Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Lead

◄ Commerce: Articles of Lead ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient world, lead was a significant material used in various applications, including commerce. The Bible references lead in several contexts, highlighting its role and value in trade and daily life. Lead, known for its malleability and resistance to corrosion, was utilized in construction, writing, and as a component in alloys.

Biblical References

The Bible mentions lead in the context of trade and craftsmanship. In Ezekiel 27:12, the prophet describes the wealth and trade of Tyre, a prominent ancient city known for its extensive commercial networks. The verse states, "Tarshish was your trading partner because of your abundant wealth of every kind; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise." This passage indicates that lead was a valuable commodity, traded alongside other metals like silver and iron, underscoring its importance in the economic exchanges of the time.

Uses and Symbolism

Lead's properties made it suitable for various uses in the ancient world. It was often employed in the construction of water pipes and cisterns due to its resistance to corrosion. Additionally, lead was used in the production of writing tablets, where its malleability allowed for easy inscription.

In a symbolic context, lead is mentioned in the Bible as a metaphor for weight and judgment. In Zechariah 5:7-8, a lead cover is used to seal a basket containing wickedness, illustrating the concept of containment and judgment. The passage reads, "And behold, the cover of lead was raised, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket. 'This is Wickedness,' he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening." Here, lead serves as a symbol of the weight and finality of divine judgment.

Historical Context

Lead mining and production were well-established in the ancient Near East. The metal was extracted from ores and processed into ingots for trade. The Phoenicians, known for their maritime trade prowess, were instrumental in the distribution of lead across the Mediterranean region. The presence of lead in biblical trade lists reflects the interconnectedness of ancient economies and the movement of goods across vast distances.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide extensive details on the specific uses of lead, its inclusion in trade lists and symbolic narratives highlights its significance in the ancient world. Lead's durability and versatility made it a valuable resource, contributing to the economic and cultural exchanges that shaped biblical history.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:12
Tarshish was your merchant by reason of the multitude of all kind of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in your fairs.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Commerce
... A still more curious inference would almost lead us to ... But no sketch of commerce
among the early Jews ... those of another, to buying and selling articles of home ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the reformation ...
are bad in themselves, but because at the present time they lead to mischief ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

His Unconscious Preparation for his Work
... These calculations lead us to the conclusion that he ... of cloth and manufactured into
various articles, among which ... was not only a center of commerce, but also a ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter ii his unconscious preparation.htm

Ripe for Gathering
... ephah, and to stick a piece of lead below the ... held up as shining lights of commerce,
who have the faculty of turning everything into saleable articles? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/ripe for gathering.htm

Sermon at the Faribault Celebration of the Centennial of the ...
... attempt to prohibit or restrain this execrable commerce in human ... The people wait
for us to lead the way ... The articles of confederation were sent to the States in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/ii sermon at the faribault.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... In a word, almost the entire commerce of nearly one ... in general demand for the transport
of articles a sum at ... precipitous wall, a colossal figure of lead may be ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

Excursus on the Marriage of the Clergy.
... Articles, in which not only is the confusion above spoken of ... who shall have kept
himself from the commerce of his ... any of the clergy should wish to lead a wife ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the marriage of.htm

The Almost Christian
... either the poor or rich, in whatsoever commerce they had ... to awaken those that sleep;
to lead those whom ... These articles of our faith the devils believe, and so ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 2 the almost christian.htm

The City of Benares.
... They produce articles which command a large and profitable ... While in population and
commerce there are cities in ... case at Benares, the steps which lead down to ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War.
... gentlemen who get up congresses and write articles are in ... because it is absurd, because
it can lead to no ... So in Athens and in Rome, commerce, manufactures, and ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vi attitude of men.htm