Topical Encyclopedia Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and rarity, holds significant importance in biblical narratives, often symbolizing wealth, honor, and divine favor. Throughout the Scriptures, gold is frequently mentioned as a gift, reflecting its status as a symbol of respect and reverence.Old Testament Instances In the Old Testament, gold is often presented as a gift to signify honor and allegiance. One notable instance is found in the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon. The Queen of Sheba, having heard of Solomon's wisdom and wealth, traveled to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. As a gesture of respect and admiration, she presented Solomon with a substantial gift: "Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such abundance of spices come in as that which the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10). This act of giving gold underscores the recognition of Solomon's God-given wisdom and the prosperity of his reign. Another significant instance is the offering of gold by the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 25:1-3, God commands Moses to collect offerings from the people, including gold, for the building of the sanctuary: "Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering. You are to receive My offering from every man whose heart compels him. This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze" . The willingness of the Israelites to give gold for the Tabernacle reflects their devotion and desire to honor God with their most valuable possessions. New Testament Instances In the New Testament, the most renowned instance of gold being given as a present is found in the account of the Magi visiting the infant Jesus. Guided by a star, the Magi traveled from the East to worship the newborn King. Upon finding Jesus, they presented Him with gifts, including gold: "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, frankincense, and myrrh" (Matthew 2:11). The gift of gold to Jesus is symbolic of His kingship and divine nature, acknowledging Him as the King of the Jews and the awaited Messiah. Symbolic Significance Gold, as a gift, carries profound symbolic significance in the biblical context. It represents not only material wealth but also spiritual richness and divine favor. The giving of gold as a present often signifies recognition of authority, reverence, and a desire to honor the recipient. In the biblical narrative, gold is more than a mere commodity; it is a token of deep respect and acknowledgment of God's presence and blessing in the lives of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 15:19There is a league between me and you, and between my father and your father: behold, I have sent to you a present of silver and gold; come and break your league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 2:11 Library The Building of the Golden House. How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ... Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths . It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ... How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ... How to Use the Present Life, and the Comforts of It. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem How the Priest Wighard was Sent from Britain to Rome, to be ... Resources Will there literally be streets of gold in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgIs it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.org Why did the Magi bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Gold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gold used in the Arts in Ornamenting the Priests' Garments Gold used in the Arts: Apparel Gold used in the Arts: Beaten Work Gold used in the Arts: Bedsteads Made of Gold used in the Arts: Crowns Made of Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Gold used in the Arts: Made Into Wire Threads and Worked Into Embroidered Tapestry Gold used in the Arts: Modeled Into Forms of Fruits Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold used in the Arts: The Lampstands Made of, for the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims Gold was Used for Overlaying Cherubims in Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Floor of Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying the Ark Gold was Used for Overlaying the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Overlaying the Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Throne of Solomon Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle Gold: Offerings of, for Temple Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle Related Terms |