Topical Encyclopedia Silver, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and utility, has been used as a medium of exchange since ancient times. In the biblical context, silver's role as money is well-documented, reflecting its importance in the economic and social life of the people.Biblical References and Historical Context The use of silver as money is evident from the earliest narratives in the Bible. In Genesis 13:2, we read about Abram's wealth: "And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold." This passage indicates that silver, alongside gold, was a measure of wealth and prosperity. In Genesis 23:16, the transaction between Abraham and Ephron the Hittite for the purchase of the cave of Machpelah is described: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the silver that he had specified in the hearing of the Hittites—four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants." This transaction highlights the use of silver as a standardized medium of exchange, weighed and valued according to merchant standards. The account of Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, further illustrates the use of silver as currency. In Genesis 37:28, it is recorded: "So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." This passage underscores the role of silver in trade and commerce, even in human transactions. Silver in the Tabernacle and Temple Silver also held a significant place in the religious life of Israel. In the construction of the Tabernacle, silver was used extensively. Exodus 26:19 mentions the use of silver bases for the frames of the Tabernacle: "Make forty silver bases to go under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each projection." This use of silver in sacred structures signifies its value and purity. In the Temple built by Solomon, silver was again a prominent material. 1 Kings 7:51 states: "So all the work that King Solomon did for the house of the LORD was completed. Then Solomon brought in the things his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD." The accumulation and dedication of silver for the Temple's treasury reflect its continued importance as a symbol of wealth and devotion. Silver in Prophecy and Symbolism Prophetically, silver is often used symbolically to represent wealth and judgment. In Ezekiel 7:19, the prophet declares: "They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be treated as a thing unclean. Their silver and gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD." Here, silver symbolizes the futility of relying on material wealth for salvation. In the New Testament, silver continues to be a medium of exchange. The betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15) is a poignant example of silver's role in human affairs, illustrating both its value and the moral implications of its use. Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, silver is consistently portrayed as a valuable and essential element of economic life. Its use as money, in religious contexts, and as a symbol in prophecy underscores its multifaceted role in the history and theology of the Bible. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 23:15,16My lord, listen to me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver; what is that between me and you? bury therefore your dead. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 37:28 1 Kings 16:24 Library Hiram, the Inspired Artificer Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ... The Nile and Egypt Chaldaean Civilization The Later Hebrew Histories. Philippians iii. 3-Jan Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. The Evolution of Language Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest 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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