Refining
Refining is what a metalworker does to silver and gold: put it in the fire until the dross comes away. Scripture borrows the picture for God’s people. “Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction,” Isaiah hears. Zechariah says God will refine a remnant “as silver is refined,” and they will call on his name. The psalms turn the image on God’s own word, calling it tried and very pure. The passages do not explain why suffering comes, only that God is present in it. Isaiah 48 is a quiet place to start.
6 verses
Psalms
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Isaiah
And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:
Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
Jeremiah
Therefore 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?
Zechariah
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.