Dictionaries :: Gold

Gold:

(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Exd 25:11; 1Ch 28:18; 2Ch 3:5).

(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or "fine gold" (1Ki 6:20; 7:49).

(3.) Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Psa 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; Psa 45:9; Pro 25:12). Rendered "golden wedge" in Isa 13:12.

(6.) Heb. haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (Pro 8:10; 16:16; Zec 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 (1Ch 22:14; Nah 2:9; Dan 3:1). Many tons of it were used in connection with the temple (2Ch 1:15). It was found in Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir (1Ki 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 (Isa 14:4) the "golden city" (R.V. marg., "exactress," adopting the reading marhebah, instead of the usual word madhebah).

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" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).

Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17; Ps 19:10; 21:3; 119:127; Pr 8:19; So 5:11,15; Isa 13:12; La 4:2); charuts (Ps 68:13; Pr 3:14; 8:10,19; 16:16; Zec 9:3); kethem, literally, "carved out" (Job 28:16,19; 31:24; Pr 25:12; La 4:1; Da 10:5); ceghor (1Ki 6:20; 7:50; Job 28:15); betser (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 (Ge 2:11,12); Ophir (1Ki 9:28; 10:11; 22:48; 1Ch 29:4; 2Ch 8:18; 9:10; Job 22:24; 28:16; Ps 45:9; Isa 13:12); Sheba (1Ki 10:2,10; 2Ch 9:1,9; Ps 72:15; Isa 60:6; Eze 27:22; 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 (Nu 31:52), or brought with them from Egypt (Ex 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 10:11,22; Eze 27:21,22). 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 (Ge 13:2; 24:35; De 8:13; 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 (Nu 7:14,20,84,86; Jos 7:21,24; 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 Ge 24:22,53). It was weight and not beauty which was noted in the jewels (Ex 3:22; 11:2; 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 (Nu 31:50), bracelets (Ge 24:22), chains (Ge 41:42), crescents (Jud 8:26), crowns (2Sa 12:30; 1Ch 20:2), earrings (Ex 32:2,3; Nu 31:50; Jud 8:24,26), rings (Ge 24:22; 41:42; Jas 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 25 ff, 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 1Ki 6 ff; 1Ch 28 f; 2Ch 1 ff are records of still more extensive use of gold in building the temple.

(4) Idols were made of gold (Ex 20:23; 32:4; De 7:25; 29:17; 1Ki 12:28; Ps 115:4; 135:15; Isa 30:22; Re 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 (Ex 25:36; Nu 7:14,20,84,86; 31:50,52,54; Jos 6:19,24; 1Sa 6:8,11,15; 2Sa 8:11; 1Ch 18:7,10,11; 22:14,16; Mt 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; 14:14; 16:8; 18:14-16; 23:33,15), or taken as plunder (2Ki 24:13; 25:15).

5. Figurative:

Gold is used to symbolize earthly riches (Job 3:15; 22:24; Isa 2:7; Mt 10:9; Ac 3:6; 20:33; Re 18:12). Finer than gold, which, physically speaking, is considered non-perishable, typifies incorruptibility (Ac 17:29; 1Pe 1:7,18; 3:3; Jas 5:3). Refining of gold is a figure for great purity or a test of (Job 23:10; Pr 17:3; Isa 1:25; Mal 3:2; 1Pe 1:7; Re 3:18). Gold was the most valuable of metals. It stood for anything of great value (Pr 3:14; 8:10,19; 16:16,22; 25:12), hence was most worthy for use in worshipping Yahweh (Ex 25 ff; Re 1:12,13,10, etc.), and the adornment of angels (Re 15:6) or saints (Ps 45:13). The head was called golden as being the most precious part of the body (So 5:11; Da 2:38; compare "the golden bowl," Ec 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 (Es 2:17; 6:8; Job 19:9; Re 4:4; 14:14). Wearing of gold typified lavish adornment and worldly luxury (Jer 4:30; 10:4; 1Ti 2:9; 1Pe 3:3; Re 17:4). Comparing men to gold suggested their nobility (La 4:1,2; 2Ti 2:20).

Written by James A. Patch

Gold: Exported From

Havilah,

Gen 2:11, 12.

From Ophir,

1Ki 9:28; 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.

Gold: Refined

Job 28:19; 31:24; Pro 8:19; 17:3; 27:21; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:3

Gold: Used in the Arts:

Beaten work,

2Ch 9:15;

made into wire threads and worked into embroidered tapestry,

Exd 39:3;

apparel,

Psa 45:9, 13;

in ornamenting the priests' garments,

Exd 39;

modeled into forms of fruits,

Pro 25:11;

into ornaments,

Gen 24:22; Exd 3:22; 11:2; 28:11; Num 31:50, 51; Sgs 1:10; 5:14; Eze 16:17

crowns made of,

Exd 25:25; 37:2-11; 39:30; Est 8:15; Psa 21:3; Zec 6:11;

candlesticks made of, for the tabernacle,

Exd 25:31-38; 37:17-24;

shields of,

1Ki 10:16, 17;

overlaying with,

Exd 25:11, 13, 24, 28; with Exd 25:1-40; 26:27, 29; 30:5; 36:34, 36, 38; 37:2, 4, 11, 15; 1Ki 6:20-22, 28, 30, 32, 35;

bedsteads made of,

Est 1:6.

Gold: Wedge Of

Jos 7:21; Isa 13:12

Gold: Used as Money

Gen 44:8; with Gen 44:1; 1Ch 21:25; Ezr 8:25-28; Isa 13:17; 60:9; Eze 7:19; 28:4; Mat 2:11; 10:9; Act 3:6; 20:33; 1Pe 1:18

Gold: Solomon Rich In

1Ki 10:2, 14, 21

Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made Of

For the tabernacle,

Exd 25:26, 29, 38, 39; 37:16;

for the temple,

1Ch 18:11; 22:14, 16; 29:2-7.

Altar, lamps, and other articles made of,

1Ki 7:48, 49-51; 2Ki 25:15; Jer 52:19; Ezr 8:27; Dan 5:3;

see Overlaying With, above.

Gold: Belongs to God

Eze 16:17

Gold: Figurative

Ecc 12:6; Jer 51:7; Lam 4:1; 1Cr 3:12

Gold: Symbolical

Dan 2:32-45; Rev 21:18, 21

See GOLDSMITH

Gold: Found in the Earth

Job 28:1,6

Gold: Abounded In

Havilah

Gen 2:11

Ophir

1Ki 9:28; Psa 45:9

Sheba

Psa 72:15; Isa 60:6

Parvaim

2Ch 3:6

Gold: Belongs to God

Joe 3:5; Hag 2:8

Gold: Described As

Yellow

Psa 68:13

Malleable

Exd 39:3; 1Ki 10:16,17

Fusible

Exd 32:3,4; Pro 17:3

Precious

Ezr 8:27; Isa 13:12

Valuable

Job 28:15,16

Gold: Most Valuable When Pure and Fine

Job 28:19; Psa 19:10; 21:3; Pro 3:14

Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire

Zec 13:9; 1Pe 1:7

Gold: Working In, a Trade

Neh 3:8; Isa 40:19

Gold: An Article of Commerce

Eze 27:22

Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In

Gen 13:2

Gold: Imported by Solomon

1Ki 9:11,28; 10:11

Gold: Abundance Of, in Solomon's Reign

2Ch 1:15

Gold: Offerings Of, for Tabernacle

Exd 35:22

Gold: Offerings Of, for Temple

1Ch 22:14; 29:4,7

Gold: Used as Money

Mat 10:9; Act 3:6

Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With

Exd 28:4-6; Psa 45:9,13

Gold: Was Used For

Overlaying the tabernacle

Exd 36:34,38

Overlaying the temple

1Ki 6:21,22

Overlaying cherubims in temple

2Ch 3:10

Overlaying the ark, &c

Exd 25:11-13

Overlaying floor of temple

1Ki 6:30

Overlaying throne of Solomon

1Ki 10:18

Mercy seat and cherubims

Exd 25:17,18

Sacred candlesticks

Exd 25:31; 2Ch 4:7,20

Sacred utensils

Exd 25:29,38; 2Ch 4:19-22

Crowns

2Sa 12:30; Psa 21:3

Sceptres

Est 4:11

Chains

Gen 41:42; Dan 5:29

Rings

Sgs 5:14; Jam 2:2

Earrings

Jdg 8:24,26

Ornaments

Jer 4:30

Shields

2Sa 8:7; 1Ki 10:16,17

Vessels

1Ki 10:21; Est 1:7

Idols

Exd 20:23; Psa 115:4; Dan 5:4

Couches

Est 1:6

Footstools

2Ch 9:18

Gold: Estimated by Weight

1Ch 28:14

Gold: Given as Presents

1Ki 15:19; Mat 2:11

Gold: Exacted as Tribute

1Ki 20:3,5; 2Ki 23:33,35

Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God

Jos 6:19; 2Sa 8:11; 1Ki 15:15

Gold: Kings of Israel Not to Multiply

Deu 17:17

Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying

Isa 2:7

Gold: Vanity of Heaping Up

Ecc 2:8,11

Gold: Liable To

Grow dim

Lam 4:1

Canker and rust

Jam 5:3

Gold: Illustrative Of

Saints after affliction

Job 23:10

Tried faith

1Pe 1:7

The doctrines of grace

Rev 3:18

True converts

1Cr 3:12

Babylonish empire

Dan 2:38

Gold:

Gold was known from the very earliest times (Genesis 2:11). It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc (Genesis 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 Genesis 43:21). Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc (1 Kings 6:22). 10 passim; (Esther 1:6; Solomon 3:9, 10; Jeremiah 10:9). The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba and Ophir (1 Kings 9:28; 10:1; Job 28:16).