Topical Bible: Gold was Used for Crowns

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Topical Encyclopedia

Gold, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and rarity, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the Bible. It is frequently associated with royalty, divinity, and purity. One of the notable uses of gold in the biblical context is in the crafting of crowns, which serve as symbols of authority, honor, and divine favor.

Biblical References to Gold Crowns

The use of gold for crowns is mentioned in several passages throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its association with kingship and divine authority. In the Old Testament, gold crowns are often linked to the monarchy of Israel and the splendor of its kings. For instance, in 2 Samuel 12:30, we read about King David taking the crown from the head of the Ammonite king: "Then he took the crown from the head of their king. It weighed a talent of gold and was set with precious stones, and it was placed on David’s head."

The Book of Esther also provides insight into the use of gold crowns in the Persian Empire, where King Ahasuerus is described as wearing a crown of gold. Esther 1:11 states, "to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials, for she was lovely to look at."

In the New Testament, gold crowns are mentioned in the apocalyptic visions of the Book of Revelation. These crowns symbolize victory and divine reward. Revelation 4:4 describes the twenty-four elders seated around the throne of God, each wearing a crown of gold: "Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones sat twenty-four elders, dressed in white with golden crowns on their heads."

Symbolism and Significance

Gold crowns in the Bible symbolize more than just earthly power; they often represent divine approval and eternal reward. The use of gold, a metal that does not tarnish, underscores the enduring nature of the authority and honor bestowed upon the wearer. In the context of biblical prophecy and eschatology, gold crowns are emblematic of the ultimate victory of righteousness and the eternal reign of Christ.

The imagery of gold crowns also serves to remind believers of the heavenly rewards promised to those who remain faithful. In Revelation 2:10, the church in Smyrna is encouraged with the promise, "Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life."

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, crowns were often made of gold and adorned with jewels, signifying the wealth and power of the ruler. The biblical accounts reflect this cultural practice, emphasizing the grandeur and majesty associated with kingship. The use of gold for crowns in the Bible aligns with the broader ancient tradition of using precious metals to denote status and authority.

Conclusion

The biblical depiction of gold crowns serves as a powerful symbol of authority, divine favor, and eternal reward. Through the use of gold, the Scriptures convey the splendor and majesty of God's kingdom and the ultimate victory of His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 12:30
And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 21:3
For you prevent him with the blessings of goodness: you set a crown of pure gold on his head.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... accordingly, brought to Him on His birth, gold, the symbol ... But the use of crowns
did not exist at all ... neither the suitors nor the luxurious Ph??acians used them ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii on the use of.htm

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven ...
... be made such, a means of grace; and when used in a ... godfather then changes the rings,
giving the gold ring to ... and prayer, the priest takes the crowns, and first ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iii.htm

Blessed is He Above all in his Birth!
... for His Ascension blessed; the months have borne Him crowns. ... The gold that had been
worshipped worshipped thee, when ... fled and his hosts, he that used to exult ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xv blessed is he.htm

The Lessons from Olivet
... Some will be simply crowns of gold, or of glory, without any gems or jewels to ... all
depend upon the way in which those who wear these crowns used their talents ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the lessons from olivet.htm

Man's Crown and God's
... The same metaphor, then, is used with reference to what God is to the ... (c) Crowns
were worn ... by an alchemy that can convert base metal into fine gold; as showing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/mans crown and gods.htm

John xix. 16-18
... in these respects and in the modesty of the attire used, prepares crowns and praises ...
a garment more glorious than silk or cloth of gold, the garment ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxv john xix 16-18.htm

Psalm CXXIV.
... hope, joining our affections with their crowns, and longing ... But if through gold also
thou art carried where ... the word, Thinkest thou, is commonly used: but not ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxiv.htm

Repentance
... fountains of tears to wash her Saviour's feet; her tongue that used to speak ... 9:7,
are an emblem of sin: On their heads were crowns like gold, and they had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 2 repentance.htm

Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ...
... stones that were transparent, some set in crowns of gold ... structure was entirely either
of ivory or of gold. ... they had consecrated, in the prayers used in such ...
/.../chapter v concerning the sabbatic.htm

But I First Say a Word Also About the Crown Itself. ...
... The laurel is likewise commanded (to be used) at the ... as it does, Christ for pieces
of gold, as Judas ... And indeed crowns are called (Castrenses), as belonging to ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter xii but i first.htm