Topical Encyclopedia Silver, a precious metal highly valued in biblical times, was frequently used in the creation of various vessels and items of utility and beauty. The use of silver for crafting vessels is well-documented throughout the Scriptures, reflecting its significance in both religious and everyday life.Biblical References and Usage 1. Tabernacle and Temple Service: Silver was extensively used in the construction and service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. In Exodus 26:19, silver sockets were used as bases for the Tabernacle's frames: "You are to make forty silver bases under the twenty frames: two bases for each frame, one under each tenon." This highlights the foundational role of silver in the sacred structure. 2. Sacred Vessels: Silver was also used to make sacred vessels for worship. In Numbers 7:13, during the dedication of the altar, the leaders of Israel presented offerings that included silver vessels: "His offering was one silver dish weighing a hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl weighing seventy shekels, both according to the sanctuary shekel, each filled with fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering." 3. Royal and Noble Use: Silver vessels were not only used in religious contexts but also in royal and noble settings. In 1 Kings 10:21, the grandeur of King Solomon's wealth is described: "All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. There was no silver, for it was considered as nothing in the days of Solomon." This passage indicates that while silver was valuable, Solomon's wealth was so great that gold was preferred, yet silver remained a symbol of wealth and status. 4. Everyday Use: Beyond religious and royal contexts, silver vessels were part of everyday life for those who could afford them. In Genesis 44:2, Joseph uses a silver cup as part of his plan to test his brothers: "Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain." This incident shows that silver cups were used in dining and social settings. 5. Symbol of Wealth and Refinement: Silver vessels often symbolized wealth and refinement. Proverbs 25:4 states, "Remove the dross from the silver, and a vessel for a silversmith will come forth." This metaphorical use of silver refining illustrates the process of purification and the creation of something valuable and beautiful. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, silver was a common medium of exchange and a measure of wealth. Its use in making vessels was not only practical but also symbolic of purity and value. The process of refining silver, mentioned in various biblical passages, was a well-known practice that involved removing impurities to produce a pure and valuable metal. This refining process is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual purification and the testing of faith. The craftsmanship involved in creating silver vessels required skill and artistry, reflecting the importance of these items in both sacred and secular settings. Silver's durability and luster made it an ideal material for crafting items that were both functional and decorative. In summary, silver vessels in the Bible represent a convergence of utility, artistry, and spiritual symbolism, playing a significant role in the religious, royal, and everyday life of ancient Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 8:10Then Toi sent Joram his son to king David, to salute him, and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten him: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. And Joram brought with him vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass: Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 6:5 Library On Costly Vessels. Whether it is a Sin to Take Usury for Money Lent? Of the Building of this Temple The Advance of Xerxes into Greece. Gold and Silver not Superior in Origin or in Utility to Other ... Whether this Sacrament Ought to be Celebrated in a House and with ... How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and ... A Letter from Origen to Gregory. Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ... 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 |
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