Gold
GOLD
A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16 ; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6 ; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22 . Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Gen 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of the Lord, as well as the drinking-vessels of Solomon, were of gold.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Gold
(, , gold; , golden; , adorn with gold, gild)
This mineral may, from one point of view, be classed with any other yellow pebbles (Ruskin, Unto This Last, 29), but as a universal standard of value and means of adornment it claims a special attention. Prom the earliest times the imagination of man has been fired by the thought of reefs and sands of gold. There is a naive wonder in the first and last biblical references-and the gold of that land was good (Gen 2:12), and the street of the city was pure gold (Rev 21:21). There are good reasons for the unquestioned supremacy of gold among metals: the supply of it is neither too great nor too small; its colour and lustre are permanent; it is the most malleable and one of the most ductile of substances; it can be melted and re-melted with scarcely any diminution of quantity. In its state of perfect purity it is too soft for most purposes, but a small admixture of copper gives it sufficient hardness for coinage and for jewellery.
Gold is often found in solid masses, but generally in combination with silver and other ores, from which it requires to be purified, Peter (1Pe 1:7) refers to gold proved by fire ( ; cf. Rev 3:18).
Strabo states that in his time h process was employed for refining and purifying gold in large quantities by cementing or burning it with an aluminous earth, which, by destroying the silver, left, the gold in a state of purity. Pliny shows that for this purpose the gold was placed on the fire in an earthen vessel with treble its Weight of salt, and that it was afterwards again exposed to the fire with the parts of salt and one of argillaceous rock, which, in the presence of moisture, effected the decomposition of the salt: by this means the silver became converted into chloride (Encyclopaedia Britannica 11, art Gold, xii.199).
India, Arabia, Spain, and Africa were the chief gold-producing countries of the ancients, Arabia, containing the lands of Seba, Havilah, and Ophir, was the Eldorado of the Hebrews. Herodotus (vi. 47) tells of the Phnician quest for gold in the island of Thasos: a large mountain has been thrown upside down in the search. Pliny describes the gold-mining of Spain (Historia Naturalis (Pliny) xxx. 4. 21). The art of the goldsmith flourished in all the ancient civilizations. The gold-work of the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans may be rivalled, but can scarcely be excelled, and that of the Egyptians of 2,000 years earlier was no less exquisite.
Gold was used for many purposes, secular and sacred. Crowns were made of it (Rev 4:4; Rev 9:7; Rev 14:14), rings (Jam 2:2), vessels of great houses (2Ti 2:20), idols (Rev 9:20; cf. Act 17:29). Many articles of gold were in the merchandise of Rome (Rev 18:12); the great city itself was decked with it (Rev 18:16); the scarlet womans cup of abomination was made of it (Rev 17:4). Much of the furniture of the real Temple, as of St. Johns ideal one, was of gold-the ark of the covenant (overlaid with it, Heb 9:4), the censer (Heb 9:4, Rev 8:3), the altar of incense (Rev 8:3; Rev 9:13), the bowls full of incense (Rev 5:8), the pot of manna (Heb 9:4), the candlesticks (Rev 1:12-13; Rev 1:20; Rev 2:1). But servants of God have a spiritual rather than a material standard of values; for them the true veins of wealth are purple-and not in Rock, but in Flesh (Ruskin, op. cit. 40). They have been redeemed not with gold, but with blood (1Pe 1:18). Apostles, though poor, have something more precious to offer than gold (Act 3:6). Women have a finer adornment than jewels of gold (1Ti 2:9, 1Pe 3:3). It is assumed that even the noblest metal may be rusted (Jam 5:3), and if this is only a popular fancy, at any rate gold is ultimately as perishable as all other material things (1Pe 1:7).
It is natural, however, that gold should be a universal symbol of purity and worth. The golden age, the golden rule, golden opinions, golden opportunities are in common speech the best of such things. Gold is likewise an inevitable category of apocalyptic prophecy. The Son of Man wears a golden girdle (Rev 1:13), as does each of the seven angels of the seven golden bowls (Rev 15:6-7). The twenty-four elders have on their heads crowns of gold (Rev 4:4). An angel receives a golden reed to measure the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:15), and the city itself is pure gold (Rev 21:18; Rev 21:21; cf. Tob 13:16-17). The gold of the Apocalyptist, moreover, has a transcendent quality; differing from our opaque yellow metal, it is like unto pure glass, clear and transparent as crystal. The gold of heaven is liner than earths finest.
James Strahan.
Fuente: Dictionary of the Apostolic Church
gold
A precious metal, first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 2. It was one of the gifts of the Magi to the Infant Jesus (Matthew 2) offered to Him as symbol of His kingship; a symbol of purity (Job 23), and great value (Isaiah 13).
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Gold
(Gr. or , the last being prob. a diminutive of the former and more general term, and therefore expressing gold in a small piece or quantity, especially as wrought, e.g. a golden ornament, 1Pe 3:3; Rev 17:4; [18:16;] or gold coin, Act 3:6; Act 20:33; 1Pe 1:18; but also used of the metal generally Heb 9:4; 1Pe 1:7; Rev 3:18; Rev 21:18; Rev 21:21), the most valuable of metals, from its color, lustre, weight, ductility, and other useful properties (Pliny, H.N. 33:19). As it is only procured in small quantities, its value is less liable to change than that of other metals, and this, with its other qualities, has in all ages rendered it peculiarly available for coin. There are six Hebrew words used to denote it, and four of them occur in Job 28:15-17. These are:
1. , zahab’, the common name, connected with tsahab’ (to be yellow), as Germ. geld, from gelb, yellow. Various epithets are applied to it, as “fine” (2Ch 3:5), “refined” (1Ch 28:18), “pure” (Exo 25:11). In opposition to these, “beaten gold” ( 8) is probably mixed gold; Sept. ; used of Solomon’s shields (1Ki 10:16). In Job 37:22 it is rendered in the A.V. “fair weather;” Sept. (comp. Zec 4:12). The corresponding Chald. word is , dehab’ (Dan 2:32; Dan 3:1; Dan 3:5; Dan 3:7).
2. , segor’ (Job 28:15), elsewhere as an epithet, , sagur’ (Sept. , either from its compactness, or as being inclosed or treasured, i.e. fine gold (1Ki 6:20; 1Ki 7:49, etc.). Many names of precious substances in Hebrew come from roots signifying concealment, as (Gen 43:23, A.V. “treasure”).
3. , paz’, pure or native gold (Job 28:17; Psalm 19:10; 20:3; 110:127; Pro 8:19; Son 5:11; Son 5:15; Isa 13:12; Lam 4:2; invariably “fine” once “pure”] gold), probably from , paza’, to separate. Rosenmller (Alterthumsk. 4:49) makes it come from a Syriac root meaning solid or massy; but (2Ch 9:17) corresponds to (1Ki 10:18). The Sept. render it by , (Isa 13:12; Theodot. ; comp. Thuc. 2:13; Pliny, 33:19, obrussa). In Psa 119:127, the Sept. render it (A.V. “fine gold”); but Schleusner happily conjectures , the Hebrew word being adopted to avoid the repetition of (Thes. s.v. ; Hesych. s.v. ).
4. , betsar’ (Job 36:19, fig. of riches), or , be’tser, gold earth, or a mass of raw ore (Job 22:24; Sept. ; A.V. “gold as dust”).
The poetical names for gold are:
5. , ke’them (also implying something concealed or separated, Job 28:16; Job 28:19; Job 31:24; Psa 45:9; Pro 25:12; Son 5:11; Lam 4:1; Dan 10:5; Sept. ; and in Isa 13:12 ).
6. , charuts’=”dug out” (Pro 8:10; Pro 8:18), a general name (Pro 3:14; Pro 16:16; Zec 9:3) which has become special (Psa 68:13, where it cannot mean gems, as some suppose, Bochart, Hieroz. 2:9). Michaelis connects the word with the Greek .
Gold was known from the very earliest times (Gen 2:11). Pliny attributes the discovery of it (at Mount Pangaeus), and the art of working it to Cadmus (H.V. 7:57); and his statement is adopted by Clemens Alexandrinus (Stromat. 1:363, ed. Pott.). It was at first chiefly used for ornaments, etc. (Gen 24:22); and although Abraham is said to have been “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Gen 13:2), yet no mention of it, as used in purchases, is made till after his return from Egypt. Coined money was not known to the ancients (e.g. Homer, Il. 7:473) till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes (comp. Gen 43:21). No coins are found in the ruins of Egypt or Assyria (Layard’s Nin. 2:418). “Even so late as the time of David gold was not used as a standard of value, but was considered merely as a very precious article of commerce, and was weighed like other articles” (Jahn, Bibl. Arch. 115; comp. 1Ch 21:25).
Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times (1Ch 22:14; Nah 2:9; Dan 3:1); but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc. (1Ki 6:22; x, passim; Son 3:9-10; Est 1:6; Jer 10:9; comp. Homer, Od. 19:55; Herod. 9:82). Probably, too, the art of gilding was known extensively, being applied even to the battlements of a city (Herod. 1:98; and other authorities quoted by Layard, 2:264). Many tons of gold were spent in the building of the Temple alone, though the expression plenteous as stones (2Ch 1:15) may be considered as hyperbolical. It is, however, confirmed by the history of the other Asiatic nations, and more especially of the Persians, that the period referred to really abounded in gold, which was imported in vast masses from Africa and the Indies (Heeren, Ideen, 1:1, 37 sq.). The queen of Sheba brought with her (from Arabia Felix) among other presents, 120 talents of gold (2Ch 9:9).
The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir (1Ki 9:28; 1Ki 10:1; Job 28:16; in Job 22:24 the word Ophir is used for gold). Gold is not found in Arabia now (Niebuhr’s Travels, page 141), but it used to be (Artemidor. ap. Strabo, 16:3, 18, where he speaks of an Arabian river ). Diodorus also says that it was found there native () in good-sized nuggets (). Some suppose that Ophir was an Arabian port to which gold was brought (compare 2Ch 2:7; 2Ch 9:10). Other gold- bearing countries were Uphaz (Jer 10:9; Dan 10:5), Parvaim (2Ch 3:6), and (at least primevally) Havilah (Gen 2:11). No traveler in Palestine makes any mention of gold except Dr. Edward D. Clarke. At the lake of Tiberias, he observes, “Native gold was found here formerly. We noticed an appearance of this kind, but, on account of its trivial nature, neglected to pay proper attention to it, notwithstanding the hints given by more than one writer upon the subject.” However, for every practical purpose, it may be said that Palestine has no gold. It is always spoken of by the Jewish writers as a foreign product. As gold was very common, relatively, in Egypt at a very early date, much of that in the hands of the early Hebrews was probably obtained thence (Exo 12:33; Exo 32:2; Exo 32:4; Exo 38:24).
Metallurgic processes are mentioned in Psa 66:10; Pro 17:3; Pro 27:21; and in Isa 46:6 the trade of goldsmith (compare Jdg 17:4, ) is alluded to in connection with the overlaying of idols with gold-leaf (Rosenmller’s Minerals of Scripture, pages 46-51). SEE GOLDSMITH.
Gold, in the Scriptures, is the symbol of great value, duration, incorruptibility, and strength (Isa 13:12; Lam 4:2; 2Ti 2:20; Pro 18:11; Job 36:19). In Dan 2:38, the Babylonian empire is a “head of gold,” so called on account of its great riches; and Babylon was called by Isaiah, as in our version, “the golden city” (Isa 14:4), but more properly “the exactress of gold.” In Ecc 12:6, some explain the expression “or the golden bowl be broken” of the human head or skull, which resembles a bowl in form. In Rev 4:4, “the elders,” and Rev 9:7, “the locusts, had on their heads crowns of gold.” In the costume of the East, a linen turban with a gold ornament was reckoned a crown of gold, and is so called in the language of Scripture (Lev 8:9). Gold denotes spiritually the redeeming merits of Christ (Rev 3:18 : “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich”), though others interpret it of being rich in good works before God. In 1Co 3:12, it seems to denote sincere believers, built, into the Christian Church, who will stand the fiery trial. SEE METAL.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Gold
(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).
(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).
(3.) Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Ps. 19:10; 21:3, etc.).
(4.) Heb. betzer, “ore of gold or silver” as dug out of the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches).
(5.) Heb. kethem, i.e., something concealed or separated (Job 28:16, 19; Ps. 45:9; Prov. 25:12). Rendered “golden wedge” in Isa. 13:12.
(6.) Heb. haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (Prov. 8:10; 16:16; Zech. 9:3).
Gold was known from the earliest times (Gen. 2:11). It was principally used for ornaments (Gen. 24:22). It was very abundant (1 Chr. 22:14; Nah. 2:9; Dan. 3:1). Many tons of it were used in connection with the temple (2 Chr. 1:15). It was found in Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir (1 Kings 9:28; 10:1; Job 28:16), but not in Palestine.
In Dan. 2:38, the Babylonian Empire is spoken of as a “head of gold” because of its great riches; and Babylon was called by Isaiah (14:4) the “golden city” (R.V. marg., “exactress,” adopting the reading _marhebah_, instead of the usual word _madhebah_).
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Gold
Emblem of purity (Job 23:10), of nobility (Lam 4:1). Zaahaab, “yellow gold,” as geld from gel, yellow. Sagur, “treasured gold ” (1Ki 6:20). Paz, “native gold” (Job 28:17; Son 5:15). Betser, “gold earth,” i.e. raw ore (Job 22:24). Kethem, figuratively (Job 37:22 margin) “golden splendor”; but Maurer literally, “gold is to be found in northern regions, but God cannot, be found out because of His majesty” (compare Job 28). Charuts, “dug out gold” (Pro 8:10).
It was not coined in ancient times, but is represented on Egyptian tombs as weighed out in the form of rings of fixed weight (Gen 43:21). Simon Maccabeus (1 Maccabees 15) was the first who coined Jewish money. Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir, Uphaz, and Parvaim (used for “gold” in Job 22:24), were the gold producing countries. It is no longer found in Arabia. The Asiatics have always possessed more gold in ornaments than in money.
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Gold
GOLD
1. Value.The Bible references to gold are in terms of use and abuse, in accordance with the great fundamental truth, The gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts (Hag 2:8). Being the most precious of metals, it represents the possession and influence of wealth. It has a central place in the trilogy of lifelength of days, riches, and honour (1Ch 29:28). It seems to have a purchasing power over the other twoon the one hand in securing the conditions that tend to prolong life (Psa 17:14; Psa 73:7; Psa 73:12), and on the other by influencing opinion in favour of its possessors (Mat 19:25, Jam 2:2). As the highest quotation of earthly values, it supplies a standard for estimating what surpasses it (Job 28:17, Psa 119:72; Psa 119:127, Pro 3:14; Pro 8:10; Pro 16:16; 1Pe 1:7; 1Pe 1:18). It is only when, as the most beautiful and precious material available, it is used to give visible form to the Divine glory that gold becomes a thing of worthlessness (Psa 115:4, Isa 31:7; Isa 46:6). The blindness that led to such idolatrous perversion among the Gentiles (Act 17:29) is also found among the Jews (Mat 23:16-17).
2. Associated evil.As the emblem of wealth, gold is closely connected with that covetousness in the will and heart of man which is described as the motive and meeting-place of all idolatries (Col 3:5). Job can plead that he has not made gold his hope (Job 31:24). Solomon is commended because he did not make request for riches (1Ki 3:11). The deceitfulness of riches is given as one of the explanations of the unfruitful life (Mat 13:22). The self-centred ambitions and gratifications of wealth are all against the perception and service of a Kingdom in which even the poor seek the enrichment of other lives (Mar 10:24, 2Co 6:10). The order given to the disciples forbidding them to take gold or silver with them on their journey of proclamation (Mat 10:9), was not meant as a commendation of poverty for its own sake. Indeed, it was just because money, clothing, and the wayfarers staff were the often-proved necessaries of ordinary travel, that the omission of them in their case would impart to their message about the Kingdom a meaning of instantaneousness and urgency. The guest-law of the land would provide food and shelter for the passing stranger; and where they were asked to prolong their stay, those who were thus interested in their words would attend to their wants.
After playing many parts, such as being a medium of decorative art, a standard of value, and a means of good and evil in society, along with higher uses in the coinage of empires and the representation of the Godhead, gold renders its last symbolic service in providing a pavement for the feet of the saints (Rev 21:21).
G. M. Mackie.
Fuente: A Dictionary Of Christ And The Gospels
Gold
GOLD.See Mining and Metals.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Gold
I should not have paused over this word, had I not recollected in the moment of reading it, that the Holy Ghost is graciously pleased to make use of it as a figure to represent the Lord Jesus by, in several parts of the divine word; and also the church is spoken of, from her union with her Lord, by the same similitude. “His head (said the church, when commending the beauties of her Lord,) is as the most fine gold.” (Son 5:11) “His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl.” (Son 5:14) And the Lord Jesus, speaking of his church, made comely in his comeliness, saith, “Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels; thy neck with Chains of gold. We will make thee borders of gold, with studs of silver.” (Son 1:10-11) As gold is the richest and most valued of all metals, so by this figure is meant to say, that the Headship of Christ is every thing that is rich, valuable and glorious to his body the church. Yea, as the Scripture saith, when referring to the Lord Jesus as God-man Mediator, “the head of Christ is God.” (1Co 11:3) It is probable, that an eye to God the Father, under this similitude, might also be meant. For though in respect to the divine nature, Christ is “one with the Father, over all, God blessed for ever.” (Rom 9:5) Yet in respect to his human nature, the Father may truly be said to be the head of Christ; for he saith himself, “A body hast thou given me, or prepared me.” (Psa 40:6 with Heb 10:5)
But it is very blessed to eye the Lord Jesus under this figure. As the Head of his body the well be compared to the most fine gold; for the Psalmist saith, in allusion to his royal dignity and power, JEHOVAH put “a crown of pure gold upon his head, When he made him most blessed for ever.” (Psa 21:1-7) And as all this, and infinitely more to the same effect, is spoken of Christ in allusion to his mediatorial character, the Head of his church and people, so this endears Jesus the more, inasmuch as all his people are so highly interested in all that belongs to him. Gold is a proper figure to represent the glories of his person, the excellency of his kingdom, the purity and spiritual nature of it, the durableness of it and the splendour and everlasting glory of it; for all his people are made kings and priests, by virtue of his riches and glory to God and the Father. (Rev 1:6) And as Christ’s head is compared on all these, and the like accounts to gold: so his hands to rings of gold set with beryl, from the liberal manner in which he bestows gifts and graces to his redeemed. “In his right hand, saith Solomon, is length of days, and in his left hand riches and honour.” (Pro 3:16) The beryl was one of the precious stones in the breastplate of the High Priest. (Exo 28:20) And John tells the church, that the beryl was among the foundation-stones of the new Jerusalem. (Rev 21:20) What those precious stones implied cannot need inquiry, since elsewhere we are told, that Christ is the foundation-stone JEHOVAH hath laid in Zion; and the church, both in heaven and earth, rests wholly upon him, the chief corner stone, “in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.” (Eph 2:20-21)
It is blessed to behold also the church spoken of under the same similitude, from her union and oneness with her Lord. The neck and cheeks of the church, the parts connected with the head, made comely with jewels and chains of gold, may be supposed to mean those graces, with which her Lord hath adorned her, “more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold.” And when a soul is blessed in the everlasting covenant with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus, there is a loveliness indeed, which is as an “ornament of grace unto the head, and as chains about the neck.” (Pro 1:9) And what tends to endear the whole is, that all the persons of the GODHEAD concur in this vast work of adorning the church with blessings, more valuable than the “golden wedge of Ophir.” It is said, “We will make thee borders of gold, with studs of silver;” meaning, surely, the joint work and grace of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in whose joint names all true believers in Christ are baptized, and blessed upon earth, and everlastingly made happy and glorious in heaven. (Mat 28:19; 2Co 13:14; Rev 7:9-12)
Fuente: The Poor Mans Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures
Gold
gold (, zahabh; , chrusos):
1. Terms
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean pure (Exo 25:11), refined (1Ch 28:18), finest (1Ki 10:18), beaten (1Ki 10:17), Ophir (Psa 45:9).
Other terms occurring are: , paz, fine gold (Job 28:17; Psa 19:10; Psa 21:3; Psa 119:127; Pro 8:19; Son 5:11, Son 5:15; Isa 13:12; Lam 4:2); , haruc (Psa 68:13; Pro 3:14; Pro 8:10, Pro 8:19; Pro 16:16; Zec 9:3); , kethem, literally, carved out (Job 28:16, Job 28:19; Job 31:24; Pro 25:12; Lam 4:1; Dan 10:5); , seghor (1Ki 6:20; 1Ki 7:50; Job 28:15); , becer (in the King James Version only: Job 22:24; the Revised Version (British and American) treasure).
2. Sources
Sources definitely mentioned in the Old Testament are: Havilah (Gen 2:11, Gen 2:12); Ophir (1Ki 9:28; 1Ki 10:11; 1Ki 22:48; 1Ch 29:4; 2Ch 8:18; 2Ch 9:10; Job 22:24; Job 28:16; Psa 45:9; Isa 13:12); Sheba (1Ki 10:2, 1Ki 10:10; 2Ch 9:1, 2Ch 9:9; Psa 72:15; Isa 60:6; Eze 27:22; Eze 38:13); Arabia (2Ch 9:14). We are not justified in locating any of these places too definitely. They probably all refer to some region of Arabia.
The late origin of the geological formation of Palestine and Syria precludes the possibility of gold being found in any quantities (see METALS), so that the large quantities of gold used by the children of Israel in constructing their holy places was not the product of mines in the country, but was from the spoil taken from the inhabitants of the land (Num 31:52), or brought with them from Egypt (Exo 3:22). This gold was probably mined in Egypt or India (possibly Arabia), and brought by the great caravan routes through Arabia to Syria, or by sea in the ships of Tyre (1Ki 10:11, 1Ki 10:22; Eze 27:21, Eze 27:22). There is no doubt about the Egyptian sources. The old workings in the gold-bearing veins of the Egyptian desert and the ruins of the buildings connected with the mining and refining of the precious metal still remain. This region is being reopened with the prospect of its becoming a source of part of the world’s supply. It might be inferred from the extensive spoils in gold taken from the Midianites (100,000 HDB, under the word) that their country (Northwestern Arabia) produced gold. It is more likely that the Midianites had, in turn, captured most of it from other weaker nations. The tradition that Northwestern Arabia is rich in gold still persists. Every year Moslem pilgrims, returning from Mecca by the Damascus route, bring with them specimens of what is supposed to be gold ore. They secure it from the Arabs at the stopping-places along the route. Samples analyzed by the writer have been iron pyrites only. No gold-bearing rock has yet appeared. Whether these specimens come from the mines mentioned by Burton (The Land of Midian Revisited) is a question.
3. Forms
Gold formed a part of every household treasure (Gen 13:2; Gen 24:35; Deu 8:13; Deu 17:17; Jos 22:8; Eze 28:4). It was probably treasured (a) in the form of nuggets (Job 28:6 the Revised Version, margin), (b) in regularly or irregularly shaped slabs or bars (Num 7:14, Num 7:20, Num 7:84, Num 7:86; Jos 7:21, Jos 7:24; 2Ki 5:5), and (c) in the form of dust (Job 28:6). A specimen of yellow dust, which the owner claimed to have taken from an ancient jar, unearthed in the vicinity of the Hauran, was once brought to the writer’s laboratory. On examination it was found to contain iron pyrites and metallic gold in finely divided state. It was probably part of an ancient household treasure. A common practice was to make gold into jewelry with the dual purpose of ornamentation and of treasuring it. This custom still prevails, especially among the Moslems, who do not let out their money at interest. A poor woman will save her small coins until she has enough to buy a gold bracelet. This she will wear or put away against the day of need (compare Gen 24:22, Gen 24:53). It was weight and not beauty which was noted in the jewels (Exo 3:22; Exo 11:2; Exo 12:35). Gold coinage was unknown in the early Old Testament times.
4. Uses
(1) The use of gold as the most convenient way of treasuring wealth is mentioned above. (2) Jewelry took many forms: armlets (Num 31:50), bracelets (Gen 24:22), chains (Gen 41:42), crescents (Jdg 8:26), crowns (2Sa 12:30; 1Ch 20:2), earrings (Exo 32:2, Exo 32:3; Num 31:50; Jdg 8:24, Jdg 8:26), rings (Gen 24:22; Gen 41:42; Jam 2:2). (3) Making and decorating objects in connection with places of worship: In the description of the building of the ark and the tabernacle in Ex 25ff, we read of the lavish use of gold in overlaying wood and metals, and in shaping candlesticks, dishes, spoons, flagons, bowls, snuffers, curtain clasps, hooks, etc. (one estimate of the value of gold used is 90,000; see HDB). In 1 Ki 6ff; 1 Ch 28 f; 2 Ch 1ff are records of still more extensive use of gold in building the temple. (4) Idols were made of gold (Exo 20:23; Exo 32:4; Deu 7:25; Deu 29:17; 1Ki 12:28; Psa 115:4; Psa 135:15; Isa 30:22; Rev 9:20). (5) Gold was used for lavish display. Among the fabulous luxuries of Solomon’s court were his gold drinking-vessels (1Ki 10:21), a throne of ivory overlaid with gold (1Ki 10:18), and golden chariot trimmings (1Ch 28:18). Sacred treasure saved from votive offerings or portions dedicated from booty were principally gold (Exo 25:36; Num 7:14, Num 7:20, Num 7:84, Num 7:86; Num 31:50, Num 31:52, Num 31:54; Jos 6:19, Jos 6:24; 1Sa 6:8, 1Sa 6:11, 1Sa 6:15; 2Sa 8:11; 1Ch 18:7, 1Ch 18:10, 1Ch 18:11; 1Ch 22:14, 1Ch 22:16; Mat 23:17). This treasure was the spoil most sought after by the enemy. It was paid to them as tribute (1Ki 15:15; 2Ki 12:18; 2Ki 14:14; 2Ki 16:8; 2Ki 18:14-16; 2Ki 23:33, 2Ki 23:15), or taken as plunder (2Ki 24:13; 2Ki 25:15).
5. Figurative
Gold is used to symbolize earthly riches (Job 3:15; Job 22:24; Isa 2:7; Mat 10:9; Act 3:6; Act 20:33; Rev 18:12). Finer than gold, which, physically speaking, is considered non-perishable, typifies incorruptibility (Act 17:29; 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:18; 1Pe 3:3; Jam 5:3). Refining of gold is a figure for great purity or a test of (Job 23:10; Pro 17:3; Isa 1:25; Mal 3:2; 1Pe 1:7; Rev 3:18). Gold was the most valuable of metals. It stood for anything of great value (Pro 3:14; Pro 8:10, Pro 8:19; Pro 16:16, Pro 16:22; Pro 25:12), hence was most worthy for use in worshipping Yahweh (Ex 25ff; Rev 1:12, Rev 1:13, Rev 1:10, etc.), and the adornment of angels (Rev 15:6) or saints (Psa 45:13). The head was called golden as being the most precious part of the body (Son 5:11; Dan 2:38; compare the golden bowl, Ecc 12:6). The golden city meant Babylon (Isa 14:4), as did also the golden cup, sensuality (Jer 51:7). A crown of gold was synonymous with royal honor (Est 2:17; Est 6:8; Job 19:9; Rev 4:4; Rev 14:14). Wearing of gold typified lavish adornment and worldly luxury (Jer 4:30; Jer 10:4; 1Ti 2:9; 1Pe 3:3; Rev 17:4). Comparing men to gold suggested their nobility (Lam 4:1, Lam 4:2; 2Ti 2:20).
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Gold
Gold was known and valued in very early times. Abraham was rich in gold (Gen 13:2; Gen 24:35); and female ornaments were made of gold (Gen 24:22).
To judge from 1Ch 22:14; 1Ch 29:4, the Jews must have been, in their prosperous days, in possession of enormous quantities of this metal, considering the many tons of gold that were spent in the building of the temple alone, though the expression, plenteous as stones (2Ch 1:15), may be considered as hyperbolical. It is, however, confirmed by the history of the other Asiatic nations, and more especially of the Persians, that the period referred to really abounded in gold, which was imported in vast masses from Africa and the Indies. The queen of Sheba brought with her (from Arabia Felix), among other presents, 120 talents of gold (2Ch 9:9).
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Gold
The well-known precious metal. It was discovered very early. Gen 2:11-12. It was purified by fire. Pro 17:3; Zec 13:9; and we read of ‘choice gold,’ ‘fine gold,’ ‘pure gold.’ Precious things are compared with gold to show their value. Psa 119:72; Psa 119:127. It was extensively used in the tabernacle and in the temple; some things being made of gold, and others being overlaid with it. For fabrics the gold was beaten into thin plates and cut into wires to be woven with the blue, the purple, and the fine twined linen. The heavenly Jerusalem is also described as of ‘pure gold.’ Rev 21:18; Rev 21:21. Being the most costly metal it is regarded as symbolical of what pertains to God, and as signifying divine righteousness. The Lord Jesus counselled the poor Laodiceans to buy of Him ‘gold tried in the fire,’ that they might be rich. Rev 3:18.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Gold
Exported from:
– Havilah
Gen 2:11-12
– Ophir
1Ki 9:28; 1Ki 10:11; 1Ch 29:4; 2Ch 8:18; Job 22:24
– Tarshish
1Ki 22:48
– Parvaim
2Ch 3:6
– Sheba
1Ki 10:10; 2Ch 9:9; Psa 72:15
– Uphaz
Jer 10:9
Refined
Job 28:19; Job 31:24; Pro 8:19; Pro 17:3; Pro 27:21; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:3
Used in the arts:
– Beaten work
2Ch 9:15
– Made into wire threads and wrought into:
b Embroidered tapestry
Exo 39:3
b Apparel
Psa 45:9; Psa 45:13
b In ornamenting the priests’ garments
Exo 39
– Modeled into forms of fruits
Pro 25:11
– Modeled into ornaments
Gen 24:22; Exo 3:22; Exo 11:2; Exo 28:11; Num 31:50-51; Son 1:10; Son 5:14; Eze 16:17
– Crowns made of
Exo 25:25; Exo 37:2-11; Exo 39:30; Est 8:15; Psa 21:3; Zec 6:11
– Candlesticks made of, for the tabernacle
Exo 25:31-38; Exo 37:17-24
– Shields of
1Ki 10:16-17
– Overlaying with
Exo 25:1-40; Exo 26:27; Exo 26:29; Exo 30:5; Exo 36:34; Exo 36:36; Exo 36:38; Exo 37:2; Exo 37:4; Exo 37:11; Exo 37:15; 1Ki 6:20-22; 1Ki 6:28; 1Ki 6:30; 1Ki 6:32; 1Ki 6:35
– Bedsteads made of
Est 1:6
Wedge of
Jos 7:21; Isa 13:12
Used as money
Gen 44:1; Gen 44:8; 1Ch 21:25; Ezr 8:25-28; Isa 13:17; Isa 60:9; Eze 7:19; Eze 28:4; Mat 2:11; Mat 10:9; Act 3:6; Act 20:33; 1Pe 1:18
Solomon rich in
1Ki 10:2; 1Ki 10:14; 1Ki 10:21
Vessels and utensils made of:
– For the tabernacle
Exo 25:26; Exo 25:29; Exo 25:38-39; Exo 37:16
– For the temple
1Ch 18:11; 1Ch 22:14; 1Ch 22:16; 1Ch 29:2-7
Altar, lamps, and other articles made of
1Ki 7:48-51; 2Ki 25:15; Jer 52:19; Ezr 8:27; Dan 5:3
Belongs to God
Eze 16:17
Figurative
Ecc 12:6; Jer 51:7; Lam 4:1; 1Co 3:12
Symbolic
Dan 2:32-45; Rev 21:18; Rev 21:21 Goldsmith
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Gold
Gold. Gen 2:11. Several places axe mentioned by the sacred writers as abounding in gold; such as Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Until long after the time of David gold was not coined, but was sold by weight as a precious article of commerce.
Fuente: People’s Dictionary of the Bible
Gold
Gold. Gold was known from the very earliest times. Gen 2:11. It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. Gen 24:22. Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs, gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Compare Gen 43:21.
Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, 1Ch 22:14; 2Ch 1:15; 2Ch 9:9; Dan 3:1; Nah 2:9, but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc. 1Ki 6:22 10 passim; Est 1:6; Son 3:9-10; Jer 10:9. The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba and Ophir. 1Ki 9:28; 1Ki 10:1; Job 28:16.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
GOLD
Gold is the symbol of the great value, and also duration, incorruptibility, and the strength of the subject to which it is applied.
Isa 13:12, ” I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.”
See Lament 4:2. So vessels of gold, as being precious, are opposed to vessels of wood and earth, in 2Ti 2:20. Riches are the strength of a man,f1 for power and riches go together, and are akin in the way of the world. And hence gold, symbolically, signifies power as well as riches. Agreeable to this the Phnicians represented their gods with purses of gold as the symbol of their power.f2 Thus also potens is rich,f3 and impotentia poverty.f4
F1 Prov. xviii. 11.
F2 Suid. v. `EpAv.
F3 Quintil. Institut. Orat. Lib. vi. c. 3.
F4 Terent. Adelph. Act. IV. Sc. iii. yen 15, 16.
Fuente: A Symbolical Dictionary
GOLD
(1) General References to
Gen 2:12; Exo 12:35; Exo 37:17; Exo 39:15; 1Ki 9:28; 1Ki 22:48; 1Ch 29:4
2Ch 1:15; Ecc 2:8; Joe 3:5; Zep 1:18; Hag 2:8; Act 3:6; Act 20:33
1Pe 1:18
–SEE Riches, RICHES
(2) Some Things more Precious than
Job 28:15; Psa 19:10; Psa 119:127; Pro 3:14; Pro 8:19; Isa 13:12
Fuente: Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
Gold
, Gen 24:22, and very frequently in all other parts of the Old Testament; , Mat 23:16-17, &c; the most perfect and valuable of the metals. In Job 28:15-19, gold is mentioned five times, and four of the words are different in the original:
1. , which may mean gold in the mine, or shut up, as the root signifies, in the ore,
2. , kethem, from , catham, to sign, seal, or stamp;
gold made current by being coined; standard gold, exhibiting the stamp expressive of its value.
3. , wrought gold, pure, highly polished gold.
4. , denoting solidity, compactness, and strength; probably gold formed into different kinds of plate, or vessels. Jerom, in his comment on Jer 10:9, writes Septem dominibus apud Hebraeos appellatur aurum. The seven names, which he does not mention, are as follows, and thus distinguished by the Hebrews:
1. Zahab, gold in general.
2. Zahab tob, good gold, of a more valuable kind, Gen 2:12.
3. Zahab Ophir, gold of Ophir, 1Ki 9:28, such as was brought by the navy of Solomon.
4. Zahab muphaz, solid gold, pure, wrought gold, translated, 1
Kings 1Ki 10:18, the best gold.
5. Zahab shachut, beaten gold, 2Ch 9:15.
6. Zahab segor, shut up gold; either as mentioned above, gold in the ore, or as the rabbins explain it, gold shut up in the treasuries, gold in bullion.
7. Zahab parvaim, 2Ch 3:6. To these Buxtorf adds three others:
1. , pure gold of the circulating medium.
2. , gold in the treasury.
3. , choice, fine gold. Arabia had formerly its golden mines. The gold of Sheba, Psa 72:15, is, in the Septuagint and Arabic versions, the gold of Arabia. Sheba was the ancient name of Arabia Felix.
Mr. Bruce, however, places it in Africa, at Azab. The gold of Ophir, so often mentioned, must be that which was procured in Arabia, on the coast of the Red Sea. We are assured by Sanchoniathon, as quoted by Eusebius, and by Herodotus, that the Phenicians carried on a considerable traffic with this gold even before the days of Job, who speaks of it, Psa 22:24.