Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, forests held significant economic and symbolic importance, often associated with royal authority and divine provision. The term "The King's Forest" refers to areas of woodland that were under the control of the monarchy, serving both practical and ceremonial purposes.Biblical References: 1. Nehemiah 2:8 · One of the most direct references to the King's Forest is found in the book of Nehemiah. When Nehemiah sought permission from King Artaxerxes to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he requested timber from the king's forest. The passage states: "And may I have a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the house I will occupy." This indicates that the king's forest was a source of valuable resources, managed by a royal official, Asaph, who was responsible for its stewardship. 2. 1 Kings 10:17 · The wealth and splendor of King Solomon's reign are highlighted by his use of resources from the forests. The text describes Solomon's creation of shields: "He made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three minas of gold in each shield, and the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon." Although not explicitly called the king's forest, the House of the Forest of Lebanon was a significant structure in Solomon's palace complex, named for its extensive use of cedar from the forests of Lebanon, which were under royal control. 3. 2 Chronicles 9:16 · This passage parallels the account in 1 Kings, emphasizing the opulence of Solomon's reign and the use of forest resources: "He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three hundred shekels of gold in each shield, and the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon." The repeated mention of the House of the Forest of Lebanon underscores the importance of forest resources in royal architecture and defense. Symbolic and Practical Significance: Forests in the biblical context were not only sources of timber and other materials but also symbols of royal power and divine blessing. The control and management of forests by the king underscored the monarch's authority over the land and its resources. The use of forest products in royal buildings and armaments reflected the wealth and stability of the kingdom. The king's forest also served as a reminder of God's provision. In a land where wood was a valuable commodity, the ability to access and utilize forest resources was seen as a sign of divine favor. The careful management and use of these resources were essential for the prosperity and security of the nation. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, forests were often associated with sacred spaces and divine encounters. The biblical narrative reflects this understanding, as forests were places where God's presence and provision were evident. The king's forest, therefore, was not only a practical asset but also a spiritual symbol of God's covenant with His people and the king's role as His appointed steward. The management of the king's forest required skilled oversight, as seen in the role of Asaph in Nehemiah 2:8. This highlights the organized and hierarchical nature of resource management in the ancient kingdom, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on stewardship and responsibility. In summary, the concept of the king's forest in the Bible illustrates the intersection of divine provision, royal authority, and practical resource management, serving as a testament to the wealth and wisdom of Israel's kings and the enduring significance of God's creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 2:8And a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God on me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The King's Highway How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair ... In what Manner the Iberians were Converted to Christianity. The Birth of Cyrus. The End of Cambyses. The Invasion of Scythia. The Exile --Continued. Purity. The French Reformation. The French Reformation Resources How can I recognize and understand biblical symbolism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses send twelve spies into the Promised Land? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it refers to a remnant? | GotQuestions.org Forests: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Forests of the Unfruitful World Forests: (A Fruitful Field Turned Into) of the Jews Rejected by God Forests: (Destroyed by Fire) of Destruction of the Wicked Forests: Abounded With Wild Honey Forests: Called on to Rejoice at God's Mercy Forests: Infested by Wild Beasts Forests: Jotham Built Towers, In Forests: Often Afforded Pasture Forests: Often Destroyed by Enemies Forests: Supplied Timber for Building Forests: The Power of God Extends Over Forests: Tracts of Land Covered With Trees Related Terms Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) |
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