Gold

Gold was the most prized metal in the ancient world and features prominently throughout Scripture as a symbol of wealth, divine splendor, and purity. The Hebrew Bible uses multiple words for gold (zāhāb, paz, kethem, hārûz), reflecting different grades and forms. It was used extensively in the construction and furnishing of the tabernacle and temple: the ark of the covenant, the mercy seat, the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the overlaid walls and doors were all of gold (Ex. 25–26; 1 Kings 6–7). Solomon's reign represented the apex of Israelite gold use; 1 Kings 10 describes his immense wealth in gold. Gold figures in the New Testament as among the gifts brought by the Magi (Matt. 2:11) and in the imagery of the New Jerusalem, whose streets and walls are described as pure gold (Rev. 21:18–21). Theologically, gold is used as a metaphor for faith refined through trials (1 Pet. 1:7; Job 23:10).