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 the wealthy in furniture, etc. ( 1 Kings 6:22 ) 10 passim ; ( Esther 1:6 ; Song of Solomon 3:9 Song of Solomon 3:10 ; Jeremiah 10:9 ) The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba and Ophir. ( 1 Kings 9:28 ; 10:1 ; Job 28:16 )