Refining

The process of heating metals to high temperatures in order to burn away impurities. It is often used in a metaphorical sense to depict God refining his people to get rid of impurities in their faith.

Precious metals produced by refining

Psalm 12:6 See also 1 Chronicles 28:14–18, 1 Chronicles 29:3–5; Job 28:1–2; 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 3:18

The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold.

God refines his people

Refining involves suffering

Psalm 66:10–12 See also Isaiah 48:9–11; Jeremiah 9:7–9

For You , O God, have tested us; You have refined us like silver. You led us into the net; You laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us into abundance.

Refining for purging and purification

Zechariah 13:8–9 See also Jeremiah 6:27–30; Daniel 11:35, Daniel 12:10; Malachi 3:2–4

And in all the land, declares the LORD, two-thirds will be cut off and perish, but a third will be left in it. 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.’”