Occurrences)
... is seen again in the way in which the orator Tertullus repeated the charge against
Paul before the Roman governor Felix, who moreover assayed to profane the ...
/t/trophimus.htm - 15k

Essayed (4 Occurrences)
... not. (WBS). 1 Samuel 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his apparel,
and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David ...
/e/essayed.htm - 7k

Moreover (356 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:6 who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold:
'and we would have judged him according to our law.' (ASV). ...
/m/moreover.htm - 35k

Assayer (1 Occurrence)

/a/assayer.htm - 6k

Suffered (88 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go
into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/s/suffered.htm - 32k

Girded (48 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). 1 Samuel 17:39 And David girded his sword upon
his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. ...
/g/girded.htm - 21k

Proved (49 Occurrences)
... WEB NAS). 1 Samuel 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armor, and
he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said ...
/p/proved.htm - 20k

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