Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, silver holds significant economic and symbolic value, often representing wealth, trade, and divine blessing. During the reign of King Solomon, silver became exceedingly abundant, marking a period of prosperity and grandeur in Israel's history. This abundance is documented in several passages, highlighting the wealth and splendor of Solomon's kingdom.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 10:21, 27 : The abundance of silver during Solomon's reign is vividly described in the Book of Kings. "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 considered as nothing in the days of Solomon." Furthermore, "The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills." 2. 2 Chronicles 9:20, 27 : The Chronicler echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the opulence of Solomon's court. "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 regarded as nothing in the days of Solomon." Additionally, "The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as abundant as sycamore in the foothills." Historical and Cultural Context: The reign of Solomon, son of David, is traditionally dated to the 10th century BCE. Solomon's era is often characterized by peace, extensive trade, and monumental building projects, including the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. The biblical account attributes Solomon's wealth to his wisdom and the favor of God, which enabled him to establish extensive trade networks and alliances. Solomon's strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes facilitated the influx of wealth, including silver, from various regions. The Bible records Solomon's interactions with the Queen of Sheba and his trade with Hiram of Tyre, which brought in vast quantities of gold, silver, and other valuable commodities. Symbolic Significance: In the biblical worldview, the abundance of silver during Solomon's reign is not merely a testament to his administrative prowess but also a reflection of divine blessing. The prosperity of Israel under Solomon is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to David, Solomon's father, regarding the establishment of a lasting dynasty and a prosperous kingdom. The devaluation of silver, as it became as common as stones, underscores the extraordinary wealth of Solomon's reign. This abundance is often contrasted with periods of scarcity and hardship in Israel's history, serving as a reminder of the blessings that accompany faithfulness to God's covenant. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the narrative of Solomon's wealth, including the abundance of silver, serves as both a celebration of God's provision and a cautionary tale. While Solomon's wisdom and wealth are initially portrayed as gifts from God, his later years are marked by a departure from divine commandments, leading to the eventual division of the kingdom. The account of Solomon's reign, with its unparalleled wealth and subsequent decline, invites reflection on the relationship between material prosperity and spiritual fidelity. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom and lasting prosperity are found in obedience to God and His statutes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 10:21,22,27And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 9:20,21,27 Library Jeremiah Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Manasseh and Josiah The Return of the Exiles A Bundle of Myrrh The Later Hebrew Histories. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Treatise vii. On the Mortality. Fellowship with God Matt. Ii. 16 Resources What kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely? | GotQuestions.org Silver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Silver for Ornamentation of, and in the Manufacture of, the Utensils for the Tabernacle Silver of Saints Purified by Affliction Silver of the Medo-Persian Kingdom Silver of the Tongue of the Just Silver of the Words of the Lord Silver used As Money from the Earliest Times Silver: (Dross of) of the Wicked Silver: (Labour of Seeking For) of Diligence Required For Silver: (Reprobate) the Wicked Silver: Baskets (Rv), or Filigree (Margin, RV) Silver: Generally Found in an Impure State Silver: Given by David and his Subjects for Making the Temple Silver: Given by the Israelite for Making the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Beds or Couches Silver: Made Into: Candlesticks Silver: Made Into: Ornaments and Hooks for the Pillars of the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Ornaments for the Person Silver: Made Into: Sockets for the Boards of the Tabernacle Silver: Made Into: Thin Plates Silver: Made Into: Wires (Alluded To) Silver: Often Given As Presents Silver: Purified, Called: Choice Silver Silver: Purified, Called: Refined Silver Silver: Taken in War often Consecrated to God Silver: Taken in War Purified by Fire Silver: Tarshish Carried on Extensive Commerce In Silver: The Patriarchs Rich In Silver: The Working In, a Trade Silver: Veins of, Found in the Earth Silver: Very Abundant in the Reign of Solomon Silver: Wisdom to be Esteemed More Than Related Terms |
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