Refine - צָרַף (tsaraph)

 

"For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver"

Psalms 66:10

I was listening to one of my favorite worship songs, Refine, by Maverick City Music, and the chorus shared this powerful, profound prayer to God. It goes, "I want to be tried by fire. Purify. You take whatever you desire. Lord, here's my life". In the Bible, the word "refine" (or words translated as "refine") appears 11 times, primarily in the context of purifying silver and gold and, metaphorically, God's work of testing and purifying his people. 

What is refining?

When silversmiths refine silver, they use fire to heat the silver, allowing the impurities to burn away, leaving behind a purer, brighter meta. They use heat to melt the metal and burn away impurities (dross) that compromise its strength and beauty, leaving behind pure silver. 

What do the biblical authors mean He refines us?

If we look closer to the original word from ancient Hebrew, we can get a better grasp and see God's heart and what he intends for us. The Hebrew word for "refine," in the context of smelting and purifying metals, is צָרַף (tsaraph). This word, derived from a primitive root, means "to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively. It can also be translated as "cast," "melt," "pure," or "purge."  The word tsaraph is used in the Old Testament to describe the process of refining metals, as seen in passages like Zechariah 13:9, Isaiah 48:10, and Malachi 3:2,3.

The End Result 

The ultimate goal of the silversmith is to create a piece of beautiful, pure silver, which can be shaped into something useful and meaningful. Likewise, God desires to mold us into our best selves, fulfilling our purpose and bringing glory to Him through our lives.