Topical Bible: The Earth: Full of Minerals

◄ The Earth: Full of Minerals ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible, while primarily a spiritual and theological text, contains numerous references to the natural world, including the earth's rich endowment of minerals. These references underscore the belief in God's providence and the abundance of His creation, reflecting a worldview that sees the earth as a divinely crafted repository of resources for human use and stewardship.

Creation and Abundance

The Book of Genesis sets the stage for understanding the earth's mineral wealth. In Genesis 1:31, God surveys His creation and declares it "very good," implying the inherent value and purpose of all that He has made, including the minerals within the earth. The earth's mineral resources are part of the divine provision for humanity, intended to support life and enable human flourishing.

Gold and Precious Stones

Gold is one of the most frequently mentioned minerals in the Bible, symbolizing wealth, purity, and divine glory. In Genesis 2:11-12, the land of Havilah is noted for its gold, described as "good," along with bdellium and onyx stone. These references highlight the intrinsic value of these minerals and their role in the ancient economy and religious practices.

The construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple further illustrates the use of minerals in worship. Exodus 25:3-7 lists gold, silver, bronze, and precious stones among the offerings for the Tabernacle, signifying their importance in creating a dwelling place for God's presence. Similarly, 1 Kings 6:20-22 describes Solomon's Temple, adorned with gold, reflecting the splendor and holiness of the divine.

Iron and Copper

The Bible also acknowledges the practical uses of minerals such as iron and copper. Deuteronomy 8:9 speaks of the Promised Land as a place "where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills." This description emphasizes the land's suitability for sustaining a prosperous society, with minerals available for tools, construction, and trade.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Minerals in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. Gold, for instance, represents divine wisdom and the purity of faith, as seen in Job 23:10, where Job declares, "But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold." This metaphor illustrates the refining process of faith through trials.

Similarly, the imagery of precious stones is used in Revelation 21:18-21 to describe the New Jerusalem, with its foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone and its streets of pure gold. This vision conveys the ultimate beauty and perfection of God's eternal kingdom.

Human Responsibility and Stewardship

The biblical narrative also implies a responsibility for humans to steward the earth's resources wisely. The dominion mandate in Genesis 1:28 entrusts humanity with the care of creation, which includes the responsible use of its mineral wealth. This stewardship is not merely for exploitation but for the benefit of all creation, reflecting God's order and purpose.

In summary, the Bible presents the earth as a treasure trove of minerals, each with its own significance and purpose. These resources are seen as gifts from God, meant to be used in ways that honor Him and serve the needs of humanity, while also pointing to deeper spiritual truths and the ultimate hope of redemption and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 8:9
A land wherein you shall eat bread without scarceness, you shall not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you may dig brass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 28:1-5,15-19
Surely there is a vein for the silver, and a place for gold where they fine it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Imperfection of Human Knowledge
... who can inform us, what lies beneath the region of stones, metals, minerals, and
other ... At this day, is not almost every part of the earth full of darkness and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 69 the imperfection of.htm

Carey's Last Days
... fitted up and classified shelves full of minerals, stones, shells ... years of age when,
in 1830, full of hesitation ... is turned to his dismissal from earth, or his ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

Thou Art Worthy
... are made upon the same plan; all stones, and minerals, and earths ... been made in the
same way as our earth has been ... they are entered, are found to be full of trees ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xv thou art worthy.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... and who have gone from this training to dark places of the earth. ... Amaleks to be
overcome,"narrow straits lined with mountains full of minerals, which are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

The Creation
... (3.) Did God make this world full of beauty and glory, everything ... Look into the earth,
there we may wonder at the nature of minerals, the power of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/13 the creation.htm

Of Evil Angels
... above another, first, inorganical earth, then minerals and vegetables in ... against
those worms of the earth who are ... inherit the kingdom." They are full of cruelty ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 72 of evil angels.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Creation
... Why should one be rich in minerals and another own ... did He in Heaven, and in the earth,
in the ... some be born constitutionally lethargic and others full of energy ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter two the sovereignty of.htm

Heavenly Contemplation Assisted by Sensible Objects, and Guarded ...
... variety and usefulness in herbs, plants, fruits and minerals! What wonders are
contained in the earth and its ... servants to sinful man, are so full of mysterious ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xv heavenly contemplation assisted.htm

"Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing ...
... spread on the mountain of God's church, a full feast which ... heavens should be as brass
to the earth, and would ... cry for rain, or the herbs and minerals when they ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix now the god.htm

The Beatific vision. (Continued. )
... sciences, the characters of their plants, animals, and minerals. ... Not only is the
full knowledge of the whole ... expanse of the ocean, the earth, trees, flowers ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter iii the beatific vision.htm