Topical Bible: Silver: Made Into: Bowls

◄ Silver: Made Into: Bowls ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, silver holds significant value and symbolism, often representing wealth, purity, and divine craftsmanship. Among the various uses of silver in the Scriptures, its crafting into bowls is noteworthy, reflecting both practical and ceremonial purposes.

Biblical References:

1. Tabernacle Offerings:
Silver bowls are prominently mentioned in the context of offerings for the Tabernacle. In the Book of Numbers, during the dedication of the altar, the leaders of Israel presented offerings that included silver bowls. Each leader brought a silver bowl weighing 70 shekels, filled with fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering. This is detailed in Numbers 7:13 : "His offering was one silver dish weighing 130 shekels, one silver basin weighing 70 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering."

2. Temple Service:
The use of silver bowls extended into the service of the Temple, where they were part of the sacred vessels. These bowls were utilized in various rituals and offerings, underscoring their importance in worship and the maintenance of the Temple's sanctity.

3. Symbolism and Craftsmanship:
The crafting of silver into bowls not only served functional purposes but also symbolized the skill and artistry endowed by God to the craftsmen. The meticulous work involved in creating these vessels reflects the divine order and beauty that God desired in His dwelling place among His people.

4. Wealth and Status:
Beyond their religious significance, silver bowls also represented wealth and status in ancient Israelite society. Possession of such items indicated prosperity and was often associated with the blessings of God. The use of silver in household items like bowls demonstrated the abundance and favor bestowed upon the people.

5. Prophetic Imagery:
In prophetic literature, silver, including items like bowls, can symbolize the refining process of God's people. Just as silver is purified through fire, so too are the faithful refined through trials, emerging purer and more aligned with God's will.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, silver was a highly prized metal, often used in trade and as a standard of wealth. The Israelites, during their sojourn in Egypt and subsequent journey to the Promised Land, would have been familiar with the use of silver in various forms, including bowls. The biblical narrative reflects this cultural backdrop, where silver bowls are not only practical items but also carry deep spiritual and communal significance.

The use of silver bowls in the Tabernacle and Temple highlights the intersection of daily life and divine worship, where ordinary materials are transformed into vessels of sacred service. This transformation underscores the biblical theme of consecration, where earthly elements are dedicated to God's glory and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 7:13,84
And his offering was one silver charger, the weight thereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Costly Vessels.
... that gathereth wages," it is said, "gathereth into a bag ... outright, for men to bring
in silver urinals and ... to get gold receptacles for excrements made; so that ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... the altar, and desired every one to cast into it, through ... and when they had repaired
the temple, they made use of the remaining gold and silver, which was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... into their bases, and these were of silver, in each of ... the Hebrews call Chinchares,
if it be turned into the Greek ... It was made with its knops, and lilies, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

The Master of the Magicians.
... He made a great feast, and a thousand of his lords ... of the holy vessels of gold and
silver that his ... at Jerusalem, and he sent for them, and into these golden ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxii the master of.htm

Methodical Liberality
... not made for the house of the Lord bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets,
any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/methodical liberality.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... I saw gold and silver threads being used ... under the spring so that the water had to
run into it, and ... entrance to the cave on the northern side and made a little ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Second Commandment
... If I let some image made by man get into my heart ... what Paul meant when he said:
"We ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/second commandment.htm

The Eve of the Restoration
... All the vessels of gold and of silver were five ... are patrons, and who may be absorbed
into the pantheon ... the captives], the priests and Levites,' made the bulk ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the eve of the restoration.htm

Of Images, and the Ornaments of Temples, and the Contempt in which ...
... so they honour the gods, who when they were made did not ... that golden vessels should
be carried into the temples ... to these they dedicate gold and silver, of which ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap iv of images and the.htm

Princely Service.
... of the other tribes was taken into captivity, he ... representative, before any enumeration
is made of his ... chargers of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm