Refiner

The process of refining metals is referred to by way of illustrations in Isa. 1:25; Jer. 6:29; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:2, 3.

The refiner’s art was essential to the working of the precious metals. It consisted in the separation of the dress from the pure ore, which was effected by reducing the metal to a fluid state by the application of heat, and by the aid of solvents, such as alkali, (Isaiah 1:25) or lead, Jere 6:29 Which, amalgamating with the dress, permitted the extraction of the unadulterated metal. The instruments required by the refiner were a crucible of furnace and a bellows or blow-pipe. The workman sat at his work, (Malachi 3:3) he was thus better enabled to watch the process, and let the metal run off at the proper moment.

REFIN'ER. This word is often used figuratively by the sacred writers. Its peculiar force in the passage Mal 3:3 will be seen when it is remembered that refiners of silver sit with their eyes steadily fixed on the furnace that they may watch the process, and that the process is complete and perfected only when the refiner sees his own image in the melted mass. Similar passages occur. Isa 1:25; Zech 13:9; Jer 6:29, etc.

REFIN'ER. This word is often used figuratively by the sacred writers. Its peculiar force in the passage Mal 3:3 will be seen when it is remembered that refiners of silver sit with their eyes steadily fixed on the furnace that they may watch the process, and that the process is complete and perfected only when the refiner sees his own image in the melted mass. Similar passages occur. Isa 1:25; Zech 13:9; Jer 6:29, etc.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

One who, or that which, refines.