Topical Encyclopedia
Electrum is a naturally occurring alloy primarily composed of gold and silver, with trace amounts of other metals such as copper and platinum. In ancient times, it was highly valued for its unique appearance and durability. The term "electrum" is derived from the Greek word "ēlektron," which also refers to amber, due to its similar color. Electrum's historical significance is evident in its use for coinage, jewelry, and various artifacts.
Biblical References and ContextWhile the specific term "electrum" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of precious metals, including gold and silver, is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. These metals often symbolize wealth, purity, and divine glory. In the context of biblical times, electrum would have been recognized as a valuable material due to its composition and aesthetic qualities.
In the Book of Ezekiel, a vision of God's glory is described using imagery that may allude to electrum.
Ezekiel 1:4 states, "I looked and saw a whirlwind coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing back and forth and a brilliant light all around it. In the center of the fire was a glow like that of amber." The term "amber" here is sometimes interpreted as a reference to electrum, given its golden hue and reflective properties.
Symbolism and Theological SignificanceElectrum, as a blend of gold and silver, can be seen as a symbol of unity and harmony. Gold, often associated with divinity and kingship, and silver, linked to redemption and purity, together create a material that embodies both divine and redemptive qualities. This duality can be reflective of the nature of Christ, who embodies both divine and human attributes.
The use of precious metals in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple further underscores their importance in worship and the representation of God's presence.
Exodus 25:3 lists gold and silver among the offerings for the Tabernacle, highlighting their role in creating a sacred space for God's dwelling among His people.
Historical and Archaeological InsightsElectrum was used extensively in the ancient Near East, including regions such as Egypt and Lydia. The Lydians are credited with producing some of the earliest known coins made from electrum, dating back to the 7th century BC. These coins facilitated trade and economic stability, reflecting the material's intrinsic value.
In biblical archaeology, discoveries of artifacts made from electrum provide insight into the wealth and craftsmanship of ancient civilizations. Such findings help to contextualize the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the material culture of the time.
ConclusionWhile electrum itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its components and the symbolism associated with precious metals are deeply woven into the biblical text. Electrum's historical use and its potential allusions in Scripture enrich our understanding of the cultural and theological landscape of the biblical world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Amber.
2. (n.) An alloy of gold and silver, of an amber color, used by the ancients.
3. (n.) German-silver plate. See German.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ELECTRUMe-lek'-trum:
The Revised Version, margin rendering of chashmal, ofEzekiel 1:4, 27;Ezekiel 8:2 Septuagint elektron, Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) electrum). Both the King James Version and the English Revised Version have "amber" while the American Standard Revised Version has "glowing metal." Gesenius says electrum must not be understood as being here used for amber, but for a kind of metal remarkable for brightness, compounded of gold and silver. "Amber" is undoubtedly a poor rendering, as the Hebrew term means "polished brass." the American Standard Revised Version has the more correct rendering. Amber, however, may well have been known to Ezekiel (Encyclopaedia Biblica, which see).
See alsoSTONES, PRECIOUS;BUYING, IV.
A. W. Fortune
Library
The Assumption that There are Two Earths Mentioned in the History...
... For although the pitcher is formed out of the clay, I shall no longer call it clay,
but a pitcher; so likewise, althoughelectrum [6364] is compounded of gold...
The Distinction of the Father and the Son, Thus Established, He...
... it follows at once that Jesus must be a substance compounded of [8154] two
substances"of flesh and spirit,"a kind of mixture, likeelectrum, composed of...
Of the Building of this Temple
... instruments, and such as were invented for singing of hymns, called Nablee and Cindree,
[psalteries and harps,] which were made ofelectrum, [the finest brass...
The Iranian Conquest
... RUNNING FOX]. Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a specimen in the Cabinet des Medailles:
a stater ofelectrum weighing 14.19 grammes. [These...
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... it: as for me, when I sat in the palace and thought upon him who created me, my
heart prompted me to raise to him two obelisks ofelectrum, whose apices should...
The Reaction against Egypt
... examples of iron and lead. They were fairly adroit workers in silver,electrum,
and especially in gold. The amulets, cups, necklaces...
The Political Constitution of Egypt
... worshipped by the faithful. Sinuhit, under the XIIth dynasty, was granted an
audience in the "Hall ofElectrum.". The private apartments...
The First Theban Empire
... other metals, from which they did not know how to separate it: the purest gold had
a pale yellow tint, which was valued above all others, butelectrum, that is...
Thesaurus
Electrum (3 Occurrences)... See German. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
ELECTRUM.
... See also STONES, PRECIOUS;
BUYING, IV. AW Fortune. Multi-Version Concordance
Electrum (3 Occurrences).
...Coloured (21 Occurrences)
... great cloud with flames of fire coming after one another, and a bright light shining
round about it and in the heart of it was something coloured likeelectrum...
Amber (3 Occurrences)
... elektron, and by the Vulgateelectrum), a metal compounded of silver and
gold.... It was probably the mixture now calledelectrum....
Shining (115 Occurrences)
... great cloud with flames of fire coming after one another, and a bright light shining
round about it and in the heart of it was something coloured likeelectrum...
Elect's (3 Occurrences)
Enclosed (16 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 1:27 And I saw as the colour ofelectrum, as the appearance of fire round
about enclosing it, from the appearance of his loins and upward; and from the...
Metal (69 Occurrences)
... especially Jewesses-today, and they are credited with medicinal properties.
SeeELECTRUM; STONES, PRECIOUS. EWG Masterman. METAL WORKING....
Storm-wind (19 Occurrences)
... great cloud with flames of fire coming after one another, and a bright light shining
round about it and in the heart of it was something coloured likeelectrum...
Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... royal chariots were ornamented with gold and silver, and in the battle of Megiddo
Thothmes III is represented as standing in his chariot ofelectrum like the...
Precious (128 Occurrences)
... not mentioned by John as foundations, are crystallum and adamas, both of them colorless;
onyx, remarkable rather for structure than color;electrum (amber), a...
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