Other references in this prophetic book include Revelation 4:4, 5:8, 8:3, 9:7, 9:20, 14:14 and 17:3 - 5 (which references a woman riding a beast). Gold coinage was unknown in the early Old Testament times. 1915. It is more likely that the Midianites had, in turn, captured most of it from other weaker nations. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Gold obviously represents more than material wealth. GOLD gold (zahabh; chrusos): 1. In Jesus’ birth narrative, Magi, wise men from the East, approach him with three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The king wore a turban under his crown. (4) Idols were made of gold (Exodus 20:23; 32:4; Deuteronomy 7:25; 29:17; 1 Kings 12:28; Psalms 115:4; 135:15; Isaiah 30:22; Revelation 9:20). Christianity adopted this symbolism, forming a new trace of symbols: gold is the symbol of the Sun, and the Sun is the symbol of Christ. We are not justified in locating any of these places too definitely. Many different kinds of temples and houses of worship all over the world are adorned with gold, as a sign of respect and reverence. It was probably part of an ancient household treasure. Salem Media Group. Before the Exile the Jews had no regularly stamped money. Gold was the most valuable of metals. The high priest wore a turban of fine linen, with a gold plate tied to its front with a blue cord. On the Sabbath he meets a businesswoman named Lydia, a seller of dyes whose hometown was Thyatira (Acts 16:14). Gold formed a part of every household treasure (Genesis 13:2; 24:35; Deuteronomy 8:13; 17:17; Joshua 22:8; Ezekiel 28:4). The physical properties of gold are unique to an extent that man uses the idea of gold to represent many things. According to the council, 75% of all this metal ever mined has been extracted since 1910 A.D. Amazingly, the prophetic book of Revelation refers to gold no less than twenty-two times! ( 1 Kings 6:22 ) 10 passim ; ( Esther 1:6 ; Song of Solomon 3:9 Song of Solomon 3:10 ; Jeremiah 10:9 ) The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba and Ophir. Gold Items For The Tabernacl Twisting. Likewise, God uses gold in the Bible as a representation of many concepts and truths. Gold was regularly brought into connection with the Sun, and silver from the Moon. Verse Concepts. Sagar (#H5462), found only in Job 28, references the metal as a solid. paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17; Psalms 19:10; 21:3; 119:127; Proverbs 8:19; Song of Solomon 5:11,15; Isaiah 13:12; Lamentations 4:2); charuts (Psalms 68:13; Proverbs 3:14; 8:10,19; 16:16; Zechariah 9:3); kethem, literally, "carved out" (Job 28:16,19; 31:24; Proverbs 25:12; Lamentations 4:1; Daniel 10:5); ceghor (1 Kings 6:20; 7:50; Job 28:15); betser (in the King James Version only: Job 22:24; the Revised Version (British and American) "treasure"). ( 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. In 1 Kings 6; 1 Chronicles 28; 2 Chronicles 1 are records of still more extensive use of gold in building the temple. It was paid to them as tribute (1 Kings 15:15; 2 Kings 12:18; 14:14; 16:8; 18:14-16; 23:33,15), or taken as plunder (2 Kings 24:13; 25:15). We always start with God. It was found in Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir ( 1 Kings 9:28 ; 10:1 ; Job 28:16 ), but not in Palestine. The Bible mentions gold very early within its pages. The most common word used is Zahab (Strong's Concordance #H2091). Gold is used to symbolize earthly riches (Job 3:15; 22:24; Isaiah 2:7; Matthew 10:9; Acts 3:6; 20:33; Revelation 18:12). Lessons From Reading Christian Biographies I began reading Christian biographies in the summer of 1970 when I read George Muller of Bristol by A. T. Pierson. Gold has been associated with the extremities … This symbolism is inseparable from many pre-Christian cultures. It also represents a darkened beauty or the state of becoming comely (meaning “beautiful”), as mentioned in the bible: “I am black but comely”. Gold has no eternal value. The fiftieth wedding anniversary is golden. Paper currency is man-made and represents a lack of virtue and promotes a life of excess. "The golden city" meant Babylon (Isaiah 14:4), as did also "the golden cup," sensuality (Jeremiah 51:7). The tradition that Northwestern Arabia is rich in gold still persists. Charuts (Strong's #H1220) is used to reference to gold when it is chopped or cut off in pieces. Gold, in Bible times, was many times valued by weight using Since the early days of Christianity, Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varying interpretations of the meaning and significance of the gold, frankincense and myrrh that the magi presented to Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew (2:11). All rights reserved. They secure it from the Arabs at the stopping-places along the route. No gold-bearing rock has yet appeared. If we add the letter “l” (for love) to the word “God” we get the word “gold.” Gold is a precious metal, of great value, that is highly desired. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or "fine gold" (, Heb. "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". Ophir (/ ˈ oʊ f ər /; Hebrew: אוֹפִיר ‎, Modern: ʼŌfīr, Tiberian: ʼŌp̄īr) is a port or region mentioned in the Bible, famous for its wealth. Exodus 32:1–35 “When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people … Jesus, in a vision, revealed the book's prophecies to John clothed in a girdle or band made of the metal (1:13). Where is gold mentioned in the Bible? The sacred text has mention of gold more than 400 times, be it in various events described or the parables. Finer than gold, which, physically speaking, is considered non-perishable, typifies incorruptibility ( Acts 17:29 ; 1 Peter 1:7,18 ; 3:3 ; James 5:3 ). Consider the saying "Good as gold." Gold is both a color and a metal and as both color and metal it is associated with Kings, things pertaining to kings, and kingdoms. The holy place of God’s presence is lined and coated and covered with gold. Betser (#H1220), found only in Job 22, refers to gold when it is broken up. Gold, the protector of wealth, is delivered to us by God and has withstood the test of time. This treasure was the spoil most sought after by the enemy. What do the gifts represent? Seven lampstands made from the metal are referred to three times (1:12, 1:20 and 2:1). Many tons of it were used in connection with the temple ( 2 Chronicles 1:15 ). Bible Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary - Gold, Bible Dictionaries - Smith's Bible Dictionary - Gold, Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Gold, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Heb. (1) The use of gold as the most convenient way of treasuring wealth is mentioned above. ), and the adornment of angels (Revelation 15:6) or saints (Psalms 45:13). Most Relevant Verses. What does it symbolize? A talent weighed about 75 U.S. pounds or 34.3 kilograms, which is equivalent of 1,094 troy ounces. haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (. It was principally used for ornaments ( Genesis 24:22 ). I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (Zep 1:18) The point is that gold is the most valuable thing one can possess, according to the Bible, other than knowledge, faith, life, and righteousness. This article will dive into the history of myrrh in the Bible, some of its uses, and why it matters for Christians today. Gold is used to symbolize earthly riches (Job 3:15; 22:24; Isaiah 2:7; Matthew 10:9; Acts 3:6; 20:33; Revelation 18:12). A common practice was to make gold into jewelry with the dual purpose of ornamentation and of treasuring it. The height of wisdom in civilizations is referred to as "the golden age." How will it fulfill prophecy. Paz (#H6337), refers to the mineral in its pure or refined state and sometimes refers to spiritual purity and glory. Finer than gold, which, physically speaking, is considered non-perishable, typifies incorruptibility (Acts 17:29; 1 Peter 1:7,18; 3:3; James 5:3). The head was called golden as being the most precious part of the body (Song of Solomon 5:11; Daniel 2:38; compare "the golden bowl," Ecclesiastes 12:6). Gold, in Bible times, was many times valued by weight using a unit of measure known as a Talent. Bible Answer: Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were the gifts that were given to Jesus by the wise men according to Matthew 2:11. kethem, i.e., something concealed or separated (, Heb. Toggle navigation Bible Toggle Dropdown With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Exodus 25:11), "refined" (1 Chronicles 28:18), "finest" (1 Kings 10:18), "beaten" (1 Kings 10:17), "Ophir" (Psalms 45:9). Gold and silver are products of God – they are not a creation of man. Bible Question: What did gold, frankincense, and myrrh have to do with gifts to Christ? Did you know gold is held is high regards in Bible for its purity, value and resilience? Additional info on Biblical Meaning of purple. 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 (1 Kings 10:11,22; Ezekiel 27:21,22). Bible stories show us that God saw a need to wrap theology in human flesh--the incarnation of Jesus Christ being the supreme example. Lastly, Dehab (#H1722), which occurs only in the books of Daniel and Ezra, is yet another reference to gold. It stood for anything of great value (Proverbs 3:14; 8:10,19; 16:16,22; 25:12), hence was most worthy for use in worshipping Yahweh (Ex 25; Revelation 1:12,13,10, etc. I recently wrote a post about the gifts of the Magi that can be read here: Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh – Understanding The Wise Men’s gifts The Bible is filled with amazing stories of God and people. Scripture lists at least six places, in ancient times, where this precious metal was known to be found. This she will wear or put away against the day of need (compare Genesis 24:22,53). 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