Topical Bible: Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With

Bible > Topical > Gold used in the Arts

◄ Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and rarity, holds significant importance in biblical history and religious practices. In the context of the arts, gold was frequently used for overlaying, a technique that involved covering objects with a thin layer of gold to enhance their appearance and signify their sacredness or importance.

Biblical References and Usage

The use of gold overlay is prominently featured in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, as described in the Old Testament. This practice underscored the sanctity and divine nature of these structures, reflecting God's glory and majesty.

1. The Tabernacle: In the construction of the Tabernacle, gold overlay was extensively used. The Ark of the Covenant, a central and sacred object within the Tabernacle, was overlaid with pure gold both inside and out. Exodus 25:11 states, "Overlay it with pure gold both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." This use of gold signified the Ark's holiness and its role as the earthly dwelling place of God's presence.

2. The Altar and Furnishings: Other elements of the Tabernacle also featured gold overlay. The altar of incense, the table for the Bread of the Presence, and the lampstand were all adorned with gold. Exodus 30:3 describes the altar of incense: "Overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it." These items, used in worship and offerings, were made with gold to reflect their sacred purpose.

3. Solomon's Temple: The use of gold overlay reached its zenith in Solomon's Temple, a permanent structure built to house the Ark of the Covenant. The inner sanctuary, or the Most Holy Place, was overlaid with gold, as described in 1 Kings 6:20-22 : "He overlaid the inside with pure gold. He also overlaid the altar of cedar. So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold." The extensive use of gold in the Temple symbolized the wealth and splendor of Israel under Solomon's reign and the divine presence dwelling within.

Symbolism and Significance

Gold overlay in biblical art and architecture served not only an aesthetic purpose but also a symbolic one. Gold, being incorruptible and enduring, represented purity, divinity, and eternal value. Its use in sacred spaces and objects highlighted the separation between the holy and the profane, drawing a clear line between God's perfection and human imperfection.

The overlaying of gold also demonstrated the Israelites' devotion and reverence for God. By using the finest materials available, they expressed their desire to honor God with their best offerings. This practice set a standard for worship that emphasized the importance of giving God the highest honor and glory.

Conclusion

The use of gold overlay in biblical times reflects a deep theological and cultural significance. It underscores the sacredness of worship spaces and objects, serving as a visual reminder of God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. Through the use of gold, the biblical narrative communicates themes of divine presence, purity, and the eternal nature of God's covenant with His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 25:11,13,24,28
And you shall overlay it with pure gold, within and without shall you overlay it, and shall make on it a crown of gold round about.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 25:1-40
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 26:27,29
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 30:5
And you shall make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 36:34,36,38
And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 37:2,4,11,15
And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 6:20-22,28,30,32,35
And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
Nave's Topical Index