Topical Bible: Silver: Made Into: Chains

◄ Silver: Made Into: Chains ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, silver was a highly valued metal, often used for various purposes, including the crafting of chains. The use of silver chains is mentioned in several contexts within the Scriptures, reflecting both their practical and symbolic significance.

Symbol of Wealth and Status

Silver chains were often a symbol of wealth and status. In ancient cultures, including those depicted in the Bible, wearing silver chains could signify one's social standing or prosperity. The use of silver in this manner is indicative of its value and desirability. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is compared to precious metals, highlighting the value of both: "For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her" (Proverbs 8:11). While this verse does not mention silver chains directly, it underscores the cultural context in which precious metals, including silver, were esteemed.

Idolatry and Pagan Practices

Silver chains also appear in the context of idolatry and pagan practices. In Isaiah 40:19, the prophet describes the making of idols, noting the use of silver: "An idol, a craftsman casts it, and a goldsmith overlays it with gold and fashions silver chains for it" (Isaiah 40:19). This passage highlights the use of silver chains in the creation of idols, serving as a critique of the futility and vanity of idol worship. The chains, in this context, are part of the elaborate and costly adornments used to make idols appear more impressive and worthy of worship, contrasting with the biblical teaching of worshiping the one true God.

Adornment and Beauty

In addition to their use in idolatry, silver chains were also used for personal adornment, contributing to beauty and elegance. In Song of Solomon, a book that celebrates love and beauty, there is a reference to chains of silver: "We will make you ornaments of gold, studded with silver" (Song of Solomon 1:11). This verse illustrates the use of silver in creating beautiful and ornate jewelry, enhancing the appearance of the beloved. The mention of silver alongside gold emphasizes its value and the care taken in crafting items of beauty.

Metaphorical Use

The Bible also uses the imagery of chains metaphorically, though not always specifically mentioning silver. Chains can symbolize bondage or captivity, as seen in various passages. However, when silver is mentioned, it often carries connotations of wealth and adornment rather than oppression. The distinction between literal and metaphorical chains is important in understanding the broader biblical narrative.

In summary, silver chains in the Bible are multifaceted in their representation. They serve as symbols of wealth and status, are critiqued in the context of idolatry, and are appreciated for their beauty in personal adornment. The use of silver chains reflects the broader cultural and religious practices of the times, offering insight into the values and beliefs of biblical societies.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 40:19
The workman melts a graven image, and the goldsmith spreads it over with gold, and casts silver chains.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On Daniel. I. Preface by the Most Holy Hippolytus, (Bishop) of ...
... Lord, and all the vessels of gold and silver; and all ... of the Lord, and the agreement
he had made with him ... And he cast him into chains of iron, and carried him ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel i preface by.htm

On the Soul and Body and the Passion of the Lord.
... life, the souls were sent back again into the world ... Moreover, He being made like
to man whom He had ... to offer before His Father, not gold or silver, or precious ...
/.../v on the soul and body.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... 3. Now when the king had divided the temple into two parts, he made the inner ... of
work; but his chief skill lay in working in gold, and silver, and brass ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments.
... or only melted them; but having cast their gold into the form of ... upbraiding the Hebrews
by the prophet, says, "They made to Baal things of silver and gold ...
/.../the instructor paedagogus/chapter xiiiagainst excessive fondness for.htm

Chapter i
... The King hath brought me into his storechambers; we will ... me; my mother's children
strove against me; they made me keeper ... borders of gold with studs of silver.10 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/chapter i.htm

He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who ...
... announcing that a raid had been made into their lands ... sake possessed nothing should
enter into partnership with ... was that when many pieces of silver were found ...
/.../chapter vii he does battle.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ...
... its setting, to the winds; and he made the bakehouse to ... having heard, sent him again
gold and silver uncoined, and ... in chains, and to be cast into prison, until ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle 2.htm

Acts xii. 18, 19
... Ant. xix.) Josephus also says this, that he fell into a lingering disease. ... But Josephus
says, that he was also arrayed in a splendid robe made of silver. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii acts xii 18.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... I held Him; neither will I let Him go until I bring Him into my mother's house,
and into the chamber ... He made the pillars thereof of silver, the couch ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

Epistle Lxxvi. Cyprian to Nemesianus and Other Martyrs in the ...
... in what way I can, I bring myself into your presence ... my voice in stillness, when
I am made aware of ... But what wonder if, as golden and silver vessels, you have ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxvi cyprian to nemesianus.htm