Genesis 13:2 — Word Study
WLCוְאַבְרָ֖ם כָּבֵ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד בַּמִּקְנֶ֕ה בַּכֶּ֖סֶף וּבַזָּהָֽב׃
BSAAnd AbramʼAbrâm [a very blessed man, the original name of Abraham] had become extremelymᵉʼôd [grown to be, was, exceedingly, very] in livestockmiqneh [cattle, herds, domestic animals] and silverkeçeph [money, payment, precious metal] and goldzâhâb [a valuable metal]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאַבְרָ֖ם | and Abram | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| כָּבֵ֣ד | [was] wealthy | |
| מְאֹ֑ד | very | Adv |
| בַּמִּקְנֶ֕ה | in livestock | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| בַּכֶּ֖סֶף | in silver | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וּבַזָּהָֽב׃ | and in gold | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold. |
| KJV | And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. |
| ASV | And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. |
| YLT | and Abram [is] exceedingly wealthy in cattle, in silver, and in gold. |
| WEB | Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. |
| BBE | Now Abram had great wealth of cattle and silver and gold. |
Where they part company is מְאֹ֑ד — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has one main clause followed by a descriptive phrase, emphasizing Abram's wealth and its sources.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאַבְרָם
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Genesis 13:2
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Abram's Prosperitygenerated
Genesis 13:2 describes Abram's wealth after he left Egypt, emphasizing his possessions in livestock, silver, and gold. This wealth signifies God's blessing upon Abram, setting the stage for his role in the unfolding narrative of the patriarchs. The context highlights the importance of material prosperity in the ancient world, particularly for a leader or patriarch like Abram.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 24:35 | “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys. |
| 2 | Genesis 26:12–13 | Now Isaac sowed seed in the land, and that very year he reaped a hundredfold. And the LORD blessed him, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 8:18 | But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 2:7 | The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. |
| 5 | Job 1:3–10 | and he owned 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and a very large number of servants. Job was the greatest man of all the people of the East. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — כָּבֵד, ka.Vedgenerated
The Hebrew word כָּבֵד (ka.Ved) means 'heavy' and is used here to indicate wealth. It conveys a sense of abundance and significance, suggesting that Abram's wealth was considerable and impactful.
The parsing indicates that this word is used in a predicate form, describing Abram's state of being wealthy. It emphasizes not just the quantity of his possessions but also their importance in his life and status.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has extremely wealthy, which is also reflected in the KJV and ASV.
Where others part company with the BSB is in the rendering of מְאֹ֑ד — very (ASV, KJV) versus exceedingly (YLT). This difference highlights the degree of wealth attributed to Abram.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause of the verse is governed by the subject אַבְרָ֖ם, Abram, followed by a predicate adjective phrase describing his wealth. The structure emphasizes Abram's state of being wealthy, with several prepositional phrases detailing the sources of his wealth.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on Abram's name, followed by the description of his wealth, which is significant in the context of the narrative.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates כָּבֵד as πλούσιος, meaning 'wealthy.' This choice reflects a direct interpretation of Abram's material prosperity, aligning with the Hebrew meaning while using a term familiar to Greek readers.
This translation choice shows a narrowing of focus on wealth, emphasizing the material aspect of Abram's blessings.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Genesis 13:2 tells us that Abram became very wealthy after leaving Egypt. He had many livestock, silver, and gold, which were important for his status and prosperity in that time.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Abram's wealth signifies God's blessings upon him, which were crucial for his role as a patriarch and leader.
Abram's wealth is notable among biblical figures, as it reflects the favor and blessings of God in his life.
Livestock was a primary measure of wealth in ancient times, representing both economic stability and social status.
Silver and gold were valuable commodities and symbols of wealth, used for trade and as a measure of prosperity.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How does Abram's wealth influence his decisions and relationships in the narrative?
- What can we learn about the significance of wealth in the biblical context from Abram's example?
- In what ways can we recognize and appreciate the blessings in our own lives?
- How does understanding Abram's wealth help us grasp the broader themes of God's provision in the Bible?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church fathers comment on Abram's wealth, arguing from this verse to illustrate God's blessings and the importance of wealth in the biblical narrative.
“He was very rich,” as is natural for one who was not lacking in any good thing, who did not covet the goods of others, because he lacked nothing of what he would have wished to regard as his own.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 13 →
Let us not rush idly by this reading but rather recognize clearly the precision of sacred Scripture in recounting nothing to us as of no importance. “Now Abram was very rich,” the text says.Early Church Fathers on Genesis 13 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Genesis 13:2 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAnd Abram was very rich,.... He was rich in spiritual things, in faith, and in all other graces, and was an heir of the kingdom of heaven; and in temporal things, as it sometimes is the lot of good
Read John Gill on Genesis 13 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. Very rich - compared with the pastoral tribes to which Abram belonged.
Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 13 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsGenesis 13:2 And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.Ver. 2. And Abram was very rich.] All rich men therefore are not rejected of God, though it be hard for such to hit on heaven. Poor Lazarus lies in the bosom of rich Abraham there. Riches neither further nor hinder in themselves, but as they are used: as a cipher by itself is nothing, but a figure being set before it, it increaseth the sum. Wealth, if well used, is an ornament, an encouragement to duty, and an instrument of much good. All the danger lies in loving these things. Have them we may, and use them too, as a traveller doth his staff, to help him the sooner to his journey’ s end; but when we pass away our…
Read John Trapp on Genesis 13 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English ReadersXIII. ABRAM’S RETURN FROM EGYPT AND HIS FROM LOT.(1-4) He went on his journeys.—Or, according to his stations, which the Vulgate very reasonably translates, “by the same route by which he had come.” This route was first into the south, the Negeb, which is virtually a proper name, and thence to the spot between Beth-el and Ai mentioned in Genesis 12:8. At the first does not mean that this was the first altar erected by Abram, but that he built it on his first arrival there. His first altar was at Shechem. As regards his wealth, while his cattle had been greatly increased in Egypt, he had probably brought the silver and gold with him from Mesopotamia. Gold, however, was plentiful at that time…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 13 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 2. Abram was very rich] The property of these patriarchal times did not consist in flocks only, but also in silver and gold; and in all these respects Abram was דבד מאד cabed meod, exceeding rich. Josephus says that a part of this property was acquired by teaching the Egyptians arts and sciences. Thus did God fulfil his promises to him, by protecting and giving him a great profusion of temporal blessings, which were to him signs and pledges of spiritual things.
Read AdamClarke on Genesis 13 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges2. cattle … silver … gold] Abram’s wealth described in an ascending scale of value. Cf. Genesis 12:16, Genesis 24:35. on his journeys] i.e. by successive encampments. the place … his tent] See Genesis 12:8; to which passage also the phrases “at the beginning,” and “at the first” (Genesis 13:3-4) refer.
Read Cambridge on Genesis 13 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible2. Very rich in cattle — Largely acquired in Egypt. Comp. Genesis 12:16.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 13 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.
Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.
(Now Abram was very wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold.)
Tyndale line
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
And Abram was very rich in cattell, in siluer and in golde.
Strictly literal
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
and Abram [is] exceedingly wealthy in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
and Abram [is] exceedingly wealthy in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Now Abram was very rich in animals, in silver, and in gold.
From the Latin
And he was very rich in possession of gold and silver.
Simplified
Abram was very rich, having many herds of livestock and a great deal of silver and gold.
Now Abram had great wealth of cattle and silver and gold.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text, Septuagint, and Samaritan Pentateuch all agree on the wording of this verse, confirming Abram's wealth in livestock, silver, and gold. The Dead Sea Scrolls show one word on the leather, with the rest restored, indicating some textual damage but no significant variation.
וְאַבְרָ֖ם כָּבֵ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד בַּמִּקְנֶ֕ה בַּכֶּ֖סֶף וּבַזָּהָֽב׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
ואברם כבד מאד במקנה בכסף ובזהב
Agrees with the Masoretic Text here, word for word.
[ואברם] [כבד] [מאד] [במקנה] [בכסף] ובזהב
1 word on the leather — 5 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Genesis 13:2
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אַבְרָם (Avram) means 'exalted father' and refers to the original name of Abraham. The entries indicate that Abram is a significant figure from the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned in Genesis 11:26, and he is the son of Terah and the husband of Sarah, among others. He is also the father of several notable sons, including Isaac and Ishmael.
אַבְרָם n.pr.m. (id., Thes al. exalted father) Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham
base
H87 אַבְרָם Abram = אַבְרָהָם Abraham
87 'Abram ab-rawm'
contracted from 48; high father; Abram, the original name of
Abraham:--Abram.
see HEBREW for 048
אַבְרָם (av.ram) — Abram.
A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26;
son of: Terah (H8646);
brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989);
father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x
Another name of av.ra.ham (אַבְרָהָם "Abraham" H0085)
§ Abram = "exalted father"
original name of Abraham
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
a'-bram. See ABRAHAM.
Abram
Exalted father. (see ABRAHAM.)
(a high father), the earlier name of Abraham.
High father, afterwards named Abraham.
The Hebrew word כָּבֵד (*kabed*) means 'heavy' and can describe both physical weight and figurative heaviness, such as severity or difficulty. It encompasses a range of meanings, including great, burdensome, and oppressive. The entries highlight its use in both positive and negative contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among the lexicons.
כָּבֵד adj. heavy
base
H3515 כָּבֵד heavy
3515 kabed kaw-bade'
from 3513; heavy; figuratively in a good sense (numerous) or
in a bad sense (severe, difficult, stupid):--(so) great,
grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow,
sore, thick.
see HEBREW for 03513
כָּבֵד (ka.ved) — heavy.
1) heavy, great
1a) heavy
1b) massive, abundant, numerous
1c) heavy, dull
1d) hard, difficult, burdensome
1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
HAamsa — HAamsa
מְאֹד (m`od) refers to concepts of muchness, force, and abundance. It serves as an adverb meaning exceedingly or greatly, often used to intensify other words. The entries highlight its use in various idioms to express magnitude or degree, with a focus on might and intensity.
מְאֹד n.m. muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
force, might
in diff. idioms (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
base
H3966 מְאֹד muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly . force, might
. in diff. idiomns (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree)
3966 m`od meh-ode'
from the same as 181; properly, vehemence, i.e. (with or
without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly,
speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
superlative; especially when repeated):--diligently,
especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), X
louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so)
sore, utterly, very (+ much, sore), well.
see HEBREW for 0181
מְאֹד (me.od) — much.
adv
1) exceedingly, much
subst
2) might, force, abundance
n m
3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
3a) force, might
3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree)
3b1) exceedingly
3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly
3b3) with muchness, muchness
Adv — AdvHAcmsa
ver'-i: As adjective (from verus, "true"), "true," "real," "actual," etc. (Ge 27:21,24, "my very son Esau"; Jos 10:27, "this very day"; Joh 7:26, "the very Christ," etc.); chiefly as adverb, "in a high degree," "extremely." As ab adverb it is commonly in the Old Testament the translation of me'odh, and in the New Testament represents, as adjective and adverb, several Greek words, as alethos, "truly" (Joh 7:26, above), autos (Joh 14:11, "the very works' sake"; Ro 13:6), sphodra (Mt 18:31, "very sorry," the…
מִקְנֶה (miqneh) refers to cattle or livestock, specifically domestic animals that can be purchased. It encompasses general terms for herds and flocks, including cows, sheep, and goats. The word is derived from a root meaning 'something bought' and relates to property and possession.
מִקְנֶה 76 n.m. cattle
base
H4735 מִקְנֶה cattle
4735 miqneh mik-neh'
from 7069; something bought, i.e. property, but only
livestock; abstractly, acquisition:--cattle, flock, herd,
possession, purchase, substance.
see HEBREW for 07069
מִקְנֶה (miq.neh) — livestock.
1) cattle, livestock
1a) cattle, livestock
1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal
1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) refers to silver and money, derived from a root meaning 'to be pale.' It encompasses various aspects of silver, including its use as a metal, ornament, and a measure of wealth or value. The term appears in contexts related to payment and price, indicating its significance in transactions.
כֶּ֫סֶף 402 n.m. silver, money
= silver ore, raw silver
silver as bright, shining
silver, as wealth
silver as spoil of war
silver as merchandise
silver as costly gift
silver as material
silver as measure of weight and value
among vbs. and phr.
base
H3701 כֶּ֫סֶף silver, money
3701 keceph keh'-sef
from 3700; silver (from its pale color); by implication,
money:--money, price, silver(-ling).
see HEBREW for 03700
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: money.
: money/payment/silver
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: price.
: price
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
sil'-ver (keceph; argurion, arguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Ge 13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Ge 20:16…
Silver
Used for a great variety of purposes, as may be judged from the frequent references to it in Scripture. It first appears in commerce in Gen. 13:2; 23:15, 16. It was largely employed for making vessels for the sanctuary in the wilderness (Ex. 26:19; 27:17; Num. 7:13, 19; 10:2). There is no record of its having been found in Syria or Palestine. It was brought in large quantities by foreign merchants from abroad, from Spain and India and other countries probably.
In very early times silver was used for ornaments, (Genesis 24:53) and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it, (Exodus 20:23; Hosea 13:2); Habb 2:19 Bar. 6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. (Acts 19:24) But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament we find "silver" used for money, like the French argent . Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, (2 Chronicles 9:14) and from Tarshish, (2 Chronicles 9:21) which supplied the markets…
One of the precious metals and the one most commonly used as coin among all nations. It is first mentioned in Scripture in the history of Abraham, Ge 13:2 20:16 23:16, and was used in constricting the tabernacle, Ex 26:19,32, and afterwards the temple, 1Ch 29:4. In employing it as a medium of trade, the ancient Hebrews weighed it out, instead of having coins. In the times of the New Testament there were coins. See SHEKEL, and MONEY.
זָהָב (zahab) means gold and is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of shimmering. It encompasses various aspects of gold, including its value as a precious metal, its use as a measure of weight, and its figurative brilliance. The term appears in contexts related to wealth, merchandise, and gifts.
זָהָב 385 n.m. gold
= gold-ore, gold in raw state
gold as wealth
gold as spoil of war
gold as merchandise
gold as costly gift
gold as material
gold described by its source
gold defined by var. adj. and pts.
as measure of weight and value
= golden oil, from colour
often named with
the chief vbs. used
base
H2091 זָהָב gold
2091 zahab zaw-hawb'
from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively,
something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky:--
gold(-en), fair weather.
זָהָב (za.hav) — gold.
1) gold
1a) as precious metal
1b) as a measure of weight
1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Rd/Ncmsa
gold (zahabh; chrusos):
1. Terms:
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).
Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17;
Gold
(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).
(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).
Gold was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 2:11) It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. (Genesis 24:22) Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Comp. (Genesis 43:21) Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by…
A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Ge 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of…