Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, silver held significant value and was commonly used in commerce, trade, and religious practices. Articles of silver are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their importance in the ancient economy and daily life.Biblical References and Usage Silver, as a precious metal, was often used as a medium of exchange and a measure of wealth. In Genesis 23:16, Abraham weighed out silver to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the silver that he had specified in the hearing of the Hittites—four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants" . This transaction highlights the use of silver as currency in ancient commerce. The Israelites also utilized silver in religious contexts. In Exodus 30:11-16, God commanded Moses to collect a half-shekel of silver from each Israelite as atonement money, which was used for the service of the Tent of Meeting. This practice underscores the dual role of silver in both economic and spiritual spheres. Silver articles were also crafted for various purposes, including household items, jewelry, and idols. In Judges 17:1-4, Micah's mother dedicates silver to create a carved image and a cast idol, illustrating the use of silver in idolatrous practices: "He returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, who said, 'I now dedicate the silver to the LORD for my son to make a carved image and a cast idol. I will give it back to you'" . Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons Silver often symbolizes purity and refinement in Scripture. In Malachi 3:3, the refining process of silver is used as a metaphor for God's purification of His people: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver" . This imagery conveys the idea of spiritual cleansing and the removal of impurities. The New Testament also references silver in the context of betrayal and greed. Judas Iscariot's infamous betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver is a poignant example of silver's association with moral corruption (Matthew 26:14-16). This event serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of valuing material wealth over spiritual integrity. Economic and Cultural Impact In the ancient Near East, silver was a critical component of the economy. It facilitated trade and commerce, allowing for the exchange of goods and services across regions. The presence of silver articles in archaeological findings, such as coins and jewelry, provides insight into the economic practices and cultural values of biblical societies. Silver's role in commerce extended beyond Israel to neighboring nations. The Phoenicians, known for their extensive trade networks, utilized silver in their commercial dealings, further emphasizing its widespread significance. Conclusion Articles of silver in the Bible reflect the metal's multifaceted role in ancient commerce, religious practices, and cultural symbolism. From its use as currency to its spiritual implications, silver remains a powerful symbol of both material wealth and divine refinement. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 10:22For 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. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 9:21 Revelation 18:12 Library Ripe for Gathering The Reconnoitering of Greece. Sermon at the Faribault Celebration of the Centennial of the ... The Destruction of Babylon. The City of Benares. Chaldaean Civilization The Birth of England's Foreign Missions The First Theban Empire Jews. Paul in Athens. Resources What are blue laws? What is a biblical view of blue laws? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Cyprus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth? | GotQuestions.org Commerce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Commerce of the Jews: Checked in Jehoshaphat's Time Commerce of the Jews: Commenced After Their Settlement in Canaan Commerce of the Jews: Greatly Extended by Solomon Commerce of the Jews: Under Strict Laws Commerce: Articles of Blue Cloth Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men Commerce: Articles of Chariots Commerce: Articles of Chest of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Chests of Rich Apparel Commerce: Articles of Cinnamon Commerce: Articles of Clothes for Chariots Commerce: Articles of Embroidery Commerce: Articles of Frankincense Commerce: Articles of Iron and Steel Commerce: Articles of Peacocks Commerce: Articles of Perfumes Commerce: Articles of Precious Stones Commerce: Articles of Sweet Cane Commerce: Articles of Thyine Wood Commerce: Articles of White Wool Commerce: Articles of, Called: Merchandise Commerce: Articles of, Called: Wares Commerce: Called: Buying and Selling Commerce: Carried on by Egyptians Commerce: Carried on by Ethiopians Commerce: Carried on by Ishmaelites Commerce: Carried on by Means of Caravans Commerce: Carried on by Means of Ships Commerce: Carried on by Ninevites Commerce: Carried on by People of Tarshish Commerce: Carried on by People of Tyre Commerce: Carried on by Syrians Commerce: Denunciations Connected With Abuses of Commerce: Evil Practices Connected With Commerce: Illustrative of Intercourse With the Apostasy Commerce: Increased the Wealth of Nations and Individuals Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Chapmen Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Merchants Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Sellers and Buyers Commerce: Persons Engaged In, Called: Traffickers Commerce: Persons of Distinction Engaged In Commerce: Success In, Led to Pride Commerce: The Barter of One Commodity for Another Commerce: The Exchange of Commodities for Money Commerce: Transportation of Passengers Related Terms |
    |