Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Gifts Received At

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The Temple of Solomon, also known as the First Temple, was a monumental achievement in ancient Israel, serving as the central place of worship for the Israelites. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the temple was not only a religious center but also a symbol of Israel's prosperity and divine favor. The dedication of the temple was marked by a significant outpouring of gifts and offerings, reflecting the devotion and gratitude of the people and their leaders.

Gifts from the People and Leaders

Upon the completion of the temple, King Solomon gathered the elders of Israel, the heads of the tribes, and the leaders of the ancestral families to bring up the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David, which is Zion (1 Kings 8:1). This event was accompanied by a grand assembly and the offering of numerous sacrifices. The people of Israel, moved by the occasion, brought forth gifts and offerings as a demonstration of their reverence and commitment to the Lord.

The Bible records that Solomon and the entire assembly of Israel offered sacrifices before the Ark. "King Solomon and the whole congregation of Israel who had assembled with him were before the Ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered" (1 Kings 8:5). This overwhelming number of sacrifices underscores the magnitude of the gifts received at the temple's dedication.

Gifts from Foreign Dignitaries

The fame of Solomon's wisdom and the splendor of the temple reached far beyond the borders of Israel, attracting the attention of foreign dignitaries. One of the most notable visitors was the Queen of Sheba, who came to test Solomon with hard questions and to witness his wisdom firsthand. Impressed by Solomon's answers and the grandeur of his kingdom, she presented him with lavish gifts. "Then she gave the king 120 talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones. Never again did such an abundance of spices come in as those the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon" (1 Kings 10:10).

The visit of the Queen of Sheba and her generous gifts highlight the international recognition and respect that Solomon and the temple commanded. Her offerings were not only a tribute to Solomon's wisdom but also an acknowledgment of the God of Israel, whom Solomon served.

Gifts from Hiram, King of Tyre

Another significant contributor to the temple was Hiram, the king of Tyre, who had been a friend of David, Solomon's father. Hiram provided Solomon with cedar and cypress timber, as well as skilled craftsmen, to aid in the construction of the temple. In return, Solomon gave Hiram large quantities of wheat and oil. This exchange is detailed in 1 Kings 5:10-12, where it is noted that "Hiram supplied Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted, and Solomon gave Hiram 20,000 cors of wheat as food for his household, and 20,000 baths of pressed olive oil. Solomon did this for Hiram year after year" .

The collaboration between Solomon and Hiram exemplifies the mutual respect and cooperation between Israel and its neighbors, facilitated by the construction of the temple. The materials and expertise provided by Hiram were invaluable gifts that contributed to the temple's magnificence.

Significance of the Gifts

The gifts received at Solomon's Temple were not merely material contributions; they were expressions of faith, reverence, and international diplomacy. They underscored the temple's role as a spiritual and cultural epicenter for Israel and a beacon to the surrounding nations. The offerings from the people of Israel, the Queen of Sheba, and King Hiram of Tyre reflect the temple's significance as a place where the divine and the earthly intersected, drawing people from near and far to honor the God of Israel.

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2 Chronicles 24:8-11
And at the king's commandment they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the LORD.
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Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... I might also here show you, that even the gifts and graces of the true church were
set forth by the spices ... The temple was builded by Solomon, a man ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... that they never returned, though they sent gifts to assist ... grief to the old, who
had seen Solomon's Temple in its ... the Jews ventured to go on with the Temple. ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiii the rebuilding of.htm

Results of Transgression
... The high wages demanded and received gave to many an ... of, not as the temple of Jehovah,
but as "Solomon's temple.". ... ascribe to him the honor for gifts that are ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... esteemed by most men, as alone of the greatest worth, and the best gifts of God ... Solomon
To King Hiram ... 5]Know thou that my father would have built a temple to God ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Teaching in the Temple on the Octave of the Feast of Tabernacles.
... chambers' in which, respectively, secret gifts [4035] and ... His return with the
restoration of the Temple. ... Porches - probably that of Solomon - teaching, this ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii teaching in the.htm

'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart'
... who are borne along by the sudden joy of new gifts beyond hope ... Solomon's porch was,
like the Beautiful gate, on the east side of the Temple enclosure, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/then shall the lame man.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... had all things common," as to the daily use of God's worldly gifts. ... preaching to
the people in that part of the {16} Temple called Solomon's porch[33 ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... He that is an unbeliever may have the gifts of oratory, the mightiest ... wilderness
to Moses, doubtless showed the pattern of the temple to Solomon, so that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Acts III
... faced the inner side of the temple wall, called ... to them on the portico called Solomon's,
greatly wondering ... by those in possession of spiritual gifts, was always ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iii.htm

One Worker Preparing for Another
... assistance; thou hast often helped it by thy gifts in the ... God's temple was built
by "a man of rest ... his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm