Topical Encyclopedia The term "King's Table" in the Bible refers to the dining table of a monarch, symbolizing not only the abundance and luxury associated with royal banquets but also the power and authority of the king. It is a place of honor and privilege, often mentioned in the context of feasting and fellowship with the king.Biblical References: 1. 2 Samuel 9:7-13: One of the most notable references to the king's table is found in the account of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul. After David became king, he sought to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. David restored to Mephibosheth all the land of Saul and invited him to eat at the king's table continually. This act of grace and mercy is recorded in 2 Samuel 9:7, where David says, "Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." This invitation to the king's table signified Mephibosheth's acceptance and favor in the eyes of King David, despite his physical disability and the potential threat he posed as a descendant of Saul. 2. 1 Kings 4:22-23: The opulence of King Solomon's table is described in 1 Kings 4:22-23, highlighting the daily provisions required to sustain his court. The passage states, "Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, ten fat oxen, twenty pasture-fed cattle, a hundred sheep, and goats, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry." This abundance reflects the prosperity and wealth of Solomon's reign, as well as the extensive resources needed to maintain the royal household and its guests. 3. Daniel 1:5: In the Book of Daniel, the king's table is associated with the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his companions were selected to be trained in the king's court and were offered food and wine from the king's table. However, Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, choosing instead a diet of vegetables and water (Daniel 1:8). This decision demonstrated Daniel's commitment to his faith and God's laws, even in the face of royal temptation. Symbolism and Themes: · Provision and Abundance: The king's table is a symbol of divine provision and abundance. It represents the blessings and sustenance provided by God to His people, as seen in the generosity of King David towards Mephibosheth and the wealth of Solomon's kingdom. · Favor and Acceptance: Being invited to the king's table signifies favor and acceptance. It is a place of honor, where individuals are recognized and valued by the king. This is evident in David's treatment of Mephibosheth, who was given a place of honor despite his lineage and physical condition. · Temptation and Faithfulness: The account of Daniel highlights the king's table as a place of potential temptation. Daniel's refusal to partake in the royal food underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments, even when faced with the allure of worldly pleasures. · Covenant and Fellowship: The king's table also serves as a metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a place of fellowship and communion, reflecting the spiritual nourishment and intimacy that believers experience in their relationship with God. In summary, the concept of the king's table in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of provision, favor, faithfulness, and covenant. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's abundant grace and the honor of being in His presence. Subtopics King: Ceremonial Recognition of Kneeling Before King: Ceremonial Recognition of Obeisance King: Ceremonial Recognition of Prostration King: Ceremonial Recognition of Salutation to "O King, Live Forever" King: Chief officers of The Advisor King: Chief officers of The Captain of the Army King: Chief officers of The Chief of the Bodyguard King: Chief officers of The Chief Priests King: Chief officers of The Chief Ruler King: Chief officers of The Collector of Taxes King: Chief officers of The Provincial Governors King: Chief officers of The Recorder King: Chief officers of The Scribe King: Constitutional Restrictions of King: Drunkenness of, Forbidden King: Exercise Executive Clemency King: How Chosen by Divine Appointment, Saul King: How Chosen: David and the Davidic Dynasty King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: David King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Herod King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Hezekiah King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Pilate King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Saul King: Influenced by Popular Opinion: Zedekiah King: Influential Queens: Bath-Sheba King: Influential Queens: Esther King: Influential Queens: Jezebel King: Profiting From: Confiscations of Property King: Subordinate officers of The Governor of the Household King: Subordinate officers of The Keeper of the Wardrobe King: Tariff on Imports, and Internal Revenue on Merchandise Select Readings: The King of Glory Vicegerency of Elisha in Condemning Gehazi Vicegerency of Elisha in Miraculously Rewarding the Shunammite Woman Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |