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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 48:10 See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/48-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/23_Isa_48_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 48:10 - Israel's Stubbornness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/isaiah/48-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/isaiah/48-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/isaiah/">Isaiah</a> > <a href="/isaiah/48.htm">Chapter 48</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm" title="Isaiah 48:9">◄</a> Isaiah 48:10 <a href="/isaiah/48-11.htm" title="Isaiah 48:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/isaiah/48.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/isaiah/48.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/48.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/48.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/48.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/48.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/48.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/48.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/48.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/48.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/48.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/48.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Indeed, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested <i>and</i> chosen you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/48.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/48.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/48.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined thee, but not as silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/48.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I tested you in hard times just as silver is refined in a heated furnace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/48.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined thee, but not as silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/48.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have refined you, but not like silver. I have tested you in the furnace of suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/48.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I have tested you in the fire of suffering, as silver is refined in a furnace. But I have found that you are worthless. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/48.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Look, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have purified you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/48.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />See, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/48.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have purified you in the furnace of misery. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/48.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/48.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/48.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver. I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/48.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined you, and not with silver, "" I have chosen you in a furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/48.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Lo, I have refined thee, and not with silver, I have chosen thee in a furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/48.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I purified thee and not with silver; I chose thee in the furnace of affliction.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/48.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Behold I have refined thee, but not as silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of poverty. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/48.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined you, but not like silver. I have chosen you for the furnace of poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/48.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />See, I refined you, but not like silver; I tested you in the furnace of affliction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/48.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of adversity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/48.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have purified you in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/48.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Behold, I have purified you, and not with silver, and I have proven you in the furnace of poverty<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/48.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Behold, I have refined thee, but not as silver; I have tried thee in the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/48.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Behold, I have sold thee, <i>but</i> not for silver; but I have rescued thee from the furnace of affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/48-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=10753" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/48.htm">Israel's Stubbornness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>For the sake of My name I will delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise I will restrain it, so that you will not be cut off. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">See,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6884.htm" title="6884: ṣə·rap̄·tî·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To smelt, refine, test. A primitive root; to fuse, i.e. Refine.">I have refined you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: ḇə·ḵā·sep̄ (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">as silver;</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: bə·ḥar·tî·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-1cs:: 2ms) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">I have tested</a> <a href="/hebrew/3564.htm" title="3564: bə·ḵūr (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Smelting pot or furnace. From an unused root meaning properly, to dig through; a pot or furnace.">you in the furnace</a> <a href="/hebrew/6040.htm" title="6040: ‘ō·nî (N-ms) -- Affliction, poverty. From anah; depression, i.e. Misery.">of affliction.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>For My own sake, My very own sake, I will act; for how can I let Myself be defamed? I will not yield My glory to another.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Malachi 3:3</a></span><br />And He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">1 Peter 1:6-7</a></span><br />In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials / so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/13-9.htm">Zechariah 13:9</a></span><br />This third I will bring through the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a></span><br />Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, / because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. / Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Proverbs 17:3</a></span><br />A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a></span><br />Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-13.htm">1 Corinthians 3:13</a></span><br />his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Psalm 66:10</a></span><br />For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-18.htm">Revelation 3:18</a></span><br />I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/11-35.htm">Daniel 11:35</a></span><br />Some of the wise will fall so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-12.htm">1 Peter 4:12-13</a></span><br />Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. / But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-7.htm">Jeremiah 9:7</a></span><br />Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do because of the daughter of My people?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/5-3.htm">Romans 5:3-4</a></span><br />Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; / perseverance, character; and character, hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">Hebrews 12:10-11</a></span><br />Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. / No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Psalm 12:6</a></span><br />The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.</p><p class="hdg">I have refined</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm">Isaiah 1:25,26</a></b></br> And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/23-10.htm">Job 23:10</a></b></br> But he knoweth the way that I take: <i>when</i> he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Psalm 66:10</a></b></br> For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.</p><p class="hdg">with silver, or, for silver </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/4-20.htm">Deuteronomy 4:20</a></b></br> But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, <i>even</i> out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as <i>ye are</i> this day.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/30-20.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-4.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-14.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-9.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-6.htm">Refined</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-6.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-9.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/isaiah/46-7.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Affliction</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-14.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/isaiah/50-11.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-4.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/daniel/11-35.htm">Refined</a> <a href="/isaiah/60-9.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/daniel/1-14.htm">Tested</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-20.htm">Testing</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-27.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Trouble</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 48</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-1.htm">God, to convince the people of their foreknown obstinance, revealed his prophecies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm">He saves them for his own sake</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-12.htm">He exhorts them to obedience, because of his power and providence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-16.htm">He laments their backwardness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/48-20.htm">He powerfully delivers his people out of Babylon</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/48.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/48.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>See, I have refined you</b><br>This phrase indicates a process of purification and improvement. In biblical times, refining was a common practice for purifying metals, symbolizing God's work in purifying His people. The refining process involves removing impurities, suggesting that God is actively working to remove sin and imperfections from His people. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm">Malachi 3:3</a>, where God is described as a refiner and purifier of silver, and in <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">1 Peter 1:7</a>, where faith is compared to gold refined by fire.<p><b>but not as silver;</b><br>The comparison to silver suggests a refining process that is different from the physical purification of metals. Silver refining involves intense heat to separate impurities, but here, God indicates a unique method of refining His people. This implies a spiritual or moral purification rather than a physical one. The distinction highlights that God's methods are beyond human understanding and are tailored to the spiritual needs of His people. This can be connected to the idea that God's ways are higher than human ways, as stated in <a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>.<p><b>I have tested you</b><br>Testing in the Bible often refers to trials and challenges that reveal the true character and faith of individuals. This testing is not for God's knowledge, as He is omniscient, but for the benefit of the people, to strengthen and prove their faith. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">James 1:2-4</a> speaks of trials producing perseverance and maturity in believers. The testing mentioned here is part of God's refining process, designed to develop a deeper reliance on Him and a purer faith.<p><b>in the furnace of affliction.</b><br>The "furnace of affliction" is a metaphor for severe trials and suffering. In ancient times, furnaces were used for smelting metals, requiring intense heat to purify them. This imagery suggests that the afflictions faced by God's people are intense and challenging, yet purposeful. The furnace represents God's controlled environment for purification, where He allows suffering to refine and strengthen His people. This concept is seen in the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in <a href="/daniel/3.htm">Daniel 3</a>, where they are literally placed in a furnace but emerge unharmed, symbolizing God's protection and the purifying power of trials. The ultimate fulfillment of this refining process is seen in Jesus Christ, who endured suffering and affliction, providing a model for believers to follow.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book bearing his name. He prophesied to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of moral and spiritual decline.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom of Israel, which was often the focus of Isaiah's prophecies. Judah faced numerous challenges, including threats from surrounding nations and internal corruption.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_furnace_of_affliction.htm">The Furnace of Affliction</a></b><br>A metaphorical place of testing and purification. In the context of <a href="/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10</a>, it represents the trials and hardships that God uses to refine His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_purpose_in_trials.htm">God's Purpose in Trials</a></b><br>God uses trials not to destroy us but to refine and purify us, much like a refiner purifies silver. Understanding this purpose can help us endure hardships with faith and patience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_divine_refinement.htm">The Nature of Divine Refinement</a></b><br>Unlike the refining of silver, which involves intense heat, God's refinement through affliction is a unique process tailored to our spiritual growth and maturity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>In the furnace of affliction, we are called to trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate plan for our lives. He knows what is necessary to shape us into the image of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_and_faith.htm">Endurance and Faith</a></b><br>Trials test our faith, producing endurance and character. As believers, we are encouraged to remain steadfast, knowing that God is at work in us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>During times of affliction, the support of a faith community can be invaluable. We are called to bear one another's burdens and encourage each other in the faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_48.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 48</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_refiner's_fire.htm">What is the meaning of Refiner's Fire?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_remove_his_protection.htm">In Psalm 80:12–13, why would an omnipotent God remove His protection, allowing enemies to ravage His chosen people? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_48_9-11_show_god's_selflessness.htm">In Isaiah 48:9–11, how does God’s emphasis on preserving His own reputation align with a supposedly selfless, loving deity? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_believers_face_severe_hardships.htm">If Psalm 66:10 says God tests and refines like silver, why do faithful believers still experience severe hardships that seem more destructive than purifying?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/isaiah/48.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">I have refined thee, but not with silver . . .</span>--The meaning is obscure, and perhaps depends on some unknown process in ancient metallurgy. Commonly the refining of silver is taken as a parable of God's dealings with His people (<a href="/isaiah/1-25.htm" title="And I will turn my hand on you, and purely purge away your dross, and take away all your tin:">Isaiah 1:25</a>; <a href="/context/ezekiel/22-18.htm" title="Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass, and tin, and iron, and lead, in the middle of the furnace; they are even the dross of silver.">Ezekiel 22:18-22</a>; <a href="/malachi/3-3.htm" title="And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the LORD an offering in righteousness.">Malachi 3:3</a>). Here the thought seems to be that the discipline had been less fierce than that of the refiner's fire. Silver was "purified seven times in the fire" (<a href="/psalms/12-6.htm" title="The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.">Psalm 12:6</a>); but that would have brought about the destruction of Israel, and He sought to spare them.<p><span class= "bld">I have chosen thee.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">I have tested thee.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/48.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I have refined thee, but not with silver;</span> rather, <span class="accented">but not as silver</span> (Cheyne). or, <span class="accented">but not in the manner of silver</span> (Delitzsch); <span class="accented">i.e.</span> not with the severity with which silver is refined (see <a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Psalm 12:6</a>). <span class="cmt_word">I have</span> <span class="cmt_word">chosen thee;</span> rather, <span class="accented">I</span> <span class="accented">have tested thee.</span> The furnace of affliction is here the Babylonian captivity. The object of the Captivity was to "test" and "refine," or purify God's people to a certain extent - not with extreme severity, but in such sort as to fit them to "bear his Name before the Gentiles" for another five hundred years. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/48-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">See,</span><br /><span class="heb">הִנֵּ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(hin·nêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo! behold!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have refined you,</span><br /><span class="heb">צְרַפְתִּ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·rap̄·tî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6884.htm">Strong's 6884: </a> </span><span class="str2">To smelt, refine, test</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as silver;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְכָ֑סֶף</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḵā·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silver, money</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have tested</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּחַרְתִּ֖יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥar·tî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you in the furnace</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכ֥וּר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵūr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3564.htm">Strong's 3564: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smelting pot or furnace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of affliction.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6040.htm">Strong's 6040: </a> </span><span class="str2">Affliction, poverty</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/48-10.htm">Isaiah 48:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/48-10.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 48:10 Behold I have refined you but not (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 48:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 48:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/48-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 48:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 48:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>