Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Gold

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, gold was a highly valued commodity, often associated with wealth, power, and divine favor. Its significance is evident throughout the Scriptures, where it is frequently mentioned in the context of commerce, worship, and adornment. Articles of gold were not only used as currency but also crafted into various items for both sacred and secular purposes.

Biblical References and Usage

Gold is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Garden of Eden, where the land of Havilah is noted for its fine gold (Genesis 2:11-12). This early reference sets the stage for gold's enduring value and desirability. Throughout the Old Testament, gold is depicted as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. For instance, Abram is described as being "very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold" (Genesis 13:2).

In the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, gold played a crucial role. The Ark of the Covenant, the lampstand, and various utensils were made of or overlaid with pure gold, signifying the holiness and glory of God (Exodus 25:10-40). The use of gold in these sacred contexts underscores its association with divine worship and the presence of God.

Gold was also a significant element in commerce and trade. The wealth of Solomon's kingdom is famously illustrated by the vast quantities of gold he acquired. The Bible records that "the weight of gold that came to Solomon each year was 666 talents" (1 Kings 10:14). This immense wealth facilitated extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations, as seen in Solomon's interactions with the Queen of Sheba, who brought "a great quantity of spices, gold, and precious stones" (1 Kings 10:10).

Symbolism and Moral Implications

While gold is often associated with prosperity, the Bible also warns of the potential moral pitfalls related to its pursuit. The love of gold and material wealth can lead to idolatry and moral decay. The prophet Isaiah rebukes the people for their reliance on gold and silver idols, emphasizing the futility of such trust (Isaiah 2:7-8). Similarly, the New Testament cautions against the dangers of greed, with Paul advising Timothy that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10).

In Revelation, gold is used to describe the opulence of Babylon, a symbol of worldly corruption and excess (Revelation 18:12). This portrayal serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth compared to the eternal riches found in Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, gold was a standard of wealth and a medium of exchange. It was mined in regions such as Ophir, a place renowned for its fine gold (1 Kings 9:28). The trade of gold facilitated cultural exchanges and the spread of ideas, as seen in the interactions between Israel and neighboring nations.

Goldsmiths were skilled artisans who crafted intricate articles of gold, ranging from jewelry to idols. The prophet Jeremiah references the work of goldsmiths in the context of idol-making, highlighting the craftsmanship involved (Jeremiah 10:9).

Conclusion

The biblical narrative presents gold as a multifaceted element, integral to commerce, worship, and daily life. Its enduring value and symbolic significance reflect both the blessings and challenges associated with material wealth. Through the lens of Scripture, gold serves as a reminder of the ultimate treasure found in a life devoted to God.

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1 Kings 9:28
And they came to Ophir, and fetched from there gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to king Solomon.
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1 Kings 10:22
For the king had at sea a navy of Tharshish with the navy of Hiram: once in three years came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.
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2 Chronicles 8:18
And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships, and servants that had knowledge of the sea; and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and took there four hundred and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king Solomon.
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Isaiah 60:6
The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the LORD.
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Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
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Library

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the ... Or does this
accursed gold make a difference in his Holiness's eyes between Christians ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... one for those of another district, and produced the latest articles of commerce
or of ... Romans), originally an annual gift of a crown of gold, but afterwards ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Destruction of Babylon.
... purple, and crimson, and adorned with gold, and precious ... And these articles of traffic
are symbolized by the ... The commerce of this ecclesiastical city, has been ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

The City of Benares.
... In commerce, as in population, Benares holds a high, but ... workers in stone, wood,
iron, brass, silver and gold. They produce articles which command a large and ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Enoch, the Deathless
... However scanty in number were the articles of his creed ... The fine gold has become
dim, through the fretting ... the discharge of honest trade and commerce, than in ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/enoch the deathless.htm

The Reconnoitering of Greece.
... They consisted of vessels of gold and silver, pieces ... armor of beautiful workmanship,
and articles of dress ... the Scriptures as a great pagan emporium of commerce. ...
/.../abbott/darius the great/chapter vi the reconnoitering of.htm

Elucidations.
... Pure gold, he argues, is gold wherever it may be ... of the ancient creeds; imposed,
as if articles of the ... as she has bathed: if from adulterous commerce, not at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the stromata or miscellanies/elucidations.htm

Sermon at the Faribault Celebration of the Centennial of the ...
... of the utter failure of the articles of confederation ... The pirates of Morocco had
destroyed our commerce in the ... the words of wisdom, "apples of gold in pictures ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/ii sermon at the faribault.htm

Solomon's Reign.
... computation the precious materials, such as gold with which ... carried on with Egypt
an extensive commerce and for ... and from the nature of articles purchased and ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... Royalty"The constitution of the family and its property"Chaldaean commerce and industry ...
were entirely void of any cedar woodwork inlaid with gold, or panels ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm