Topical Bible: Flowers: Representations of, on The: Wood Work of the Temple

◄ Flowers: Representations of, on The: Wood Work of the Temple ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the construction of the Temple, as described in the Old Testament, the use of floral motifs in the woodwork is a significant element that reflects both artistic beauty and theological symbolism. The Temple, built by King Solomon, was not only a place of worship but also a representation of divine order and beauty, and the inclusion of floral designs played a crucial role in this representation.

The detailed account of the Temple's construction is found in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3. In 1 Kings 6:18 , it is noted, "The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was visible." This description highlights the intricate craftsmanship and the emphasis on natural beauty within the sacred space. The use of cedar wood, known for its durability and pleasant aroma, was complemented by the carvings of flowers, which added an element of life and vibrancy to the interior.

The floral motifs in the Temple's woodwork can be seen as symbolic representations of the Garden of Eden, a place of perfect harmony and communion with God. By incorporating these designs, the Temple served as a reminder of the original creation and the ideal relationship between God and humanity. The open flowers, in particular, may symbolize openness to divine presence and the flourishing of spiritual life.

Furthermore, the use of floral imagery in the Temple's design reflects the biblical theme of creation's praise to the Creator. In passages such as Psalm 96:12 , "Let the fields exult, and all that is in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy," creation is depicted as participating in worship. The carved flowers in the Temple can be seen as an artistic expression of this theme, where even the woodwork joins in the adoration of God.

The presence of floral designs also aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's provision and care. Flowers, in their beauty and transience, are often used in Scripture to illustrate God's attention to detail and His provision for creation, as seen in Matthew 6:28-29 , "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these." The Temple's floral carvings serve as a visual reminder of God's sustaining power and the beauty He bestows upon His creation.

In summary, the representations of flowers in the woodwork of Solomon's Temple are rich with meaning. They serve as a testament to the beauty and order of God's creation, a reminder of the ideal communion with God in Eden, and an expression of creation's worship of the Creator. These motifs enhance the sacred atmosphere of the Temple, inviting worshippers to reflect on the divine artistry and providence of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 6:18,29,33,35
And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... like the brim of a cup with flowers of lilies ... in pottery, in glass, or in wood,
producing shapes ... canvas with degrading ideas and vulgar representations, and the ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... of old, should ordain visible forms and representations for the ... built, were squared
and hewed at the wood or pit ... made every way fit for that work, even before ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Egypt
... they were artistically decorated with representations of men and ... were reserved for
engraving on wood or stone ... were adorned with fragrant flowers, and musicians ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The First Commandment --On the Honor and Invocation of Saints
... for the same reason Catholics place flowers and lights ... at a cost, small pieces of
wood from his ... His saints, because they are the representations and memorials ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 31 the first commandmenton.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... for thy nostrils, garlands and lotus-flowers for thy ... means literally, "to be put
on the wood." Spiegelberg sees ... The representations of the gods in them are but ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... groups, models of great sovereigns, and representations of hunting ... which could produce
fruit or flowers to enrich ... through brazen-headed beams of wood, in those ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

Christian Churches.
... Peacocks, dolphins, and flowers, also of gilt bronze, were ... B Acacia wood, inlaid
with ivory carvings ... century, and end with stiff, uncanny representations of the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iii christian churches.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... are so covered with varieties of flowers, growing in ... of Kudur-nakhunta: he set about
the work of restoration ... to the goddess an entire set of temple furniture to ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... d, Some hands unseen strew'd flowers upon his ... The representations with which the
sarcophagus is adorned or ... it, a smaller coffin of cypress wood overlaid with ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... and one sees nowhere, in the representations, any examples ... it between four oar-shaped
slips of wood, painted white ... having been almost entirely the work of the ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm