The Gold Furnishings
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
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

Alchemy

Gold

Gold for the Temple

Gold used As Money

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 Chains

Gold was Used for Couches

Gold was Used for Crowns

Gold was Used for Earrings

Gold was Used for Footstools

Gold was Used for Idols

Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims

Gold was Used for Ornaments

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 Rings

Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks

Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils

Gold was Used for Sceptres

Gold was Used for Shields

Gold was Used for Vessels

Gold: Abounded in Havilah

Gold: Abounded in Ophir

Gold: Abounded in Parvaim

Gold: Abounded in Sheba

Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign

Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of

Gold: An Article of Commerce

Gold: Babylonish Empire

Gold: Belongs to God

Gold: Estimated by Weight

Gold: Exacted As Tribute

Gold: Exported from Havilah

Gold: Figurative

Gold: Found in the Earth

Gold: from Ophir

Gold: Fusible

Gold: Given As Presents

Gold: Imported by Solomon

Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying

Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply

Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust

Gold: Liable to Grow Dim

Gold: Malleable

Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine

Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle

Gold: Offerings of, for Temple

Gold: Parvaim

Gold: Precious

Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With

Gold: Refined

Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire

Gold: Saints After Affliction

Gold: Sheba

Gold: Solomon Rich In

Gold: Symbolical

Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God

Gold: Tarshish

Gold: The Doctrines of Grace

Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In

Gold: Tried Faith

Gold: True Converts

Gold: Uphaz

Gold: Valuable

Gold: Vanity of Heaping Up

Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle

Gold: Wedge of

Gold: Working In, a Trade

Gold: Yellow

Related Terms

Gold-embroidered (1 Occurrence)

Ark (212 Occurrences)

Covenant (309 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)

The Gold Cup
Top of Page
Top of Page