Gold and silver have been around for a while. A long while. In fact, mentions of precious metals can even be found in among the oldest and most influential texts in human history, including the Bible.
In the King James Bible, you’ll find mentions of gold or silver 737 times according to BibleInvestments.com, in addition to references to money in the form of physical gold and silver 140 times.
Amazingly, many of the reasons why people in ancient biblical times valued gold and silver back then – for its use as currency, unique industrial properties, beauty and rarity – remain consistent among precious metal investors today. Silver bullion, in particular, has a special place in the scriptures.
“The biblical history of silver bullion adds to the intrigue of this precious metal that remains a sign of wealth in modern times,” writes The Christian Post.
Notable Gold and Silver References in the Scriptures
Though gold and silver are mentioned hundreds of times throughout the Old and New Testament, here are a few of the most noteworthy mentions:
- Genesis 2:10-12 – The first mention of using gold and silver as a form of currency appears in the very first book of the Bible. Gold is referred to as coming from the land of Havilah and described as “good.” Later, the metal became the basis of an economic system (the first gold standard), and silver was used for trade.
- Ezra 5:14 – One of silver’s most useful properties is its antimicrobial qualities. Modern scientists now know that silver helps keep liquids fresher for longer, even prolonging the shelf-life of milk! However, the Babylonian people of King Nebuchadnezzar’s time already knew this. Ezra says gold and silver vessels were kept in the temple, proving their historical use and religious importance.
- Malachi 3:3 – A reference to refined gold and silver is made in one of the Psalms. The Lord is likened to a refiner of gold and silver in how he will “purify the sons of Levi.”
- Matthew 26:15 – As foretold in Zechariah 11:12-13, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, agrees to deliver Jesus into the hands of the Jewish religious leaders for thirty pieces of silver. This is perhaps not the most proud moment in the biblical history of precious metal bullion, but significant nevertheless because it shows how highly regarded and valued silver was during this time.
Clearly, gold and silver have retained their value since biblical times…and this fact is exactly why modern investors find security and comfort in physical precious metals.
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