Topical Bible: High Places: Gibeon

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Topical Encyclopedia

Gibeon, an ancient Canaanite city, holds significant historical and religious importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of high places. High places, or "bamot" in Hebrew, were elevated sites often used for worship and sacrifices. Gibeon is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a notable high place, especially during the united monarchy of Israel.

Historical Background

Gibeon was a prominent city located in the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). The Gibeonites, its original inhabitants, famously deceived Joshua and the Israelites into making a peace treaty with them (Joshua 9:3-15). Despite their deception, the Gibeonites were spared and became servants, hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and the altar of the LORD (Joshua 9:21).

Religious Significance

The high place at Gibeon gained prominence during the reign of King Solomon. After the death of King David, Solomon went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices because the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, was located there (1 Chronicles 16:39; 21:29). The bronze altar, crafted by Bezalel, was also at Gibeon (2 Chronicles 1:5-6).

The most notable event at Gibeon occurred when Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on the altar there. It was at Gibeon that the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, granting him wisdom and discernment, which became the hallmark of his reign (1 Kings 3:4-15; 2 Chronicles 1:7-12). The Berean Standard Bible records this pivotal moment: "That night God appeared to Solomon and said, 'Ask, and I will give it to you.' Solomon replied, 'You have shown great loving devotion to my father David, and You have made me king in his place'" (2 Chronicles 1:7-8).

Transition and Decline

The high place at Gibeon served as a central worship site until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Once the Temple was completed, the focus of worship shifted to Jerusalem, as God had chosen it as the place for His name to dwell (1 Kings 8:29). The centralization of worship in Jerusalem marked the decline of high places like Gibeon, as the Israelites were instructed to bring their sacrifices to the Temple.

Despite the centralization, high places continued to exist throughout Israel's history, often leading to idolatrous practices condemned by the prophets. The high place at Gibeon, however, is remembered primarily for its association with Solomon's divine encounter and the early worship of Yahweh before the Temple's establishment.

Archaeological Insights

Modern archaeological excavations at Gibeon have uncovered significant findings, including a large pool and wine cellars, which provide insight into the city's historical and economic life. These discoveries affirm the biblical account of Gibeon's prominence and its role in the ancient Near East.

In summary, Gibeon's high place is a testament to the transitional period in Israel's worship practices, bridging the era of the tabernacle and the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem. Its legacy is intricately tied to Solomon's early reign and the divine wisdom bestowed upon him at this sacred site.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 3:4
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer on that altar.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

One Worker Preparing for Another
... 1. For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar
of the burnt offering, were at the season in the high places of Gibeon. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... sullen figure, Asahel stricken like a roe in the wilderness of Gibeon, and the ... Their
high places lay all round the Prophet and each had its bad influence, not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the ... of all nations, and
of all classes, high and low ... be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the ... many of all nations
and of all classes, high and low ... be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... names in this list are Gaza, Abel, Adullam, Bethhoron, Aijalon, Gibeon, and
Shunem.[11]. ... pious kings, who simply did not {151} remove the high places (1 Kings ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Seventh vial.
... when they are all "removed out of their places," (6:14 ... Lord which is my refuge, even
the Most High, thy habitation ... be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seventh vial.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and the court, supported by the more religious section of the people, not only abjured
the worship of false gods, but forsook the high places and discontinued ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... forces in the south; but they were routed not far from Gibeon, and their ... that jeoparded
their lives unto the death,"and Naphtali upon the high places of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... they were sent by the people of Gibeon, and of ... So he called for Eleazar the high
priest, and for the ... longer, excepting some that had retired to places of great ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
... In Gibeon the Lord appeared to him in a dream ... were made under the direction of the
high priest, for ... The Hebrew word denotes places of assembly, and was never ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xv formation and history.htm