Gold was known from the earliest times (Genesis 2:11 ). It was principally used for ornaments (Genesis 24:22 ). It was very abundant (1 Chronicles 22:14; Nahum 2:9; Daniel 3:1 ). Many tons of it were used in connection with the temple (2 Chronicles 1:15 ). It was found in Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir (1 Kings 9:28; 10:1; Job 28:16 ), but not in Palestine.
In Daniel 2:38 , the Babylonian Empire is spoken of as a "head of gold" because of its great riches; and Babylon was called by (Isaiah 14:4 ) the "golden city" (RSV marg., "exactress," adopting the reading Marhebah , Instead of the usual word Madhebah ).