Topical Bible: Silver: Purified, Called: Choice Silver

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Introduction

Silver, a precious metal, holds significant symbolic and practical value in the Bible. It is often associated with purity, refinement, and value. The process of purifying silver is used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual refinement and the testing of character. The term "choice silver" is used to denote the highest quality of this metal, symbolizing excellence and worthiness.

Biblical References

1. Purification Process: The process of refining silver is mentioned in the Bible as a metaphor for God's refining work in the lives of His people. In Proverbs 17:3 , it states, "A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts." This verse highlights the idea that just as silver is purified through fire, so are human hearts tested and refined by God.

2. Symbol of Purity and Value: Silver is often used to symbolize purity and value. In Psalm 12:6 , it is written, "The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold." Here, the purity of silver is likened to the perfection of God's words, emphasizing their reliability and worth.

3. Choice Silver: The term "choice silver" is used to describe something of exceptional quality. Proverbs 8:19 states, "My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver." This verse, spoken by Wisdom personified, underscores the superior value of wisdom over even the finest silver.

4. Moral and Ethical Implications: The imagery of silver is also used to convey moral and ethical teachings. In Proverbs 10:20 , it is said, "The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value." This comparison highlights the worth of righteous speech and the moral integrity it represents.

5. Refinement and Testing: The refining of silver is a process that removes impurities, leaving behind pure metal. This is used as an analogy for spiritual refinement. Malachi 3:3 describes the Lord as a refiner, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver." This passage illustrates God's intention to purify His people, removing impurities to produce holiness and righteousness.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient times, silver was a valuable commodity, used as currency and in the creation of various items, including temple vessels and ornaments. Its value and beauty made it a fitting symbol for purity and refinement. The process of refining silver involved heating it to high temperatures to separate impurities, a practice well understood in biblical times and used metaphorically to describe spiritual purification.

Theological Significance

The use of silver as a metaphor for purity and refinement in the Bible underscores the importance of spiritual growth and moral integrity. The process of refining silver serves as a powerful illustration of God's work in the lives of believers, emphasizing the need for purification and the removal of sin. The concept of "choice silver" further highlights the value of wisdom, righteousness, and the transformative power of God's Word.

Conclusion

The biblical imagery of silver, particularly in its refined and choice forms, serves as a profound metaphor for spiritual purity, moral integrity, and the transformative work of God in the lives of His people. Through the process of refinement, believers are called to pursue holiness and reflect the purity and value symbolized by choice silver.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 8:19
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter iii. --For 331. Easter-Day xvi Pharmuthi; iii Id. April ...
... But He called blessed Moses to it, as being fervent in spirit, and ... injured; but rather,
through the words of the Lord, which are choice silver purified in the ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter iii for 331 easter-day xvi.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... beasts that were slain, and had purified them with ... they could not possibly contradict
this, called that breastplate ... and the bowl were of silver, and together ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

Hebrews ix. 15-18
... of the things in the heavens should be purified with these ... exists amongst us; those
who have been called thereto. ... know what is gold, or what is silver, or what ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi hebrews ix 15-18.htm

Christ's Humiliation in his Incarnation
... Christ's flesh is called a veil in Hebrews 10: Through the veil ... be sold for a shekel,
half an ounce of silver, how can ... Art thou purified from the love of sin? ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/6 christs humiliation in his.htm

Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles.
... and unclean, was He who had purified the Gentiles ... the Deity is like unto gold or
silver, or stone ... of all, the Lord's disciples were called Christians, because ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii doctrine of the rest.htm

Sermon at the Faribault Celebration of the Centennial of the ...
... Washington called around him as advisers Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of ... of gold in
pictures of silver," of Washington's ... and come out of it purified and fitted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/ii sermon at the faribault.htm

Texts Explained; Thirdly...
... Receive my instruction and not silver, and knowledge ... contrary, things originate cannot
be called generate, God's ... in the heavens should be purified with these ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xiii texts explained thirdly.htm

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
... must renounce the grace of God by which He has called us to ... He says that since gold
and silver, which are only corruptible metals, are purified and tested ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/calvin enduring persecution for.htm

Adam's Sin
... If purified nature did not stand, how shall corrupt ... are fully confirmed in holiness;
they are called stars of ... rob the temple, and steal the silver vessels; so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion
... But idolaters are so called because they offer to ... old those who were to be purified
were sprinkled ... admixture with things inferior to them"silver, for instance ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxi of the virtue.htm