A gold-worker, often referred to as a goldsmith in biblical texts, is an artisan skilled in the crafting and shaping of gold into various objects, including idols, jewelry, and temple furnishings. The role of the gold-worker is mentioned multiple times throughout the Bible, highlighting both the craftsmanship involved and the spiritual implications of their work.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 31:3-5 · The Bible first introduces the concept of skilled artisans in the construction of the Tabernacle. Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God, is endowed with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, including working with gold. "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze."

2. Isaiah 40:19 · The prophet Isaiah speaks of the futility of idol-making, where gold-workers are employed to create images for worship. "To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker overlays with gold and fits with silver chains?"

3. Jeremiah 10:9 · Jeremiah criticizes the practice of idol worship, noting the involvement of gold-workers in creating these false gods. "Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothing is blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers."

4. 1 Kings 6:20-22 · The construction of Solomon's Temple involved extensive use of gold, crafted by skilled workers. The inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, was overlaid with pure gold, demonstrating the importance and reverence of gold-work in sacred spaces. "So he overlaid the inside with pure gold. He also overlaid the altar of cedar."

Role and Significance:

Gold-workers held a significant position in ancient Israelite society due to their ability to craft items of both religious and economic value. Their work was essential in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where gold was used extensively to symbolize purity, divinity, and the glory of God. The use of gold in religious artifacts underscored the wealth and splendor of worship spaces, reflecting the majesty of God.

However, the Bible also warns against the misuse of gold-working skills in the creation of idols. The prophets frequently condemned the practice of idol-making, where gold-workers contributed to the spiritual downfall of the people by crafting objects of false worship. This dual aspect of the gold-worker's role—both as a creator of sacred objects and as a potential facilitator of idolatry—highlights the moral and spiritual responsibilities associated with their craft.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, gold was a highly prized material, symbolizing wealth and divine favor. Gold-workers were respected for their technical skills and artistic abilities. Their work required not only craftsmanship but also an understanding of metallurgy and design. The ability to work with gold was often passed down through generations, with techniques and secrets closely guarded within families or guilds.

The biblical portrayal of gold-workers reflects the broader cultural and religious attitudes towards gold and craftsmanship in ancient Israel. While their skills were essential for the worship and economy of the nation, the potential for misuse served as a constant reminder of the need for faithfulness to God and adherence to His commandments.

Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her ...
... They caused one James Cocky, a gold worker, to forge the great seal of Francis and
Mary, "wherewith they sealed their pretended laws and ordinances, tending to ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xii knox in the.htm

Gold-worker (6 Occurrences)
Gold-worker. Goldsmith's, Gold-worker. Gold-workers . Multi-Version
Concordance Gold-worker (6 Occurrences). Nehemiah ...
/g/gold-worker.htm - 8k

Deceitful (46 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 10:14 Then every man becomes like a beast without knowledge; every
gold-worker is put to shame by the image he has made: for his metal image is deceit ...
/d/deceitful.htm - 18k

Metal (69 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/m/metal.htm - 30k

Idol (56 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 40:19 The workman makes an image, and the gold-worker puts gold
plates over it, and makes silver bands for it. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/i/idol.htm - 29k

Goldsmith's (1 Occurrence)

/g/goldsmith's.htm - 6k

Gold-workers (2 Occurrences)
Gold-workers. Gold-worker, Gold-workers. Gold-woven . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Gold-worker, Gold-workers. Gold-woven . Reference Bible.
/g/gold-workers.htm - 7k

Welding (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/w/welding.htm - 6k

Iron-worker (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/i/iron-worker.htm - 7k

Fashions (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV). Isaiah 40:19 The workman makes an image, and the gold-worker puts
gold plates over it, and makes silver bands for it. (See NAS NIV). ...
/f/fashions.htm - 9k

Topple (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/t/topple.htm - 7k

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