The Hebrew God is said to be many things…omnipotent, omniscient, loving, jealous, genocidal, homophobic…etc. But when have you heard “him” be referred to as “gold-digger”? In this article, I will layout the arguments as to why gold-digger should be another of the many epithets attributed to the Hebrew God.
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold. It’s easy to see that the Israelites adored this metal, quite possibly more than their own “God”. Gold was the most valuable of metals. It stood for anything of great value (Proverbs 3:14; 8:10,19; 16:16; 25:12), hence was most worthy for use in worshiping “God”.
Now, why did the Israelites choose gold as the most worthy for worshipping their “God”? It’s simple: Because “God” asked for it!
In Exodus, “God” demands of Moses and the Israelites bring offerings of gold:
“This is the offering you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze,”
(Exodus 25:3)
“God” then proceeds to give Moses very detailed instructions on how to build the Ark of the Covenant, The Table for the Bread of the Presence, The Lampstand, and the Tabernacle. Notice how much gold Moses is asked to use. (Exodus 25-26)
In 1 Kings 6 are records of still more extensive use of gold in building the temple. Among the fabulous luxuries of Solomon’s court were his gold drinking-vessels (1 Kings 10:21) and a throne of ivory overlaid with gold (1 Kings 10:18).
“All of King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver – it was not considered as anything in the days of Solomon”
(1 Kings 10:21)
In the Book of Joshua, “God” actually commands the total destruction of the city of Jericho. Everything was burned to the ground except for one thing: The gold and silver which are “sacred” to the “Lord”:
“But all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury”
(Joshua 6:19)
“Then they burned the city, and everything in it; only the silver and gold, and the vessels of bronze and iron, they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord”
(Joshua 6:24)
A very interesting insight is revealed in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 13:17, you learn how the prophet thinks little of the Medes because they “have no regard for silver and do not delight in gold” (Isaiah 13.17).
So where does that leave us? Where does that leave God? … Digging for Gold!!!
I hope that I have easily demonstrated “God’s” gold-digging ways. If anyone disagrees, please read the Bible, these are “God’s” words, not mine.
Thanks for reading,
Notes:
1) All Bible quotes taken from New Revised Standard Version