In biblical times, metal-workers played a crucial role in the development of tools, weapons, and various artifacts essential for daily life and religious practices. The craft of metalworking is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, highlighting its significance in ancient society.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 4:22 · The earliest mention of metalworking in the Bible is found in the lineage of Cain, where Tubal-cain is described as "the forger of every implement of bronze and iron." This indicates that the art of metalworking was established early in human history.

2. Exodus 31:2-5 · Bezalel, the son of Uri, is filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, including working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is appointed to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings, demonstrating the importance of skilled metal-workers in sacred tasks.

3. 1 Kings 7:13-14 · Hiram of Tyre, a skilled craftsman, is brought to work on Solomon's Temple. He is described as "a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze." Hiram's expertise in bronze work is crucial for the temple's construction, including the crafting of the two pillars, the Sea, and various other bronze items.

4. Isaiah 44:12 · The prophet Isaiah describes the metal-worker as one who "uses a tool and works with the strength of his arms." This passage highlights the physical labor and skill involved in metalworking, as well as its role in the creation of idols, which the prophet condemns.

5. Jeremiah 10:9 · The prophet Jeremiah refers to the use of silver and gold in idol-making, emphasizing the craftsmanship involved. The metal-worker's skill is acknowledged, even as the prophet critiques the idolatrous use of their work.

Role and Significance:

Metal-workers were essential in ancient Israelite society for both practical and religious purposes. Their skills were necessary for creating tools for agriculture and warfare, as well as for crafting items used in worship and temple service. The ability to work with metals such as gold, silver, bronze, and iron was highly valued, and skilled craftsmen were often sought after for significant projects, such as the construction of the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple.

The Bible acknowledges the expertise and artistry of metal-workers, often associating their work with divine inspiration and wisdom, as seen in the case of Bezalel. However, it also warns against the misuse of their skills in the creation of idols, which are condemned as false and powerless.

Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, metalworking was a highly developed craft, with techniques and skills passed down through generations. Metal-workers often belonged to guilds or family groups that specialized in specific types of metalwork. The ability to manipulate metals was seen as both a practical skill and an art form, contributing to the cultural and economic development of societies.

The biblical portrayal of metal-workers reflects the broader cultural context of the ancient world, where metalworking was integral to both daily life and religious practice. The Bible's recognition of their skill and the divine inspiration attributed to their work underscores the importance of craftsmanship in fulfilling God's purposes.

Chapter thirty
... The minute his time was up a big, brawny fellow, who said he was a metal worker
by trade, claimed the floor and declared that the remedy for the social wrongs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirty.htm

The Life Story of Pastor Wang
... From that time he was conscious of a new strength and power, which resulted in his
shortly giving up his trade of metal-worker to take charge of the Hwochow ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xiii the life story.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Metalworker (1 Occurrence)
...Metalworker (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the metal-worker showed bitter
hostility towards me: the Lord will requite him according to his doings. ...
/m/metalworker.htm - 6k

Metal-worker (3 Occurrences)
Metal-worker. Metalworker, Metal-worker. Metal-workers . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Metalworker, Metal-worker. Metal-workers . Reference Bible.
/m/metal-worker.htm - 7k

Metal-workers (5 Occurrences)
Metal-workers. Metal-worker, Metal-workers. Mete . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Metal-worker, Metal-workers. Mete . Reference Bible.
/m/metal-workers.htm - 8k

Metal (69 Occurrences)
... Then his mother took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a metal-worker
who made a pictured image and a metal image from them: and it was in the ...
/m/metal.htm - 30k

Gold-worker (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/g/gold-worker.htm - 8k

Welding (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/w/welding.htm - 6k

Iron-worker (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/i/iron-worker.htm - 7k

Topple (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 41:7 So the metal-worker put heart into the gold-worker, and he who was
hammering the metal smooth said kind words to the iron-worker, saying of the ...
/t/topple.htm - 7k

Requite (42 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS). 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the metal-worker showed bitter hostility
towards me: the Lord will requite him according to his doings. (WEY RSV). ...
/r/requite.htm - 18k

Doings (111 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the metal-worker showed bitter hostility towards me:
the Lord will requite him according to his doings. (WEY). ...
/d/doings.htm - 36k

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