Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, silver holds significant value both materially and symbolically. It is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a precious metal used for various purposes, including the crafting of dishes and other utensils. The use of silver for making dishes is indicative of wealth, status, and the importance of the items being served or the occasions being celebrated.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 44:2 : "Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one's sack, along with the silver for his grain." This passage refers to the silver cup belonging to Joseph, which was placed in Benjamin's sack as part of a test for his brothers. The mention of a silver cup highlights its value and the esteem in which such items were held. 2. 1 Kings 10:21 : "All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. None were silver, because silver was considered worthless in the days of Solomon." This verse underscores the abundance of wealth during Solomon's reign, where even silver, a valuable metal, was deemed of lesser worth compared to gold. However, it also implies that silver was commonly used for such purposes in other contexts. 3. Ezra 1:9-10 : "This was the inventory: 30 gold dishes, 1,000 silver dishes, 29 silver pans, 30 gold bowls, 410 matching silver bowls, and 1,000 other articles." In the context of the return from Babylonian exile, the inventory of temple articles includes a significant number of silver dishes, indicating their importance in religious and ceremonial practices. Symbolic and Cultural Significance: Silver dishes in the Bible often symbolize wealth, purity, and divine blessing. The use of silver for making dishes and utensils reflects the cultural practices of the ancient Near East, where silver was a common medium for crafting items of both practical and ceremonial use. The presence of silver dishes in the temple inventory and royal households signifies their role in worship and governance. Historical Context: In ancient Israel and surrounding regions, silver was a widely traded commodity and a standard of wealth. The crafting of dishes from silver would have required skilled artisans, and such items were likely reserved for special occasions or for use by the elite. The biblical references to silver dishes provide insight into the economic and social structures of the time, where silver played a crucial role in trade and daily life. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, silver, like gold, is often associated with purity and redemption. The use of silver in the tabernacle and temple, as well as in royal settings, underscores its role in the divine economy and the worship of God. The crafting of dishes from silver for sacred purposes reflects the biblical theme of offering the best to God, symbolizing the purity and value of worship and service to the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 7:13,84,85And 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 I Would Now have These Most Religious Protectors and vindicators ... Of the Building of this Temple The Emperor's Mother Helena Having Come to Jerusalem, Searches for ... How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned ... The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ... The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. The Mystery of the Lost Brother The City of God Psalm LXXXVII. Resources What kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely? | 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 |
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