Silver
VIEW:24 DATA:01-04-2020
SILVER.See Mining and Metals.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
Hebrew keceph, Greek arguros. The only one of the four metals, gold, silver, brass, and iron, not mentioned until after the deluge. Abraham paid Ephron for the cave of Machpelah "400 shekels of silver, current money with the merchant" (Gen_23:16). By this time it had become a recognized standard of value and medium of exchange. It probably was not coined, but bars of silver were probably formed in conventional shapes and marked with some sign to note their weight. The thousand ("pieces" is not in the Hebrew) of silver given by Abimelech to Abraham probably indicate the value of the "sheep and oxen," etc., which he gave (Gen_20:14-16). (See MONEY.) Silver was brought to Solomon in lavish abundance from Arabia and Tarshish (in plates like the Cingalese sacred writing tablets). 2Ch_9:14; 2Ch_9:21; 1Ki_10:21-27. Idols were generally wood inside, plated over with silver (Jer_10:9; Isa_30:22; Isa_40:19; Hos_13:2; Hab_2:19).
It was used for women's ornaments, Gen_24:53; cups, Gen_44:2; sockets and chapiters of the pillars of the tabernacle, Exo_26:19; Exo_27:10; Exo_38:17; the two trumpets, Num_10:2; the temple candlesticks, etc., 1Ch_28:15-17; the model shrines of Diana, Act_19:24. There being mines ("vein") of silver and "dust of gold" is accurately noted in Job_28:1 (See METALS.) The Lord, with perfect wisdom and love, leaves His people in affliction till, their dross being purified, He sees them reflecting His holy image; just as a "refiner of silver" sits watching the melting silver until he sees his own image reflected, when he knows the silver has been long enough in the furnace and withdraws it (Mal_3:3). (See MINES; LEAD.) Captain Burton's discovery of silver and gold and other metals in great abundance in the land of Midian, as well as the remains of ancient mine workings, remarkably confirms the Scripture account of Midian's wealth in the metals (Num_31:9; Num_31:22; Num_31:50-54; Jdg_8:24-26). A forger would never have ascribed this kind of wealth to a nomadic people. (See MIDIAN; PARAN.)
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Silver. In very early times, silver was used for ornaments, Gen_24:53, and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver, or overlaid with it, Exo_20:23; Hos_13:2; Hab_2:19; Bar_6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. Act_19:24. But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament, we find "silver" used for money, like the French, argent.
Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, 2Ch_9:14, and from Tarshish, 2Ch_9:21, which supplied the markets of Tyre. Eze_27:12. From Tarshish, it came in the form of plates, Jer_10:9, like those on which the sacred books of the Singhalese are written to this day. Spain appears to have been the chief source whence silver was obtained by the ancients. Possibly, the hills of Palestine may have afforded some supply of this metal. Silvers mixed with alloy is referred to in Jer_6:30, and a finer kind, either purer in itself or more thoroughly purified, is mentioned in Pro_8:19.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
כספּ , Gen_20:16; αργυριον, 1Pe_1:15; Act_3:4; Act_20:33; a well known metal, of a white shining colour; next in value to gold. It does not appear to have been in use before the deluge; at least Moses says nothing of it; he speaks only of the metals brass and iron, Gen_4:22. But in Abraham's time it was become common, and traffic was carried on with it, Gen_23:2; Gen_23:15. Yet it was not then coined, but was only in bars or ingots; and in commerce was always weighed.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.
sil?vẽr (כּסף, keṣeph; ἀργύριον, argúrion, ἄργυρος, árguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Gen_13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Gen_20:16; Gen_23:15; Gen_24:53; Gen_37:28, etc.). Booty was collected in silver (Jos_6:19); tribute was paid in the same (1Ki_15:19). It was also used for jewelry (Gen_44:2). The Children of Israel systematically despoiled the Egyptians of their silver before the exodus (Exo_3:22; Exo_11:2; Exo_12:35, etc.). Exo_20:23 implies that idols were made of it. It was largely used in the fittings of the tabernacle (Ex 26 ff) and later of the temple (2 Ch 2 ff).
It is likely that the ancient supply of silver came from the mountains of Asia Minor where it is still found in abundance associated with lead as argentiferous galena, and with copper sulfide. The Turkish government mines this silver on shares with the natives. The Sinaitic peninsula probably also furnished some silver. Later Phoenician ships brought quantities of it from Greece and Spain. The Arabian sources are doubtful (2Ch_9:14). Although silver does not tarnish readily in the air, it does corrode badly in the limestone soil of Palestine and Syria. This probably partly accounts for the small number of objects of this metal found. On the site of the ancient jewelers' shops of Tyre the writer found objects of gold, bronze, lead, iron, but none of silver.
Figurative:
Silver to be as stones in Jerusalem (1Ki_10:27) typified great abundance (compare Job_3:15; Job_22:25; Job_27:16; also Isa_60:17; Zec_9:3). The trying of men's hearts was compared to the refining of silver (Psa_66:10; Isa_48:10). Yahweh's words were as pure as silver refined seven times (Psa_12:6). The gaining of understanding is better than the gaining of silver (Pro_3:14; compare Pro_8:19; Pro_10:20; Pro_16:16; Pro_22:1; Pro_25:11). Silver become dross denoted deterioration (Isa_1:22; Jer_6:30). Breast and arms of silver was interpreted by Daniel to mean the inferior kingdom to follow Nebuchadnezzar's (Dan_2:32, Dan_2:39).
In the New Testament, reference should be made especially to Act_19:24; Jam_5:3; Rev_18:12.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Silver. There is no mention of this metal in Scripture until the time of Abraham. Before that time brass and iron appear to have been the only metals in use (Gen_4:22). Abraham was rich in gold and silver, as well as in flocks and herds, and silver in his day was in general circulation as money. It was uncoined, and estimated always by weight. Coined money was not in use among the Israelites until an advanced period of their history. The Romans are said to have had only copper money until within five years of the first Punic war, when they began to coin silver. Their coins were extensively introduced into Judea after it became a Roman province.
Silver, as well as gold, is frequently mentioned in Scripture. They were both largely used by the Jews in the manufacture of articles of ornament, and of various vessels for domestic purposes, and also for the service of the temple. Many of the idols, and other objects belonging to the idolatrous nations, are stated to have been of silver. This metal was so abundant as to be little thought of in the days of Solomon, although it was at that time, and both before and long afterwards, the principal medium of exchange among the Jews?the only recognized standard or measure of value.
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.
Exo_36:24 (c) This precious metal is often used as a type of redemption. In this passage it refers probably to redemption as the foundation of the sinner's safety and his standing. The boards represent the Christians, while the silver sockets represent redemption. In the sandy desert, as well as in this wicked world, the sinner needs a sure foundation, a safe resting place. These sockets perhaps weighed one hundred pounds each. The board therefore rested on a solid foundation in the sand. So we "stand on redemption ground." We do not read of silver being in Heaven. No one in Heaven needs to be redeemed. (See also Exo_30:15, and other places).
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.
(כֶּסֶ, keseph, often rendered money). There is no mention of this metal in Scripture until the time of Abraham. Before that time brass and iron appear to have been the only metals in use (Gen_4:22). Abraham was rich in gold and silver, as well as in flocks and herds, and silver in his day was in general circulation as money. It was uncoined, and estimated always by weight. Coined money was not in use among the Israelites until an advanced period of their history. The Romans are said to have had only copper money until within five years of the first Punic war, when they began to coin silver (Pliny, Hist. Nat. 30, 3). Their coins were extensively introduced into Judnea after it became a Roman province. Kitto.
In early times, according to the Bible, silver was used for ornaments (Gen_24:53), for cups (Gen_44:2), for the sockets of the pillars of the tabernacle (Exo_26:19, etc.), their hooks and fillets, or rods (27:10), and their capitals (38:17); for dishes, or chargers, and bowls (Num_7:13), trumpets (10:2), candlesticks (1Ch_28:15), tables (1Ch_28:16), basins (1Ch_28:17), chains (Isa_40:19), the settings of ornaments (Pro_25:11), studs (Son_1:11), and crowns (Zec_6:11). Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it (Exo_20:23; Hos_13:2; Hab_2:19; Habakkuk 1 Bar_6:39), and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus (Act_19:24). But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Test. we find keseph, silver, used for money; like the Fr. argent. To this general usage there is but one exception. SEE METAL.
Vessels and ornaments of gold and silver were common in Egypt in the times of Osirtasen I and Thothmes III, the contemporaries of Joseph and Moses (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt. 3, 225). In the Homeric poems we find indications of the constant application of silver to purposes of ornament land luxury. It was used for basins (Od. 1, 137; 4, 53), goblets (Il. 23, 741), baskets (Od. 4, 125), coffers. (Il. 18, 413), sword hilts (1, 219; Od. 8, 404), doorhandles (1, 442), and clasps for the greaves (Il. 3, 331). Door posts (Od. 7, 89) and lintels (ibid. 90) glittered with silver ornaments; baths (4, 128), tables (10, 355), bows(Il. 1, 49; 24, 605), scabbards (11, 31), sword belts (18, 598), belts for the shield (ibid. 480), chariot poles (5, 729), and the naves of wheels (ibid.) were adorned with silver; women braided their hair with silverthread (17, 52), and cords appear to have been made of it (Od. 10, 24); while we constantly find that swords (Il. 2, 45; 23, 807) and sword belts (11, 237), thrones, or chairs of state (Od. 8, 65), and bedsteads (23, 200) were studded with silver. Thetis of the silver feet was probably so called from the silver ornaments on her sandals (Il. 1, 538). The practice of overlaying silver with gold, referred to in Homer (Od. 6, 232; 23, 159), is nowhere mentioned in the Bible, though inferior materials were covered with silver (Pro_26:23).
Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia (2Ch_9:14) and from Tarshish (2Ch_9:21), which supplied the markets of Tyre (Eze_27:12). From Tarshish it came in the form of plates (Jer_10:9), like those on which the sacred books of the Singhalese are written to this day (Tennent, Ceylon, 2, 102). The silver bowl given as a prize by Achilles was the work of Sidonian artists (Il. 23, 743; comp. Od. 4, 618). In Homer (Il. 2, 857), Alybe is called the birthplace of silver, and was probably celebrated for its mines. But Spain appears to have been the chief source whence silver was obtained by the ancients. Possibly the hills of Palestine may have afforded some supply of this metal. When Volney was among the Druses, it was mentioned to him that an ore affording silver and lead had been discovered on the declivity of a hill in Lebanon (Kitto, Phys. Hist. of Palestine, p. 73).
For an account of the knowledge of obtaining and refining silver possessed by the ancient Hebrews, SEE MINE. The whole operation of mining is vividly depicted in Job_28:1-11, and the process of purifying metals is frequently alluded to in Psa_12:6; Pro_25:4, while it is described with some minuteness in Eze_21:20-22. Silver mixed with. alloy is referred to in Jer_6:30, and a finer kind, either purer in itself or more thoroughly purified, is mentioned in Pro_8:19. Smith. There is a beautiful allusion in the prophecy of Malachi to the refining of this precious, metal. The Lord of hosts is represented sitting as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal_3:3). In the process of refining silver, the workman sits with his eye steadily fixed on the surface of the molten metal, and the operation is only known to be complete when he sees his own image reflected in it. So in this passage we have a beautiful figure descriptive of God's purpose in placing his people in the furnace of affliction, while he is, as it were, seated by their side, his all seeing eye being steadily intent on the work of purifying, and his wisdom and love engaged on their behalf until his own glorious image is reflected on their souls, and the work of purifying is fully accomplished. The way in which silver is spoken of in the book of Job (Job_28:1), Surely there is a vein for the silver and a place for gold where they fine it, affords one of the many instances of the scientific accuracy of Scripture. An eminent geologist has remarked on the distinction here drawn, and which the discoveries of modern science have made clear, between the vein of silver and dust of gold, indicating that there are mines of the one and not of the other (Murchison, Siluria, p. 457).
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909
Hebrew keceph, Greek arguros. The only one of the four metals, gold, silver, brass, and iron, not mentioned until after the deluge. Abraham paid Ephron for the cave of Machpelah "400 shekels of silver, current money with the merchant" (Gen_23:16). By this time it had become a recognized standard of value and medium of exchange. It probably was not coined, but bars of silver were probably formed in conventional shapes and marked with some sign to note their weight. The thousand ("pieces" is not in the Hebrew) of silver given by Abimelech to Abraham probably indicate the value of the "sheep and oxen," etc., which he gave (Gen_20:14-16). (See MONEY.) Silver was brought to Solomon in lavish abundance from Arabia and Tarshish (in plates like the Cingalese sacred writing tablets). 2Ch_9:14; 2Ch_9:21; 1Ki_10:21-27. Idols were generally wood inside, plated over with silver (Jer_10:9; Isa_30:22; Isa_40:19; Hos_13:2; Hab_2:19).
It was used for women's ornaments, Gen_24:53; cups, Gen_44:2; sockets and chapiters of the pillars of the tabernacle, Exo_26:19; Exo_27:10; Exo_38:17; the two trumpets, Num_10:2; the temple candlesticks, etc., 1Ch_28:15-17; the model shrines of Diana, Act_19:24. There being mines ("vein") of silver and "dust of gold" is accurately noted in Job_28:1 (See METALS.) The Lord, with perfect wisdom and love, leaves His people in affliction till, their dross being purified, He sees them reflecting His holy image; just as a "refiner of silver" sits watching the melting silver until he sees his own image reflected, when he knows the silver has been long enough in the furnace and withdraws it (Mal_3:3). (See MINES; LEAD.) Captain Burton's discovery of silver and gold and other metals in great abundance in the land of Midian, as well as the remains of ancient mine workings, remarkably confirms the Scripture account of Midian's wealth in the metals (Num_31:9; Num_31:22; Num_31:50-54; Jdg_8:24-26). A forger would never have ascribed this kind of wealth to a nomadic people. (See MIDIAN; PARAN.)
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Silver. In very early times, silver was used for ornaments, Gen_24:53, and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver, or overlaid with it, Exo_20:23; Hos_13:2; Hab_2:19; Bar_6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. Act_19:24. But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament, we find "silver" used for money, like the French, argent.
Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, 2Ch_9:14, and from Tarshish, 2Ch_9:21, which supplied the markets of Tyre. Eze_27:12. From Tarshish, it came in the form of plates, Jer_10:9, like those on which the sacred books of the Singhalese are written to this day. Spain appears to have been the chief source whence silver was obtained by the ancients. Possibly, the hills of Palestine may have afforded some supply of this metal. Silvers mixed with alloy is referred to in Jer_6:30, and a finer kind, either purer in itself or more thoroughly purified, is mentioned in Pro_8:19.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
כספּ , Gen_20:16; αργυριον, 1Pe_1:15; Act_3:4; Act_20:33; a well known metal, of a white shining colour; next in value to gold. It does not appear to have been in use before the deluge; at least Moses says nothing of it; he speaks only of the metals brass and iron, Gen_4:22. But in Abraham's time it was become common, and traffic was carried on with it, Gen_23:2; Gen_23:15. Yet it was not then coined, but was only in bars or ingots; and in commerce was always weighed.
Biblical and Theological Dictionary by Richard Watson
PRINTER 1849.
sil?vẽr (כּסף, keṣeph; ἀργύριον, argúrion, ἄργυρος, árguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Gen_13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Gen_20:16; Gen_23:15; Gen_24:53; Gen_37:28, etc.). Booty was collected in silver (Jos_6:19); tribute was paid in the same (1Ki_15:19). It was also used for jewelry (Gen_44:2). The Children of Israel systematically despoiled the Egyptians of their silver before the exodus (Exo_3:22; Exo_11:2; Exo_12:35, etc.). Exo_20:23 implies that idols were made of it. It was largely used in the fittings of the tabernacle (Ex 26 ff) and later of the temple (2 Ch 2 ff).
It is likely that the ancient supply of silver came from the mountains of Asia Minor where it is still found in abundance associated with lead as argentiferous galena, and with copper sulfide. The Turkish government mines this silver on shares with the natives. The Sinaitic peninsula probably also furnished some silver. Later Phoenician ships brought quantities of it from Greece and Spain. The Arabian sources are doubtful (2Ch_9:14). Although silver does not tarnish readily in the air, it does corrode badly in the limestone soil of Palestine and Syria. This probably partly accounts for the small number of objects of this metal found. On the site of the ancient jewelers' shops of Tyre the writer found objects of gold, bronze, lead, iron, but none of silver.
Figurative:
Silver to be as stones in Jerusalem (1Ki_10:27) typified great abundance (compare Job_3:15; Job_22:25; Job_27:16; also Isa_60:17; Zec_9:3). The trying of men's hearts was compared to the refining of silver (Psa_66:10; Isa_48:10). Yahweh's words were as pure as silver refined seven times (Psa_12:6). The gaining of understanding is better than the gaining of silver (Pro_3:14; compare Pro_8:19; Pro_10:20; Pro_16:16; Pro_22:1; Pro_25:11). Silver become dross denoted deterioration (Isa_1:22; Jer_6:30). Breast and arms of silver was interpreted by Daniel to mean the inferior kingdom to follow Nebuchadnezzar's (Dan_2:32, Dan_2:39).
In the New Testament, reference should be made especially to Act_19:24; Jam_5:3; Rev_18:12.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRINTER 1915.
Silver. There is no mention of this metal in Scripture until the time of Abraham. Before that time brass and iron appear to have been the only metals in use (Gen_4:22). Abraham was rich in gold and silver, as well as in flocks and herds, and silver in his day was in general circulation as money. It was uncoined, and estimated always by weight. Coined money was not in use among the Israelites until an advanced period of their history. The Romans are said to have had only copper money until within five years of the first Punic war, when they began to coin silver. Their coins were extensively introduced into Judea after it became a Roman province.
Silver, as well as gold, is frequently mentioned in Scripture. They were both largely used by the Jews in the manufacture of articles of ornament, and of various vessels for domestic purposes, and also for the service of the temple. Many of the idols, and other objects belonging to the idolatrous nations, are stated to have been of silver. This metal was so abundant as to be little thought of in the days of Solomon, although it was at that time, and both before and long afterwards, the principal medium of exchange among the Jews?the only recognized standard or measure of value.
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.
Exo_36:24 (c) This precious metal is often used as a type of redemption. In this passage it refers probably to redemption as the foundation of the sinner's safety and his standing. The boards represent the Christians, while the silver sockets represent redemption. In the sandy desert, as well as in this wicked world, the sinner needs a sure foundation, a safe resting place. These sockets perhaps weighed one hundred pounds each. The board therefore rested on a solid foundation in the sand. So we "stand on redemption ground." We do not read of silver being in Heaven. No one in Heaven needs to be redeemed. (See also Exo_30:15, and other places).
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.
(כֶּסֶ, keseph, often rendered money). There is no mention of this metal in Scripture until the time of Abraham. Before that time brass and iron appear to have been the only metals in use (Gen_4:22). Abraham was rich in gold and silver, as well as in flocks and herds, and silver in his day was in general circulation as money. It was uncoined, and estimated always by weight. Coined money was not in use among the Israelites until an advanced period of their history. The Romans are said to have had only copper money until within five years of the first Punic war, when they began to coin silver (Pliny, Hist. Nat. 30, 3). Their coins were extensively introduced into Judnea after it became a Roman province. Kitto.
In early times, according to the Bible, silver was used for ornaments (Gen_24:53), for cups (Gen_44:2), for the sockets of the pillars of the tabernacle (Exo_26:19, etc.), their hooks and fillets, or rods (27:10), and their capitals (38:17); for dishes, or chargers, and bowls (Num_7:13), trumpets (10:2), candlesticks (1Ch_28:15), tables (1Ch_28:16), basins (1Ch_28:17), chains (Isa_40:19), the settings of ornaments (Pro_25:11), studs (Son_1:11), and crowns (Zec_6:11). Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it (Exo_20:23; Hos_13:2; Hab_2:19; Habakkuk 1 Bar_6:39), and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus (Act_19:24). But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Test. we find keseph, silver, used for money; like the Fr. argent. To this general usage there is but one exception. SEE METAL.
Vessels and ornaments of gold and silver were common in Egypt in the times of Osirtasen I and Thothmes III, the contemporaries of Joseph and Moses (Wilkinson, Anc. Egypt. 3, 225). In the Homeric poems we find indications of the constant application of silver to purposes of ornament land luxury. It was used for basins (Od. 1, 137; 4, 53), goblets (Il. 23, 741), baskets (Od. 4, 125), coffers. (Il. 18, 413), sword hilts (1, 219; Od. 8, 404), doorhandles (1, 442), and clasps for the greaves (Il. 3, 331). Door posts (Od. 7, 89) and lintels (ibid. 90) glittered with silver ornaments; baths (4, 128), tables (10, 355), bows(Il. 1, 49; 24, 605), scabbards (11, 31), sword belts (18, 598), belts for the shield (ibid. 480), chariot poles (5, 729), and the naves of wheels (ibid.) were adorned with silver; women braided their hair with silverthread (17, 52), and cords appear to have been made of it (Od. 10, 24); while we constantly find that swords (Il. 2, 45; 23, 807) and sword belts (11, 237), thrones, or chairs of state (Od. 8, 65), and bedsteads (23, 200) were studded with silver. Thetis of the silver feet was probably so called from the silver ornaments on her sandals (Il. 1, 538). The practice of overlaying silver with gold, referred to in Homer (Od. 6, 232; 23, 159), is nowhere mentioned in the Bible, though inferior materials were covered with silver (Pro_26:23).
Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia (2Ch_9:14) and from Tarshish (2Ch_9:21), which supplied the markets of Tyre (Eze_27:12). From Tarshish it came in the form of plates (Jer_10:9), like those on which the sacred books of the Singhalese are written to this day (Tennent, Ceylon, 2, 102). The silver bowl given as a prize by Achilles was the work of Sidonian artists (Il. 23, 743; comp. Od. 4, 618). In Homer (Il. 2, 857), Alybe is called the birthplace of silver, and was probably celebrated for its mines. But Spain appears to have been the chief source whence silver was obtained by the ancients. Possibly the hills of Palestine may have afforded some supply of this metal. When Volney was among the Druses, it was mentioned to him that an ore affording silver and lead had been discovered on the declivity of a hill in Lebanon (Kitto, Phys. Hist. of Palestine, p. 73).
For an account of the knowledge of obtaining and refining silver possessed by the ancient Hebrews, SEE MINE. The whole operation of mining is vividly depicted in Job_28:1-11, and the process of purifying metals is frequently alluded to in Psa_12:6; Pro_25:4, while it is described with some minuteness in Eze_21:20-22. Silver mixed with. alloy is referred to in Jer_6:30, and a finer kind, either purer in itself or more thoroughly purified, is mentioned in Pro_8:19. Smith. There is a beautiful allusion in the prophecy of Malachi to the refining of this precious, metal. The Lord of hosts is represented sitting as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal_3:3). In the process of refining silver, the workman sits with his eye steadily fixed on the surface of the molten metal, and the operation is only known to be complete when he sees his own image reflected in it. So in this passage we have a beautiful figure descriptive of God's purpose in placing his people in the furnace of affliction, while he is, as it were, seated by their side, his all seeing eye being steadily intent on the work of purifying, and his wisdom and love engaged on their behalf until his own glorious image is reflected on their souls, and the work of purifying is fully accomplished. The way in which silver is spoken of in the book of Job (Job_28:1), Surely there is a vein for the silver and a place for gold where they fine it, affords one of the many instances of the scientific accuracy of Scripture. An eminent geologist has remarked on the distinction here drawn, and which the discoveries of modern science have made clear, between the vein of silver and dust of gold, indicating that there are mines of the one and not of the other (Murchison, Siluria, p. 457).
CYCLOPEDIA OF BIBLICAL, THEOLOGICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL
press 1895.
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