Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's by Asa, from Ben-Hadad

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Temple of Solomon, also known as the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the son of David, it was a symbol of Israel's covenant with God and a physical manifestation of His presence among His people. The Temple was located in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was to offer Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1).

Historical Context

During the reign of King Asa of Judah, the Temple continued to serve as the spiritual heart of the nation. Asa, noted for his religious reforms, sought to restore the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. His reign is marked by a commitment to the covenantal laws and a desire to return the people to the worship of the one true God.

Alliance with Ben-Hadad

In the context of Asa's reign, the Temple's significance is highlighted during a period of political and military tension. Asa faced threats from Baasha, the king of Israel, who fortified Ramah to control access to Jerusalem and disrupt the southern kingdom's trade and communication. In response, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad I, the king of Aram (Syria), to counter Baasha's aggression.

As recorded in 1 Kings 15:18-19 , Asa took silver and gold from the treasuries of the Temple and the royal palace to secure this alliance: "Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he entrusted it to his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, saying, 'Let there be a treaty between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.'"

This strategic move by Asa underscores the political complexities of the time and the use of the Temple's resources in securing national security. The alliance with Ben-Hadad was successful, as the Aramean king attacked the northern territories of Israel, forcing Baasha to abandon his fortifications at Ramah.

Religious Reforms and the Temple

Asa's reign is also noted for his religious reforms, which included the removal of idols and the restoration of proper worship practices. 2 Chronicles 15:8 states, "When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD’s temple."

These actions reflect Asa's dedication to maintaining the sanctity of the Temple and ensuring that it remained a place devoted to the worship of Yahweh. His reforms were part of a broader effort to lead the people back to faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments.

Legacy

The Temple of Solomon, during Asa's reign, continued to be a focal point for the religious life of Judah. Asa's use of the Temple's resources for political alliances, while controversial, demonstrates the multifaceted role the Temple played in the life of the nation. It was not only a spiritual center but also a repository of wealth and a symbol of the kingdom's stability and prosperity. Asa's commitment to religious reform and the preservation of the Temple's sanctity left a lasting impact on the spiritual heritage of Judah.

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1 Kings 15:18
Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelled at Damascus, saying,
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Library

Book 5 Footnotes
... of Benjamites, both in the days of Asa and Jehoshaphat ... nor is he called Hadad or
Benhadad in any ... silver expended in the building of Solomon's temple, and whence ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Tarshish"The palace at Jerusalem, the temple and its ... of Judah to the descendants
of Solomon, and the repeated changes of dynasty in Israel"Asa and Baasha ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm