Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy primarily composed of gold and silver, with trace amounts of other metals such as copper and platinum. In ancient times, it was highly valued for its unique appearance and durability. The term "electrum" is derived from the Greek word "ēlektron," which also refers to amber, due to its similar color. Electrum's historical significance is evident in its use for coinage, jewelry, and various artifacts.

Biblical References and Context

While the specific term "electrum" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of precious metals, including gold and silver, is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. These metals often symbolize wealth, purity, and divine glory. In the context of biblical times, electrum would have been recognized as a valuable material due to its composition and aesthetic qualities.

In the Book of Ezekiel, a vision of God's glory is described using imagery that may allude to electrum. Ezekiel 1:4 states, "I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and a brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a glow like that of amber." The term "amber" here is sometimes interpreted as a reference to electrum, given its golden hue and reflective properties.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Electrum, as a blend of gold and silver, can be seen as a symbol of unity and harmony. Gold, often associated with divinity and kingship, and silver, linked to redemption and purity, together create a material that embodies both divine and redemptive qualities. This duality can be reflective of the nature of Christ, who embodies both divine and human attributes.

The use of precious metals in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple further underscores their importance in worship and the representation of God's presence. Exodus 25:3 lists gold and silver among the offerings for the Tabernacle, highlighting their role in creating a sacred space for God's dwelling among His people.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

Electrum was used extensively in the ancient Near East, including regions such as Egypt and Lydia. The Lydians are credited with producing some of the earliest known coins made from electrum, dating back to the 7th century BC. These coins facilitated trade and economic stability, reflecting the material's intrinsic value.

In biblical archaeology, discoveries of artifacts made from electrum provide insight into the wealth and craftsmanship of ancient civilizations. Such findings help to contextualize the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the material culture of the time.

Conclusion

While electrum itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its components and the symbolism associated with precious metals are deeply woven into the biblical text. Electrum's historical use and its potential allusions in Scripture enrich our understanding of the cultural and theological landscape of the biblical world.1. (n.) Amber.

2. (n.) An alloy of gold and silver, of an amber color, used by the ancients.

3. (n.) German-silver plate. See German.

ELECTRUM

e-lek'-trum:

The Revised Version, margin rendering of chashmal, of Ezekiel 1:4, 27; Ezekiel 8:2 Septuagint elektron, Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) electrum). Both the King James Version and the English Revised Version have "amber" while the American Standard Revised Version has "glowing metal." Gesenius says electrum must not be understood as being here used for amber, but for a kind of metal remarkable for brightness, compounded of gold and silver. "Amber" is undoubtedly a poor rendering, as the Hebrew term means "polished brass." the American Standard Revised Version has the more correct rendering. Amber, however, may well have been known to Ezekiel (Encyclopaedia Biblica, which see).

See also STONES, PRECIOUS; BUYING, IV.

A. W. Fortune

The Assumption that There are Two Earths Mentioned in the History ...
... For although the pitcher is formed out of the clay, I shall no longer call it clay,
but a pitcher; so likewise, although electrum [6364] is compounded of gold ...
/.../tertullian/against hermogenes/chapter xxv the assumption that there.htm

The Distinction of the Father and the Son, Thus Established, He ...
... it follows at once that Jesus must be a substance compounded of [8154] two
substances"of flesh and spirit,"a kind of mixture, like electrum, composed of ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xxvii the distinction of the.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... instruments, and such as were invented for singing of hymns, called Nablee and Cindree,
[psalteries and harps,] which were made of electrum, [the finest brass ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... RUNNING FOX]. Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a specimen in the Cabinet des Medailles:
a stater of electrum weighing 14.19 grammes. [These ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... it: as for me, when I sat in the palace and thought upon him who created me, my
heart prompted me to raise to him two obelisks of electrum, whose apices should ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... examples of iron and lead. They were fairly adroit workers in silver, electrum,
and especially in gold. The amulets, cups, necklaces ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... worshipped by the faithful. Sinuhit, under the XIIth dynasty, was granted an
audience in the "Hall of Electrum.". The private apartments ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The First Theban Empire
... other metals, from which they did not know how to separate it: the purest gold had
a pale yellow tint, which was valued above all others, but electrum, that is ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Electrum (3 Occurrences)
... See German. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ELECTRUM. ... See also STONES, PRECIOUS;
BUYING, IV. AW Fortune. Multi-Version Concordance Electrum (3 Occurrences). ...
/e/electrum.htm - 8k

Coloured (21 Occurrences)
... great cloud with flames of fire coming after one another, and a bright light shining
round about it and in the heart of it was something coloured like electrum...
/c/coloured.htm - 12k

Amber (3 Occurrences)
... elektron, and by the Vulgate electrum), a metal compounded of silver and
gold. ... It was probably the mixture now called electrum. ...
/a/amber.htm - 9k

Shining (115 Occurrences)
... great cloud with flames of fire coming after one another, and a bright light shining
round about it and in the heart of it was something coloured like electrum...
/s/shining.htm - 34k

Elect's (3 Occurrences)

/e/elect's.htm - 7k

Enclosed (16 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 1:27 And I saw as the colour of electrum, as the appearance of fire round
about enclosing it, from the appearance of his loins and upward; and from the ...
/e/enclosed.htm - 10k

Metal (69 Occurrences)
... especially Jewesses-today, and they are credited with medicinal properties.
See ELECTRUM; STONES, PRECIOUS. EWG Masterman. METAL WORKING. ...
/m/metal.htm - 30k

Storm-wind (19 Occurrences)
... great cloud with flames of fire coming after one another, and a bright light shining
round about it and in the heart of it was something coloured like electrum...
/s/storm-wind.htm - 11k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... royal chariots were ornamented with gold and silver, and in the battle of Megiddo
Thothmes III is represented as standing in his chariot of electrum like the ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

Precious (128 Occurrences)
... not mentioned by John as foundations, are crystallum and adamas, both of them colorless;
onyx, remarkable rather for structure than color; electrum (amber), a ...
/p/precious.htm - 71k

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