Silver in Israel: Biblical Times and Jewelry Today

News From Jerusalem

by Tom Brennan

Precious metals and stones have had intrinsic value since the beginning of time. Silver has a particular position in the Bible for several reasons. Silver is a sturdier metal, gold is softer. Silver was seriously employed in the furnishings of the Temple, silver mining is recorded in several Books, including Job. The weight of silver was in shekels, this developed into a standardized weights and measures system in use in Biblical times. Silver coins were the most commonly used and references to them are very memorable: 30 pieces of silver, the silver Denarius taken from a fish’s mouth to pay a tax, and Jesus’ instructions to “ render unto Caesar” , whose image decorated the coin. A talent is a measurement of silver.

Gold is definitely valued highly but silver is used more often by Biblical persons. Silver can be engraved and endure longer than its gold counterpart. Silver serving pieces for church and liturgical uses and Feasts are not only beautiful but sturdy. The Temple had vessels of silver and gold and they became booty taken by the Babylonians when Jerusalem was captured and the Temple defiled. The Copper Scroll from the hoard of Dead Sea Scrolls tells of the Temple treasure that was dispersed like a pirate’s treasure in various places. Precious metals including vast amounts of silver and detailed descriptions of burial places that are now too detailed to reconstruct are listed. A nonprofit project to find these deposits is under way with exciting and promising results (The Copper Scroll Project).

Silver was used by ancient peoples to make idols and decorate their shrines. Tyre, Arabia and Spain were noted for mines where silver was found. It was a highly desired trade item and silversmiths were valued craftsmen. Abraham is described as rich in livestock and gold and silver as well. David assembled materials for the Temple including gold and silver. Solomon’s wealth enumerated silver and gold as well as chariots and wives.

Silver is also perhaps the most affordable precious metal and its market value is remarkably stable. One contemporary jewelry designer in Israel, Marina Meiri, has used a cross section of designs and Biblical themes to create wearable art. Israel probably has more creative people per square mile than most other countries. In Israel they thrive and make beautiful things that bring joy to the eye and testimony of the Bible. She uses gemstones as well and the garment worn by the Chief Priest had twelve gemstones, one for each Tribe. She says: “Inspired from my work as a gemologist, I create from an inspired vision. I am impassioned to combine graceful designs with uncompromising quality and workmanship. By uniting these elements, I have created balanced and timeless designs that will be worn years to come.” Marina Meiri .

In the Hebrew Bible “money” is used 112 times in translation of the Hebrew term for silver. The same term is used to refer to objects made of silver 287 times. Silver has a wider interpretation in the Apostolic Scriptures. The Greek term for silver is used 11 times as money, 9 times as pieces of silver, and 3 times to indicate wealth of a person. Gold was more available to the very wealthy, silver was more everyday in coins and jewelry. Today most of us can afford silver in like manner.

Wearable art is a very productive way to show support for Israel, support the creative artists of Israel and enjoy owning something beautiful. Silver jewelry from Israel serves many purposes. From the times of Abraham to now, silver bears many meanings and discovering the meanings within the framework of the Bible is a lesson in itself.

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