In biblical times, a coffer, often referred to as a chest, was a container used for storing valuable items, offerings, or sacred objects. The term "coffer" is not frequently used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept of a chest or box is present in several passages, illustrating its significance in various contexts.

One of the most notable references to a chest in the Bible is found in the account of the Philistines returning the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. After capturing the Ark, the Philistines experienced a series of calamities and decided to send it back to the Israelites. Along with the Ark, they included a chest containing gold offerings as a guilt offering to the God of Israel. In 1 Samuel 6:8 , it is written: "Take the Ark of the LORD and place it on the cart, and put the gold objects that you are sending Him as a guilt offering in a chest beside it. Then send it on its way."

The use of a chest in this context highlights its role as a vessel for offerings and its association with the sacred. The Philistines' inclusion of a chest with the Ark underscores their recognition of the need to appease the God of Israel, acknowledging His power and seeking to atone for their transgressions.

In another instance, a chest is mentioned in the context of temple repairs during the reign of King Joash of Judah. To collect funds for the restoration of the temple, a chest was placed at the entrance to the temple to receive contributions from the people. 2 Kings 12:9 states: "Then Jehoiada the priest took a chest, bored a hole in its lid, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one enters the house of the LORD. And the priests who guarded the threshold put into the chest all the money that was brought into the house of the LORD."

This passage illustrates the practical use of a chest as a secure repository for monetary offerings, facilitating the collection and safeguarding of funds dedicated to the maintenance and repair of the temple. The chest served as a tangible means for the people to contribute to the work of the Lord, reflecting their commitment to the upkeep of the sacred space.

In both instances, the coffer or chest is depicted as an important tool for religious practice, whether in the context of making offerings or supporting the temple's physical structure. These examples underscore the chest's role in the broader narrative of worship and devotion in the biblical tradition, serving as a vessel for both material and spiritual offerings to God.1 Samuel 6:8,11,15
And take the ark of the LORD, and lay it on the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which you return him for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side thereof; and send it away, that it may go.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:24
These were your merchants in all sorts of things, in blue clothes, and broidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among your merchandise.
Nave's Topical Index

712. argaz -- a box, chest
... gawz') Short Definition: box. Word Origin from ragaz Definition a box, chest
NASB Word Usage box (3). coffer. Perhaps from ragaz (in ...
/hebrew/712.htm - 6k

1595. genez -- treasury, perhaps chests
... chest, treasury. From an unused root meaning to store; treasure; by implication,
a coffer -- chest, treasury. 1594, 1595. genez. 1596 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1595.htm - 6k

Good or Bad Spirits?
... man with them. They began digging at eight, and after they had dug six
feet, saw the top of a coffer, or chest. But presently it ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/good or bad spirits.htm

The Ark among the Flags
... How much of the world's history that tiny coffer among the reeds held! ... manger at
Bethlehem, did ever cradle hold the seed of so much as did that papyrus chest? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the ark among the flags.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... little columns, a buoyant aediculus shines like a coral tabernacle or a coffer of
yellow ... many times a day"rough work for a man with such a fragile chest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

1 Cor. xvi. 1
... [7.] And let us make a little chest for the ... But if you have this little coffer, you
have a defence against the devil, you give wings to your prayer, you make ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xliii 1 cor xvi.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... Our memory should be like the chest in the ark where the law was kept. ... the sin of
uncleanness, yea, incest, by paying fines and sums of money into his coffer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Matt. Ix. 27-30.
... And this coffer too is far better and more indispensable than that other chest;
for it hath not clothes but alms shut up in it; even though they be few that ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxii matt ix 27-30.htm

Coffer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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