Why did Solomon offer sacrifices at the high place in Gibeon according to 1 Kings 3:4? Biblical Text (1 Kings 3:4) “The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for it was the great high place. Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.” Historical Moment Shortly after David’s death (c. 970 BC), Solomon was consolidating the kingdom. The stone temple in Jerusalem had not yet been built (construction began in Solomon’s fourth regnal year, 1 Kings 6:1), so the regular national worship site established by Moses still functioned elsewhere. Gibeon Located Gibeon is securely identified with modern el-Jib, 10 km northwest of Jerusalem. Excavations led by James Pritchard (1950s) uncovered massive water tunnels, wine‐making installations, and eighth-century “Gibeon” jar-handles matching the biblical toponym. The sizeable acropolis fits the description “the great high place.” The Tabernacle at Gibeon 1 Chr 16:39; 21:29 and 2 Chronicles 1:3–6 state that “the tent of meeting that Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness” and “the bronze altar Bezalel … had fashioned” stood at Gibeon in Solomon’s early reign. David had moved only the ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17), leaving the remainder of the Mosaic cultic furniture at Gibeon. Thus, Gibeon was the divinely prescribed center until the temple replaced the tabernacle. A ‘High Place’ Yet Legitimate “High place” (Heb. bāmâ) normally evokes later idolatrous shrines, yet the term itself simply denotes an elevated or established sanctuary. Because the Mosaic sanctuary was there, Gibeon’s bāmâ was not condemned. God Himself responds favorably (1 Kings 3:5), confirming its legitimacy at that moment. Deuteronomy 12 and the Transitional Phase Deut 12 commands a single “place the LORD will choose.” During the conquest period, Shiloh served (Joshua 18:1). When Shiloh fell (Jeremiah 7:12–14; archaeologically attested destruction ca. 1050 BC), the tabernacle migrated (Nob, 1 Samuel 21:1; then Gibeon). Until Solomon finished the temple, that chosen place was wherever the tabernacle stood. Hence Solomon complied with Torah. Divine Endorsement God appeared to Solomon “at Gibeon” in a dream and granted the celebrated wisdom request (1 Kings 3:5–15). Had the sacrifice been sinful, divine favor would be incongruent; instead, theophany signals approval. Magnitude of the Offering “A thousand burnt offerings” signifies royal gratitude, covenant loyalty, and a public dedication of the young king’s reign to Yahweh. Similar large‐scale sacrifices mark turning points (e.g., 2 Chronicles 7:5 at temple dedication). Archaeological Corroboration • El-Jib’s Late Bronze/Early Iron pottery horizons match Israelite presence. • The exposed water shaft (82 ft deep) illustrates why a large population, including priests and Levites (1 Chronicles 16:39 ff.), could safely reside there. No artifact contradicts the biblical claim; rather, the city’s size and sacred installations suit “great high place.” Theological Significance 1. Covenant Continuity: The same altar Moses consecrated still mediates worship. 2. Kingship under Torah: The new monarch begins acknowledged dependence on Yahweh, fulfilling Deuteronomy 17:18–20. 3. Foreshadowing Christ: The son of David at Gibeon prefigures the greater Son of David who offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10). Why Gibeon, Summarized • The Mosaic tabernacle and bronze altar resided there. • Central temple worship was not yet possible. • Scripture nowhere rebukes Solomon for the act; God affirms it. • Historically and archaeologically, Gibeon was equipped to host national worship. Practical Implications Believers learn that worship must align with God’s revealed order, yet God graciously meets His people even in transitional settings. Solomon’s wholehearted sacrifice challenges modern readers to wholehearted devotion, pointing ultimately to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, in whom every promise is “Yes and Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). |
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