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Bible Encyclopedias
Silver
Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
or Silver. There is no mention of this metal in Scripture until the time of Abraham. Before that time brass and iron appear to have been the only metals in use (). Abraham was rich in gold and silver, as well as in flocks and herds, and silver in his day was in general circulation as money. It was uncoined, and estimated always by weight. Coined money was not in use among the Israelites until an advanced period of their history. The Romans are said to have had only copper money until within five years of the first Punic war, when they began to coin silver. Their coins were extensively introduced into Judea after it became a Roman province.
Silver, as well as gold, is frequently mentioned in Scripture. They were both largely used by the Jews in the manufacture of articles of ornament, and of various vessels for domestic purposes, and also for the service of the temple. Many of the idols, and other objects belonging to the idolatrous nations, are stated to have been of silver. This metal was so abundant as to be little thought of in the days of Solomon, although it was at that time, and both before and long afterwards, the principal medium of exchange among the Jews—the only recognized standard or measure of value.
Public Domain.
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Silver'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/kbe/s/silver.html.
