Topical Encyclopedia Silver holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The use of silver in the Tabernacle is a testament to its value and symbolic meaning in the worship and service of God.Biblical Context The command to use silver in the construction of the Tabernacle is found in the Book of Exodus. After the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, God instructed Moses to build a sanctuary so that He might dwell among His people. The materials for the Tabernacle were to be collected as offerings from the Israelites, as described in Exodus 25:1-3 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, '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.'" Purpose and Use Silver was used extensively in the Tabernacle's construction, serving both functional and symbolic purposes. It was primarily used for the bases of the Tabernacle's framework. Exodus 26:19 states, "Make forty silver bases to go under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon." These silver bases provided stability and support for the structure, symbolizing the foundation of faith and purity upon which the community of Israel was to be built. Additionally, silver was used in the making of various sacred objects and utensils. In Exodus 27:10-11 , the use of silver is further detailed: "with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. Likewise, there are to be twenty posts and twenty bronze bases on the north side, with silver hooks and bands on the posts." Symbolism In biblical symbolism, silver often represents redemption and purification. The use of silver in the Tabernacle can be seen as a reflection of these themes, emphasizing the need for holiness and the redemptive relationship between God and His people. The silver collected from the Israelites was a freewill offering, signifying their willingness to participate in the divine plan and their commitment to the covenant with God. The Census Offering The collection of silver also played a role in the census offering, as described in Exodus 30:11-16 . Each Israelite was required to give a half-shekel of silver as a ransom for his life, a practice that underscored the value of each individual before God and the communal responsibility of supporting the sanctuary: "Each one who crosses over to those counted must give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD." Conclusion The use of silver in the Tabernacle construction highlights its importance in the religious and communal life of the Israelites. It served as a tangible expression of their devotion and obedience to God's commands, while also symbolizing deeper spiritual truths of redemption and purity. Through the offering of silver, the Israelites participated in the sacred task of creating a dwelling place for the Divine Presence among them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 25:3And this is the offering which you shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass, Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 35:24 Library Princely Service. Beauty for Ashes A Stanza of Deliverance The Believer a New Creature The Key-Note of a Choice Sonnet I Know that My Redeemer Liveth A Greater than Solomon Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament. The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation. The Blood of Sprinkling Resources What is the significance of thirty pieces of silver? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Christian themes in The Silver Chair? | GotQuestions.org Is Zechariah 11:12-13 a Messianic prophecy? | GotQuestions.org Silver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Silver for Ornamentation of, and in the Manufacture of, the Utensils for the Tabernacle Silver of Saints Purified by Affliction Silver of the Medo-Persian Kingdom Silver of the Tongue of the Just Silver of the Words of the Lord Silver used As Money from the Earliest Times Silver: (Dross of) of the Wicked Silver: (Labour of Seeking For) of Diligence Required For Silver: (Reprobate) the Wicked Silver: Baskets (Rv), or Filigree (Margin, RV) Silver: Generally Found in an Impure State Silver: Given by David and his Subjects for Making the Temple Silver: Given by the Israelite for Making the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Beds or Couches Silver: Made Into: Candlesticks Silver: Made Into: Ornaments and Hooks for the Pillars of the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Ornaments for the Person Silver: Made Into: Sockets for the Boards of the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Thin Plates Silver: Made Into: Wires (Alluded To) Silver: Often Given As Presents Silver: Purified, Called: Choice Silver Silver: Purified, Called: Refined Silver Silver: Taken in War often Consecrated to God Silver: Taken in War Purified by Fire Silver: Tarshish Carried on Extensive Commerce In Silver: The Patriarchs Rich In Silver: The Working In, a Trade Silver: Veins of, Found in the Earth Silver: Very Abundant in the Reign of Solomon Silver: Wisdom to be Esteemed More Than Related Terms |
    |