Topical Encyclopedia Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and rarity, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative. It is frequently associated with divinity, purity, and kingship, and its use in priestly and royal garments underscores these themes.Priestly Garments: In the Old Testament, the garments of the high priest were intricately designed and adorned with gold, signifying the sacred role of the priesthood and their service before God. The Book of Exodus provides detailed instructions for the construction of these garments. In Exodus 28:5-6 , it is written: "They shall take the gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen. They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn." The ephod, a key component of the high priest's attire, was woven with threads of gold, symbolizing the divine nature of the priestly office. Additionally, the breastpiece of judgment, worn over the ephod, was also crafted with gold. Exodus 28:15 states: "You are to make a breastpiece of judgment, skillfully woven. Make it like the ephod: of gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen." The use of gold in these garments not only highlighted the splendor and dignity of the priestly role but also served as a constant reminder of the holiness required in approaching God. Royal Garments: Gold also adorned the garments of kings, reflecting their authority and the divine sanction of their rule. In the biblical account of King Solomon, gold is prominently featured, illustrating the wealth and grandeur of his reign. Solomon's wisdom and prosperity were gifts from God, and the opulence of his court was a testament to this divine favor. 1 Kings 10:21 describes the extent of gold in Solomon's court: "All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was considered as nothing in the days of Solomon." The use of gold in royal garments and settings was not merely for aesthetic purposes but also served to communicate the king's God-given authority and the splendor of the kingdom under divine blessing. Symbolism and Significance: Gold's presence in both priestly and royal garments underscores its symbolic role in representing purity, holiness, and divine favor. In the biblical context, gold is more than a material of wealth; it is a medium through which the sacred and the sovereign are expressed. The adornment of garments with gold reflects the intersection of the divine and the earthly, where God's presence and authority are made manifest through His chosen representatives, whether in the temple or on the throne. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:4-6And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a turban, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest's office. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 45:9,13 Library The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) Ancient Chaldaea The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The First Theban Empire A Discourse The Memphite Empire The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Church Fabrics and Services. 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 |