Gold. Gold was known from the very earliest times. Genesis 2:11. It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. Genesis 24:22. Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs, gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Compare Genesis 43:21.
Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, 1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 2 Chronicles 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9, but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc. 1 Kings 6:22 10 passim; Esther 1:6; Song of Solomon 3:9-10; Jeremiah 10:9. The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba and Ophir. 1 Kings 9:28; 1 Kings 10:1; Job 28:16.