Gold
The well-known precious metal. It was discovered very early (Gen. 2:11-12). It was purified by fire (Prov. 17:3; Zech. 13:9): and we read of “choice gold,” “fine gold,” “pure gold.” Precious things are compared with gold to show their value (Psa. 119:72,127). It was extensively used in the tabernacle and in the temple; some things being made of gold, and others being overlaid with it. For fabrics the gold was beaten into thin plates and cut into wires to be woven with the blue, the purple, and the fine twined linen. The heavenly Jerusalem is also described as of “pure gold” (Rev. 21:18,21). Being the most costly metal it is regarded as symbolical of what pertains to God, and as signifying divine righteousness. The Lord Jesus counseled the poor Laodiceans to buy of Him “gold tried in the fire,” that they might be rich (Rev. 3:18).