Topical Encyclopedia Gold, a precious metal highly esteemed for its beauty and rarity, holds significant symbolic and practical value throughout the Bible. Its mention in Scripture often denotes wealth, purity, and divine glory. From the earliest biblical narratives to the prophetic visions of the New Testament, gold serves as a symbol of both earthly riches and heavenly splendor.Old Testament References Gold is first mentioned in Genesis 2:11-12, where the land of Havilah is noted for its high-quality gold: "The name of the first river is Pishon; it winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there." This early reference sets the stage for gold's enduring association with abundance and divine provision. In the construction of the Tabernacle, gold was extensively used, signifying the holiness and majesty of God's dwelling place among His people. Exodus 25:11 describes the Ark of the Covenant: "Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it." The use of gold in the Tabernacle's furnishings underscores the sacredness of the space and the reverence due to God. Gold also appears in the context of idolatry, as seen in the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32. The Israelites' creation of a gold idol while Moses was on Mount Sinai highlights the tension between the proper use of gold in worship and its potential to lead people astray. Wisdom Literature In the wisdom literature, gold is often used metaphorically to convey the value of wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 16:16 states, "How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!" Here, gold serves as a benchmark for the worth of spiritual insight, emphasizing that true wisdom surpasses even the most precious earthly treasures. Prophetic Literature The prophets frequently use gold to describe the opulence and eventual downfall of nations. In Isaiah 13:12, the judgment upon Babylon is depicted with the imagery of gold: "I will make man scarcer than pure gold, and mankind rarer than the gold of Ophir." This passage illustrates the transitory nature of earthly wealth in contrast to God's eternal sovereignty. New Testament References In the New Testament, gold continues to symbolize wealth and divine majesty. The Magi's gift of gold to the Christ child in Matthew 2:11 signifies Jesus' kingship and divine nature: "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." The Book of Revelation uses gold to depict the splendor of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:18 describes the city's construction: "The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass." This imagery conveys the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal glory of His kingdom. Theological Significance Throughout Scripture, gold is a symbol of purity, value, and divine presence. Its use in the Tabernacle and Temple signifies the holiness of God, while its metaphorical application in wisdom literature highlights the superiority of spiritual riches over material wealth. The biblical narrative consistently presents gold as a reflection of God's glory and a reminder of the eternal treasures found in Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 8:27Also twenty basins of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 13:12 Greek 5553. chrusion -- a piece of gold, gold ... 696 ("silver") was the most precious metal in the ancient world.]. Word Origin dim. of chrusos Definition a piece of gold, gold NASB Word Usage gold (12), gold ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5553.htm - 7k 931. basanos -- a touchstone (a dark stone used in testing metals) ... Strong's Hebrew 1220. betser -- precious ore, an ingot... Short Definition: gold. Word Origin from batsar Definition precious ore, an ingot NASB Word Usage gold (2). gold defense. From batsar ... /hebrew/1220.htm - 6k Library The Word More Precious than Gold. September 28. "The Trial of Your Faith Being Much More Precious ... The True Gold and Its Testing A Royal Seeker after Wisdom Ain. Treatise on Good Works The Building of the Golden House. V. ... He Made the Pillars Thereof of Silver, the Couch of Gold, the ... The Temple and Its Dedication Resources What is sacrilege? What does it mean to be sacrilegious? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Pishon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the lampstand in the Bible? | 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 |
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