Topical Bible: Gold was Used for Chains

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Topical Encyclopedia

Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and rarity, holds significant importance in biblical history and symbolism. In the Scriptures, gold is often associated with wealth, purity, and divine glory. One of the notable uses of gold in the Bible is for the crafting of chains, which served both ornamental and functional purposes.

Biblical References and Context

The use of gold for chains is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, highlighting its role in both religious and royal settings. In the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, gold was extensively used, including for chains that adorned sacred objects. For instance, in the making of the high priest's ephod, gold chains were used to attach the breastpiece, as described in Exodus 28:14: "and two chains of pure gold, made of braided cord work; and you shall attach the braided chains to the settings."

Gold chains also appear in the context of royal adornment and honor. In the book of Daniel, King Belshazzar promises to clothe Daniel in purple and place a gold chain around his neck as a reward for interpreting the mysterious writing on the wall (Daniel 5:7, 16, 29). This act signifies the bestowal of honor and authority, as the gold chain was a symbol of high status and recognition.

Symbolism and Significance

In biblical symbolism, gold represents divine purity and holiness. The use of gold chains in religious artifacts underscores the sacredness and reverence associated with worship and the priesthood. The chains served not only as functional elements but also as reminders of the divine connection and the beauty of God's commandments.

In royal contexts, gold chains symbolize power, wealth, and prestige. The act of placing a gold chain around someone's neck was a public acknowledgment of their elevated status and favor in the eyes of the king. This practice reflects the broader cultural understanding of gold as a marker of distinction and honor.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gold was a highly prized commodity, often used in trade and as a measure of wealth. The craftsmanship involved in creating gold chains required skill and artistry, further enhancing their value. The biblical accounts of gold chains align with archaeological findings that reveal the widespread use of gold in jewelry and ceremonial objects in ancient civilizations.

The biblical narrative reflects the broader cultural practices of the time, where gold was not only a medium of exchange but also a material that conveyed spiritual and social significance. The use of gold for chains in the Bible serves as a testament to the enduring value and symbolism of this precious metal throughout history.

Conclusion

The use of gold for chains in the Bible highlights the multifaceted role of this precious metal in religious, royal, and cultural contexts. Whether adorning sacred garments or signifying royal honor, gold chains carry deep symbolic meaning, reflecting themes of purity, authority, and divine connection. Through these biblical accounts, we gain insight into the historical and spiritual significance of gold in the ancient world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 41:42
And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in clothing of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 5:29
Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Epistle Lxxvi. Cyprian to Nemesianus and Other Martyrs in the ...
... severely beaten with clubs, and ill-used, you have ... previously had been accustomed
to yield gold and silver ... the temples of God with disgraceful chains, as if ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxvi cyprian to nemesianus.htm

Eligius, Bishop of Noyon.
... was given him for this work, and he used it with ... work was to be done for the court,
gold, silver, and ... the corpses of condemned criminals hung in chains; and he ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/eligius bishop of noyon.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... Some ladies used cosmetics, painting their cheeks and ... right arm), made of ivory,
gold, or precious ... rings, gorgeous head-dresses, necklaces, chains, and what ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

Martyrdom of the Holy and Glorious Apostle Bartholomew.
... And he sees the king's daughter bound with chains, for she ... if any one came near her,
she used to bite ... Then the king loaded camels with gold and silver, precious ...
/.../martyrdom of the holy and.htm

From Gallienus to the End of the Last Persecution (Ad 261-313)
... in captivity; and we are told that he used to be led forth, loaded with chains,
but with ... built splendid churches, which they furnished with gold and silver ...
/.../chapter ix from gallienus to.htm

The Oracles.
... whip had three lashes, which were formed of brazen chains. ... and goblets and other
vessels of gold, and dresses of ... other articles, all intended to be used in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vi the oracles.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... His robe of purple was woven in gold with dragons, which ... his neck, and over his breast
hung chains of precious ... He scarcely had as much activity as used to make ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... the arms by gold laces or little chains; the fullness ... Virgin had very abundant hair,
reddish-gold in color. ... Very rich people used to change their dresses three ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... been buried in its napkin, and spreads out all the gold and silver ... and impassioned
earnestness, though his hands were bound with chains, he used the liberty ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/pauls sermon before felix.htm

Epistle xxvi. To Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch.
... 66), or used for healing ... In one instance the key is described as being of gold (VII ...
of Alexandria is sent a small cross containing filings from the chains, to be ...
/.../epistle xxvi to anastasius patriarch.htm