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goÌ„ld (זהב, zaÌ„haÌ„bh; χÏυσοÌÏ‚, chrusoÌs):
1. Terms
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zāhābȟ. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zāhābh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean “pure†(), “refined†(), “finest†(), “beaten†(), “Ophir†().
Other terms occurring are: פז, paÌ„z, “fine gold†(; ; ; ; ; , ; ; ); חרוּץ, hÌ£aÌ„ruÌ„c (; ; , ; ; ); כּת×, kethem, literally, “carved out†(, ; ; ; ; ); סגור, sÌ£eghoÌ„r (; ; ); בּצר, becer (in the King James Version only: ; the Revised Version (British and American) “treasureâ€).
2. Sources
Sources definitely mentioned in the Old Testament are: Havilah (, ); Ophir (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ); Sheba (, ; , ; ; ; ; ); Arabia (). We are not justified in locating any of these places too definitely. They probably all refer to some region of Arabia.
The late origin of the geological formation of Palestine and Syria precludes the possibility of gold being found in any quantities (see METALS), so that the large quantities of gold used by the children of Israel in constructing their holy places was not the product of mines in the country, but was from the spoil taken from the inhabitants of the land (), or brought with them from Egypt (). This gold was probably mined in Egypt or India (possibly Arabia), and brought by the great caravan routes through Arabia to Syria, or by sea in the ships of Tyre (, ; , ). There is no doubt about the Egyptian sources. The old workings in the gold-bearing veins of the Egyptian desert and the ruins of the buildings connected with the mining and refining of the precious metal still remain. This region is being reopened with the prospect of its becoming a source of part of the world's supply. It might be inferred from the extensive spoils in gold taken from the Midianites (£100,000 HDB, under the word) that their country (Northwestern Arabia) produced gold. It is more likely that the Midianites had, in turn, captured most of it from other weaker nations. The tradition that Northwestern Arabia is rich in gold still persists. Every year Moslem pilgrims, returning from Mecca by the Damascus route, bring with them specimens of what is supposed to be gold ore. They secure it from the Arabs at the stopping-places along the route. Samples analyzed by the writer have been iron pyrites only. No gold-bearing rock has yet appeared. Whether these specimens come from the mines mentioned by Burton (The Land of Midian Revisited) is a question.
3. Forms
Gold formed a part of every household treasure (; ; ; ; ; ). It was probably treasured (a) in the form of nuggets ( the Revised Version, margin), (b) in regularly or irregularly shaped slabs or bars (, , , ; , ; ), and (c) in the form of dust (). A specimen of yellow dust, which the owner claimed to have taken from an ancient jar, unearthed in the vicinity of the Hauran, was once brought to the writer's laboratory. On examination it was found to contain iron pyrites and metallic gold in finely divided state. It was probably part of an ancient household treasure. A common practice was to make gold into jewelry with the dual purpose of ornamentation and of treasuring it. This custom still prevails, especially among the Moslems, who do not let out their money at interest. A poor woman will save her small coins until she has enough to buy a gold bracelet. This she will wear or put away against the day of need (compare , ). It was weight and not beauty which was noted in the jewels (; ; ). Gold coinage was unknown in the early Old Testament times.
4. Uses
(1) The use of gold as the most convenient way of treasuring wealth is mentioned above. (2) Jewelry took many forms: armlets (), bracelets (), chains (), crescents (), crowns (; ), earrings (, ; ; , ), rings (; ; ). (3) Making and decorating objects in connection with places of worship: In the description of the building of the ark and the tabernacle in Ex 25ff, we read of the lavish use of gold in overlaying wood and metals, and in shaping candlesticks, dishes, spoons, flagons, bowls, snuffers, curtain clasps, hooks, etc. (one estimate of the value of gold used is £90,000; see HDB). In 1 Ki 6ff; 1 Ch 28 f; 2 Ch 1ff are records of still more extensive use of gold in building the temple. (4) Idols were made of gold (; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ). (5) Gold was used for lavish display. Among the fabulous luxuries of Solomon's court were his gold drinking-vessels (), a throne of ivory overlaid with gold (), and golden chariot trimmings (). Sacred treasure saved from votive offerings or portions dedicated from booty were principally gold (; , , , ; , , ; , ; , , ; ; , , ; , ; ). This treasure was the spoil most sought after by the enemy. It was paid to them as tribute (; ; ; ; -16; , ), or taken as plunder (; ).
5. Figurative
Gold is used to symbolize earthly riches (; ; ; ; ; ; ). Finer than gold, which, physically speaking, is considered non-perishable, typifies incorruptibility (; , ; ; ). Refining of gold is a figure for great purity or a test of (; ; ; ; ; ). Gold was the most valuable of metals. It stood for anything of great value (; , ; , ; ), hence was most worthy for use in worshipping Yahweh (Ex 25ff; , , , etc.), and the adornment of angels () or saints (). The head was called golden as being the most precious part of the body (; ; compare “the golden bowl,†). “The golden city†meant Babylon (), as did also “the golden cup,†sensuality (). A crown of gold was synonymous with royal honor (; ; ; ; ). Wearing of gold typified lavish adornment and worldly luxury (; ; ; ; ). Comparing men to gold suggested their nobility (, ; ).