met ́al-ûr-ji: There are numerous Biblical references which describe or allude to the various metallurgical operations. In Job 28:1 occurs זקק, zāḳaḳ, translated “refine,” literally, “strain.” This undoubtedly refers to the process of separating the gold from the earthy material as pictured in the Egyptian sculptures (Thebes and Beni Hassan) and described by Diodorus. The ore was first crushed to the size of lentils and then ground to powder in a handmill made of granite slabs. This powder was spread upon a slightly inclined stone table and water was poured over it to wash away the earthy materials. The comparatively heavy gold particles were then gathered from the table, dried, and melted in a closed crucible with lead, salt and bran, and kept in a molten condition for 5 days, at the end of which time the gold came out pure.
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Author: International Std. Bible Encyclopedia
Keywords: Metallurgy, Metal working, Silver, Metal, Silversmith, Iron, Copper, Gold, Tin, Bronze, Brass, Smelt, Smelter, Smelting, Refiner, Refining, metalorgy, refine, finer
Bible reference(s): Deu 8:9, Job 28:1, Eze 22:18, Eze 27:12, Isa 1:25
Source: James Orr (editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 5 volume set.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.