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◄ Silver: Made Into: Cups►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, silver holds significant value and is often associated with wealth, purity, and divine craftsmanship. Among its various uses, silver was fashioned into cups, which are mentioned in several scriptural accounts, highlighting their importance in both religious and domestic settings.

Biblical References:

1.Joseph's Silver Cup:
One of the most notable mentions of a silver cup in the Bible is found in the account of Joseph. InGenesis 44, Joseph, who had risen to a position of power in Egypt, used a silver cup as part of a test for his brothers. After they had purchased grain and were returning to Canaan, Joseph instructed his steward to place his silver cup in the sack of Benjamin, the youngest brother. When the brothers were accused of theft, they were brought back to Joseph, leading to a dramatic revelation and reconciliation. The silver cup here symbolizes Joseph's authority and the unfolding of God's providential plan. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one's sack, along with the silver for his grain." (Genesis 44:2).

2.Temple Service:
Silver cups were also used in the service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. While the Bible does not provide exhaustive details about every item made of silver, it is clear that silver was a material of choice for various sacred vessels. These items were crafted with precision and care, reflecting the holiness and sanctity of the worship practices. The use of silver in the Temple underscores its role as a symbol of purity and dedication to God.

3.Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical symbolism, silver often represents redemption and refinement. Just as silver is purified through fire, believers are refined through trials and divine discipline. The crafting of silver into cups can be seen as an allegory for the shaping of a believer's life, molded by the hands of the Creator for a specific purpose. The use of silver cups in biblical narratives serves as a reminder of God's provision and the value He places on His covenant people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, silver was a precious metal commonly used for trade, ornamentation, and religious artifacts. The crafting of silver into cups would have required skilled artisans, indicating the value and status associated with such items. Silver cups were likely used in both everyday life and ceremonial contexts, serving as vessels for drinking and as symbols of hospitality and honor.

The biblical accounts of silver cups reflect the broader cultural practices of the time, where precious metals were integral to both economic and spiritual life. The presence of silver cups in the biblical narrative highlights the intersection of divine purpose and human craftsmanship, illustrating how ordinary objects can carry extraordinary significance in God's unfolding account.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 44:2
And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

No Gods which areMade with Hands.
... material, to their original nature; I meaninto cups and basins... that if they are
of gold, orsilver, or brass... the value of the material of which they aremade....

On Costly Vessels.
... And so the use ofcups made ofsilver and gold, and of others... For if you pour any
warm liquidinto them, the vessels becoming hot, to touch them is painful....

How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and...
... of gold, and he had them carried and putinto that house... He alsomade cups of gold,
and of [precious] stones, for... then to be sold or bought forsilver; for the...

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the...
... the altar, and desired every one to castinto it, through... and when they had repaired
the temple, theymade use of the remaining gold andsilver, which was...

How AntiochusMade a League with Ptolemy and How Onias Provoked...
... he did not pay that tax of twenty talents ofsilver, which his... of the king's friends
at Alexandria five hundred talents, hemade haste backinto Syria....

Of the Building of this Temple
... feet of the priests, when they enteredinto the temple... set the loaves of God; and
hemade ten thousand... of gold were twenty thousand, those ofsilver were forty...

Hyrcanus Receives the High Priesthood, and Ejects Ptolemy Out of...
... if they perceived them, they then retiredinto the city... way to this piety towards
God, andmade that truce... of sweet spices, and withcups of gold andsilver....

How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be...
... the twenty vials of gold, and thirty ofsilver, and the... as far as the feet; for there
wasmade a plate... through the entire breadth of the table,into which they...

How Amon Reigned Instead of Manasseh; and after Amon Reigned...
... they should bring all the gold orsilver which was... done thus in Jerusalem, he came
into the country... utterly destroyed what buildings had beenmade therein by...

Imperial Tombs.
... called from the pignatte, or earthen vases builtinto the vault... or sign was found
except a crossmade in this... of everything and sent the gold andsilver to the...