Topical Encyclopedia
The term "plated" in the context of the Bible often refers to objects that are overlaid or covered with a thin layer of precious metal, such as gold or silver. This technique was commonly used in ancient craftsmanship to enhance the beauty and value of various items, including sacred objects used in worship and ceremonial practices.
Biblical References:1.
The Tabernacle and Its Furnishings: The construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, provides several instances of items being plated with gold. For example, the Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold both inside and out (
Exodus 25:11). The use of gold plating signified the holiness and divine nature of the objects associated with God's presence.
2.
The Altar of Incense: The Altar of Incense, another key element of the Tabernacle, was also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold (
Exodus 30:3). This altar was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God, and its gold plating underscored its sacred purpose.
3.
The Temple of Solomon: Solomon's Temple, a permanent structure that replaced the portable Tabernacle, featured extensive use of gold plating. The inner sanctuary, or the Most Holy Place, was overlaid with pure gold, including the altar and the cherubim (
1 Kings 6:20-22). This lavish use of gold highlighted the glory and majesty of God, whom the Temple was built to honor.
4.
Idolatrous Practices: In contrast to the sacred use of plating in the worship of Yahweh, the Bible also mentions the use of gold and silver plating in the context of idolatry. For instance, idols were often crafted from wood and then plated with precious metals to give them an appearance of worth and power (
Isaiah 30:22). The prophets condemned such practices, emphasizing the futility of worshiping man-made objects.
Symbolism and Significance:In the biblical narrative, the act of plating objects with gold or silver serves as a symbol of purity, value, and divine presence. The use of precious metals in the construction of sacred items reflects the Israelites' desire to honor God with the best of their resources. Gold, in particular, is associated with kingship and divinity, making it a fitting material for objects used in the worship of the Almighty.
The contrast between the use of plating in the worship of God and in idolatrous practices underscores a recurring biblical theme: the distinction between true worship and false worship. While gold-plated objects in the Tabernacle and Temple were meant to draw the worshiper's heart toward God, idols plated with gold or silver were deceptive, leading people away from the truth.
Cultural and Historical Context:The technique of plating, particularly with gold, was a common practice in the ancient Near East. It allowed artisans to create objects that appeared to be made entirely of precious metal, while conserving resources. This method was not only practical but also served to communicate wealth, power, and religious devotion.
In summary, the concept of "plated" in the Bible is closely tied to the themes of worship, holiness, and the distinction between the sacred and the profane. Whether in the context of the Tabernacle, the Temple, or the denunciation of idols, plating serves as a powerful visual and symbolic element in the biblical narrative.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Plate.
Strong's Hebrew
6858. tsepheth -- probablyplated capital (of a pillar)... 6857, 6858. tsepheth. 6859 . probably
plated capital (of a pillar).
Transliteration: tsepheth Phonetic Spelling: (tseh'-feth) Short Definition: capital.
...642. aphuddah -- an ephod
... 641, 642. aphuddah. 643 . an ephod. Transliteration: aphuddah Phonetic
Spelling: (ay-food-daw') Short Definition:plated. Word Origin...
Library
Letter to Veranus
... known indiscriminately and randomly, nor is the sacred set before dogs nor pearls
before swine [Matt.7:6], because, in truth, like the silver-plated dove whose...
Thereafter He Appeared to Anna his Wife, Saying: Fear Not...
... Wherefore arise, and go up to Jerusalem; and when thou shalt come to the gate which,
because it isplated with gold, is called Golden, there, for a sign, thou...
Special Efforts
... A special effort enabled her to leave there a band with a set ofplated instruments.
At Sunderland, hard by the hall, a tavern boasted a brilliant front light....
On Shoes.
... Farewell, therefore, must be bidden to gold-plated and jewelled mischievous devices
of sandals, and Attic and Sicyonian half-boots, and Persian and Tyrrhenian...
The God of the Living.
... Lord's teaching, that he is too simple for us; that while we are questioning with
ourselves about the design of Solomon's earring upon some gold-plated door of...
Behaviour in the Baths.
... And gold-plated chairs, and silver ones, too, and ten thousand vessels of gold and
silver, some for drinking, some for eating, some for bathing, are carried...
For whom and with what Object Written.
... notion that the gift of Bel to Daniel, in v.22 of our story, was in order that he
might be rewarded by the gold with which the image wasplated, agrees well...
Substitution
... volume is the heart of God made legible; it is the gold of God's love beaten out
into leaf gold, so that therewith our thoughts might beplated, and we also...
The Forgotten Preacher.
... in my corner of the planet. It is silver-plated sometimes; just common
tin under the plating. There's some fine engraving on the...
Of Divine Wisdom.
... up of divers stories, elegant descriptions, acute discourses, and exquisite Proofs,
yet are by no means the word of God; but the word of Men,plated over with...
Thesaurus
Plated (29 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Plated (29 Occurrences). Exodus 25:11 It is to be
plated inside and out with the best gold, with an edge of gold all round it (BBE).
...Gold-plated (1 Occurrence)
Gold-plated. Golden, Gold-plated. Goldsmith . Multi-Version
Concordance Gold-plated (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 30:22 And...
Rods (76 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:28 Make rods of the same wood,plated with gold, for lifting the table....
Exodus 27:6 And make rods for the altar, of hard wood,plated with brass....
Plate (34 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Metallic ware which isplated, in distinction from that which is genuine
silver or gold.... 16. (vt) To adorn withplated metal; as, aplated harness. 17....
Bases (80 Occurrences)
... (BBE DBY RSV NIV). Exodus 26:32 Hanging it by gold hooks from four pillars of wood,
plated with gold and fixed in silver bases. (BBE DBY RSV NIV)....
Winged (69 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:25 The two winged ones were ten cubits high, of the same size and form.
(BBE). 1 Kings 6:28 These winged ones wereplated over with gold. (BBE)....
Designs (118 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:32 On the olive-wood doors were cut designs of winged ones and palm-trees
and open flowers, all of them, with the doors,plated with gold. (BBE)....
Ornamented (14 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Kings 6:35 These were ornamented with designs of winged ones and
palm-trees and open flowers,plated over with gold. (BBE)....
Edge (150 Occurrences)
... damage. (BBE). Exodus 25:11 It is to beplated inside and out with the
best gold, with an edge of gold all round it (BBE). Exodus...
Width (58 Occurrences)
... 3:4 And the covered way in front of the house was twenty cubits long, as wide as
the house, and a hundred and twenty cubits high, allplated inside with the...
Resources
Should we have a Christmas tree? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgPlated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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