The Gold of the Tabernacle

Gold is a naturally occurring chemical element and a precious metal. It is highly resistant to corrosion and other chemical reactions and is found in soil, caves, and rocks.  

When it was time to build the Tabernacle, gold was among the materials collected from the community via free-will offerings (Ex. 35:5, 20-22). It was used to make the Ark of the Covenant, its attacked cherubim and poles, the table for the bread of the presence and its poles and accessories, the lampstand and its accessories, the incense altar and its poles and rings, and the hooks for the curtains (Ex. 26:32, 37). The frames, crossbars, and posts of the Tabernacle were also overlaid with gold (Ex. 26:29, 32, 37), and their rings were made of pure gold. Gold was also used in the design of the high priest’s garments. The stones of his ephod were set in gold, and gold chains were added to its design (Ex. 28:11-14). Likewise, the chest piece also contained gold, as the featured jewels were set in it (Ex. 28:20) and it held gold rings. In addition, the robe worn with the ephod had gold bells sewn onto the hem (Ex. 28:33), and his turban held a medallion made of pure gold (Ex. 28:36). 

Interestingly, scientists believe gold was present in the dust of the universe before the solar system was formed (Seeger et al., 1965). They also believe gold existed in the deepest regions of the planet from the very beginning, and the gold that surfaces on the top layer of the earth is from its internal movements. This research supports Scripture, as Job 28:5-6 reports that the dust of the earth contains gold. Furthermore, the land of Havilah, which a branch of the river of Eden flowed around, contained exceptionally pure gold, (Gen. 2:11-12). Likewise, the New Jerusalem described in Revelation contains gold (Rev. 21:15-21). 

REFERENCES 

Seeger, P., Fowler, W., & Clayton, D. (1965). Nucleosynthesis of Heavy Elements by Neutron Capture [Ebook]. Clemson University TigerPrints. Retrieved 22 January 2022, from https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=https://en.wikipedia.org/&httpsredir=1&article=1307&context=physastro_pubs.

University of Granada. (2017, November 21). Scientists reveals the mystery about the origin of gold. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 22, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171121095128.htm