Topical Encyclopedia Gold holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly during the reign of King Solomon, who is renowned for his wealth and wisdom. Solomon's era is often highlighted as a time of prosperity and grandeur for the nation of Israel, with gold being a central symbol of this affluence.Biblical References and Context The Bible provides several accounts of Solomon's extensive use of gold, particularly in the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and his royal palace. The wealth of Solomon is often attributed to his successful trade alliances and the importation of gold from various regions. 1. Sources of Gold: Solomon's gold was primarily imported from Ophir, a region famed for its fine gold. The exact location of Ophir remains a subject of debate among scholars, but it is traditionally believed to be in the region of Arabia or East Africa. The Bible records, "They went to Ophir and acquired gold there—four hundred and twenty talents—and brought it to King Solomon" (1 Kings 9:28). 2. Trade and Alliances: Solomon's strategic alliances, particularly with King Hiram of Tyre, facilitated the importation of gold. Hiram provided skilled labor and materials for Solomon's building projects, and in return, Solomon supplied him with wheat and oil. This partnership is detailed in 1 Kings 5:1-12. 3. The Queen of Sheba's Visit: The visit of the Queen of Sheba further underscores the wealth and fame of Solomon. She brought a significant amount of gold as a gift, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:10: "Then she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come in as that which the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" . 4. Solomon's Wealth: The Bible describes Solomon's wealth in vivid terms, noting that silver was considered of little value in his days due to the abundance of gold. "All King Solomon’s drinking vessels were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, for it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon" (1 Kings 10:21). 5. Construction of the Temple: Gold was extensively used in the construction of the Temple, symbolizing the glory and majesty of God. The inner sanctuary, the altar, and various furnishings were overlaid with gold. "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" (1 Kings 6:21). Theological Significance In the biblical narrative, gold is often associated with divine favor and blessing. Solomon's wealth, particularly his gold, is seen as a testament to God's promise to David and the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel. The use of gold in the Temple underscores the holiness and sanctity of the place where God chose to dwell among His people. Solomon's importation of gold and his subsequent wealth serve as a reminder of the potential for both blessing and temptation. While his riches were a sign of God's favor, they also foreshadowed the eventual decline of his kingdom due to idolatry and disobedience. Solomon's account is a complex interplay of wisdom, wealth, and the human propensity to stray from divine commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 9:11,28(Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 10:11 Library In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned The Nations of the South-East Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... Pagan Cemeteries. Babylonia and Assyria The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What is the menorah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does the Bible speak against braided hair? | GotQuestions.org What was the tabernacle of Moses? | 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 |
    |