Topical Encyclopedia The gold furnishings of the Bible hold significant theological and symbolic importance, reflecting the divine glory, purity, and majesty of God. These items, crafted with meticulous detail and care, were integral to the worship practices and the sacred spaces of the Israelites, particularly in the Tabernacle and the Temple.The Tabernacle The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. Gold was extensively used in its construction, symbolizing the holiness and splendor of God. The Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object within the Tabernacle, was overlaid with pure gold both inside and out (Exodus 25:11). It featured a gold mercy seat with two cherubim of gold at its ends (Exodus 25:17-18). The Table of Showbread, also known as the Table of the Presence, was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold (Exodus 25:23-24). It held the Bread of the Presence, which was a perpetual offering before the Lord. The Lampstand, or Menorah, was crafted from a single piece of pure gold, with six branches and seven lamps, symbolizing the light of God’s presence (Exodus 25:31-37). The Temple of Solomon King Solomon's Temple, a permanent structure built in Jerusalem, further exemplified the use of gold in sacred furnishings. The inner sanctuary, or the Most Holy Place, was overlaid with pure gold, and the altar of incense was made of cedar and overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:20-22). The cherubim within the inner sanctuary were also overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:28). The Temple's furnishings included the golden altar, the golden table for the Bread of the Presence, and the golden lampstands, which were placed in front of the inner sanctuary (1 Kings 7:48-49). The use of gold in these items underscored the Temple's role as the dwelling place of God among His people. Symbolism and Significance Gold, in biblical symbolism, represents divinity, purity, and kingship. Its incorruptible nature makes it an apt symbol for the eternal and unchanging nature of God. The extensive use of gold in the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings signifies the sacredness of these spaces and the divine presence that dwelt within them. The gold furnishings also point to the heavenly reality that the earthly sanctuary foreshadowed. In the Book of Revelation, the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, is described as having streets of pure gold, like transparent glass (Revelation 21:21), reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people in glory. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the symbolism of gold finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true Temple and the ultimate manifestation of God's presence among humanity. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh presented by the Magi to the Christ child (Matthew 2:11) acknowledge His kingship and divine nature. The gold furnishings of the Bible, therefore, serve as a profound reminder of the holiness, majesty, and eternal presence of God, pointing forward to the ultimate redemption and restoration of creation through Jesus Christ. Subtopics Gold used in the Arts in Ornamenting the Priests' Garments Gold used in the Arts: Apparel Gold used in the Arts: Beaten Work Gold used in the Arts: Bedsteads Made of Gold used in the Arts: Crowns Made of Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Gold used in the Arts: Made Into Wire Threads and Worked Into Embroidered Tapestry Gold used in the Arts: Modeled Into Forms of Fruits Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold used in the Arts: The Lampstands Made of, for the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims Gold was Used for Overlaying Cherubims in Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Floor of Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying the Ark Gold was Used for Overlaying the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Overlaying the Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Throne of Solomon Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle Gold: Offerings of, for Temple Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle Related Terms |