Isaiah 48:10
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Original Language Analysis
צְרַפְתִּ֖יךָ
Behold I have refined
H6884
צְרַפְתִּ֖יךָ
Behold I have refined
Strong's:
H6884
Word #:
2 of 7
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְכָ֑סֶף
thee but not with silver
H3701
בְכָ֑סֶף
thee but not with silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 7
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
בְּחַרְתִּ֖יךָ
I have chosen
H977
בְּחַרְתִּ֖יךָ
I have chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
Cross References
1 Peter 4:12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:Proverbs 17:3The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.Job 23:10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.Psalms 66:10For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:Jeremiah 9:7Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how shall I do for the daughter of my people?Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Deuteronomy 4:20But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day.Ezekiel 20:38And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.1 Kings 8:51For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron:
Historical Context
The 'furnace of affliction' refers to Egyptian bondage and Babylonian exile, but ultimately to all covenant trials. Peter applies this to Christian suffering (1 Peter 1:6-7), showing continuity in how God perfects His people through fire.
Questions for Reflection
- How do your current afflictions function as God's 'choosing' and refining you?
- What is the difference between refining faith through affliction and punishment for sin?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The statement 'I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction' shows that God's purifying methods differ from human metallurgy - the furnace itself is the choosing instrument. Election and sanctification intertwine; God chooses through trials that prove and purify faith. This demolishes easy-believism and establishes that genuine salvation includes progressive sanctification through affliction.