Topical Encyclopedia Gold holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the construction and adornment of the Temple in Jerusalem. The use of gold in the Temple is a reflection of its value, purity, and symbolic representation of divine glory and holiness.Biblical References and Significance The use of gold in the Temple is first mentioned in the preparations made by King David. In 1 Chronicles 22:14, David states, "Now behold, with great effort I have provided for the house of the LORD 100,000 talents of gold, 1,000,000 talents of silver, and bronze and iron too great to be weighed, for they are in abundance. I have also prepared timber and stone, and you may add to them." This passage highlights the immense quantity of gold set aside for the construction of the Temple, underscoring its importance and the dedication of resources to honor God. King Solomon, David's son, carried out the construction of the Temple, and the use of gold is extensively detailed in the biblical account. In 1 Kings 6:21-22, it is recorded, "So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. So he overlaid the whole interior with gold. He also overlaid with gold the altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary." The lavish use of gold in the Temple's interior, including the Most Holy Place, signifies the sacredness and the divine presence within. The furnishings of the Temple also featured gold prominently. The Ark of the Covenant, the table for the Bread of the Presence, the lampstands, and various utensils were made of or overlaid with gold (1 Kings 7:48-50). This extensive use of gold not only served an aesthetic purpose but also symbolized the wealth and splendor of God's dwelling place on earth. Symbolism and Theological Implications Gold in the Temple is symbolic of God's majesty and the purity required in worship. The precious metal's incorruptibility and brilliance reflect the holiness and eternal nature of God. The opulence of gold in the Temple serves as a reminder of the reverence and honor due to God, as well as the separation between the divine and the mundane. Theologically, the use of gold in the Temple can be seen as a foreshadowing of the heavenly reality. Revelation 21:18 describes the New Jerusalem as having walls made of jasper and the city itself as pure gold, "as pure as glass." This imagery connects the earthly Temple with the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people in the eschatological vision. Historical Context and Legacy The historical context of gold in the Temple reflects the wealth and prosperity of Israel during Solomon's reign. The accumulation and use of gold were not only a testament to the kingdom's material wealth but also to its spiritual priorities. The dedication of such resources to the Temple underscores the centrality of worship and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The legacy of gold in the Temple continued to influence Jewish worship and identity, even after the destruction of the First Temple. The Second Temple, though less opulent, still incorporated gold in its construction and rituals, maintaining the tradition of using precious materials to honor God. In summary, gold for the Temple is a profound biblical theme that encapsulates the intersection of material wealth, spiritual devotion, and divine symbolism. Its presence in the Temple narrative serves as a testament to the glory of God and the dedication of His people to worship Him in splendor and truth. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 18:11Them also king David dedicated to the LORD, with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 22:14,16 1 Chronicles 29:2-7 Strong's Hebrew 6516. Parvayim -- a region from which Solomon obtained gold for ...... Parvayim. 6517 . a region from which Solomon obtained gold for the temple. Transliteration: Parvayim Phonetic Spelling: (par-vah'-yim) Short Definition: Parvaim ... /hebrew/6516.htm - 6k Library Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ... Discourse of Jesus against the Scribes and Pharisees. And when Jesus Entered the Temple, they Brought unto Him Blind And ... The Temple and Its Dedication The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ... A Description of the Temple. Tuesday --The Day of Controversy. Things Perishing and Things Stable That Many of the Sicarii Fled to Alexandria Also and what Dangers ... Woes on the Pharisees Resources What is sacrilege? What does it mean to be sacrilegious? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of Pishon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the lampstand in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Gold: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gold used in the Arts in Ornamenting the Priests' Garments Gold used in the Arts: Apparel Gold used in the Arts: Beaten Work Gold used in the Arts: Bedsteads Made of Gold used in the Arts: Crowns Made of Gold used in the Arts: Into Ornaments Gold used in the Arts: Made Into Wire Threads and Worked Into Embroidered Tapestry Gold used in the Arts: Modeled Into Forms of Fruits Gold used in the Arts: Overlaying With Gold used in the Arts: Shields of Gold used in the Arts: The Lampstands Made of, for the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Mercy Seat and Cherubims Gold was Used for Overlaying Cherubims in Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Floor of Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying the Ark Gold was Used for Overlaying the Tabernacle Gold was Used for Overlaying the Temple Gold was Used for Overlaying Throne of Solomon Gold was Used for Sacred Candlesticks Gold was Used for Sacred Utensils Gold: Abundance of, in Solomon's Reign Gold: Altar Lamps, and Other Articles Made of Gold: Jews Condemned for Multiplying Gold: Kings of Israel not to Multiply Gold: Liable to Canker and Rust Gold: Most Valuable when Pure and Fine Gold: Offerings of, for Tabernacle Gold: Offerings of, for Temple Gold: Priestly and Royal Garments Adorned With Gold: Refined and Tried by Fire Gold: Taken in War, Dedicated to God Gold: The Patriarchs Were Rich In Gold: Vessels and Utensils Made of, for the Tabernacle Related Terms |