Craftsman who worked gold and silver (cf. Is. 40:19; Jer. 10:9, RVR-77; the RVR translates "craftsman").
The work of these artisans was the manufacture of gold vessels, ornaments and jewelry.
Exquisite examples of this activity can already be found in ancient Sumeria. Abraham's steward presented Rebekah with gold jewelry (Gen. 24:22). Ancient Egypt has also shown numerous examples of great refinement in the art of working gold, even in the predynastic period.
The processes of the goldsmiths in working with gold were:
(a) the refining of impure gold (Jb. 28:1; Pr. 17:3; 25:4; 27:21; Isa. 1:25; Mal. 3:3);
(b) the desired confirmation of the objects. Casting, chiseling, laminating, etc. are used in this. Granulation and gilding effects were and are made with gold and, in the form of thin threads, it is used in fabrics.
During the pilgrimage in the desert, Bezaleel and Aholiab were the ones who dedicated themselves to work in the manufacture of all the gold objects for the worship of the tabernacle (Ex. 31:1-6).
Meaning of GOLDSMITH
Craftsman who worked gold and silver (cf. Is. 40:19; Jer. 10:9, RVR-77; the RVR translates "craftsman").
The work of these artisans was the manufacture of gold vessels, ornaments and jewelry.
