Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Other Tables of Gold and Silver

◄ Temple: Solomon's: Other Tables of Gold and Silver ►

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The construction of Solomon's Temple, a monumental achievement in ancient Israel, is detailed extensively in the biblical narrative. Among the many furnishings and sacred objects within the Temple, the tables of gold and silver hold particular significance. These tables, while not as prominently featured as the Ark of the Covenant or the altar, played a crucial role in the liturgical and ceremonial functions of the Temple.

Biblical Description and Function

The tables in Solomon's Temple were crafted with the utmost skill and adorned with precious metals, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. According to 1 Kings 7:48, "Solomon also made all the furnishings that were in the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was the Bread of the Presence." This passage highlights the use of gold in the construction of the table for the Bread of the Presence, a key element in the worship practices of ancient Israel.

The Bread of the Presence, also known as the showbread, was a perpetual offering before the LORD, symbolizing God's provision and covenant with His people. The table upon which this bread was placed was made of pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose and the holiness required in approaching God.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The use of gold and silver in the Temple's furnishings, including the tables, is rich with symbolic meaning. Gold, often associated with divinity and purity, underscores the sacredness of the Temple as the dwelling place of God among His people. Silver, too, carries connotations of redemption and value, further emphasizing the worthiness of the offerings presented to God.

The tables of gold and silver in Solomon's Temple also reflect the wealth and prosperity of Israel during Solomon's reign, a period marked by peace and divine favor. This prosperity allowed for the lavish adornment of the Temple, which in turn served as a testament to the greatness of Israel's God.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the use of precious metals in religious structures was not uncommon. However, the specific instructions and detailed craftsmanship of Solomon's Temple set it apart as a unique and divinely ordained edifice. The tables, along with other furnishings, were crafted by skilled artisans under the guidance of Hiram of Tyre, as described in 1 Kings 7:13-14.

The presence of these tables within the Temple also highlights the continuity of worship practices from the Tabernacle, where similar tables were used for the Bread of the Presence. This continuity underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and the centrality of worship in the life of the nation.

Conclusion

While the tables of gold and silver in Solomon's Temple may not receive as much attention as other elements, their role in the worship and ceremonial life of Israel was significant. They served as a constant reminder of God's provision, holiness, and the covenant relationship between God and His people. Through these tables, the Israelites were continually drawn into a deeper understanding of their faith and the majesty of the God they served.

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1 Chronicles 28:16
And by weight he gave gold for the tables of show bread, for every table; and likewise silver for the tables of silver:
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2 Chronicles 4:18,19
Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.
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Library

The Building of the Golden House.
... spread forth so that they touched each other, and also ... things for the use of the
temple"candlesticks, and ... Solomon was seven years building the house of the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... Jews,' by which here, as in so many other places, we ... [1801] It is certain that this
Temple-market could ... Gate - the gate Shushan - as far as Solomon's Porch' (Dr ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... much of the glory of our gospel matters in this temple which Solomon builded; therefore
I ... True, I have not for these things fished in other men's waters ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... lavers of smaller size, with many other vessels,""in ... and worldly honor, God warned
Solomon against the ... Even the beautiful temple that had just been dedicated ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... it was quite too little for the temple, and that ... held only one cloister or court
of Solomon's building, and ... capable of the cloisters for the other courts, etc ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

Satan's Banquet
... her seven pillars, so hath folly its temple and its ... threw it down, and said to the
other, "Cheer up ... The spouse in Solomon's Song may supply the deficiency of my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/satans banquet.htm

The Later Hebrew Histories.
... Solomon," Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Solomon's Song,"and ... writings we find certain
other historical works ... religious services of the temple, especially of ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vi the later hebrew.htm

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
... glory we read of in the Old Testament under Solomon, might not be ... In some way or
other, men are sure to be moved ... He went up to the temple and there at one table ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the triumphal entry into jerusalem.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the defection of ... of Dagon, he was brought
into the temple to amuse ... the feud would be kept up at other points of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Temptation of Jesus
... who have broached these and other equally untenable ... the southeastern angle of the
Temple Cloisters, where the Royal (southern) and Solomon's (the eastern ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the temptation of.htm