The Hebrew bedil (H913) refers to tin or a metal alloy used as a separator in smelting. It also conveys the concept of that which is removed as dross — the worthless residue separated from pure metal.
The smelting imagery built around bedil is theologically rich: just as a refiner removes base metals from silver or gold, God purges sin from His people through trial and judgment. Isaiah 1:25 uses this imagery — God will smelt away Israel's dross and remove impurities. This is not destruction but purification; the image anticipates the refiner's fire of Malachi 3:2-3, where the Messiah will purify the sons of Levi.