Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "dedication" often refers to the solemn act of setting apart persons, places, or objects for a sacred purpose, frequently accompanied by a covenant or a formal agreement with God. This act of dedication is a significant theme throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing commitment, consecration, and the establishment of a divine relationship.Old Testament Examples 1. The Dedication of the Tabernacle: The Book of Exodus details the construction and dedication of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. In Exodus 40:9-10 , God commands Moses, "Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy." This dedication signifies the covenantal relationship between God and His people, with the Tabernacle serving as the dwelling place of God's presence among them. 2. The Dedication of Solomon's Temple: In 1 Kings 8, Solomon's Temple is dedicated to the Lord with great ceremony. Solomon prays, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built" (1 Kings 8:27). The dedication of the Temple is marked by sacrifices, prayers, and the glory of the Lord filling the house, symbolizing God's acceptance of the covenant and His presence with Israel. 3. The Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem: After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah leads the effort to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Nehemiah 12:27 describes the dedication ceremony: "At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgiving and with singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres." This event reaffirms the covenantal identity of the Jewish people and their commitment to God's laws. New Testament Context 1. The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple: In Luke 2:22-24 , Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord, as required by the Law of Moses. This act of dedication is a fulfillment of the covenantal law and signifies Jesus' consecration to God's service from infancy. 2. The New Covenant: The New Testament introduces the concept of the New Covenant, established through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 9:15 , it is written, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." The dedication of believers to this New Covenant is symbolized through baptism and the Lord's Supper, acts that confirm their commitment to Christ and His teachings. Theological Significance Dedication as a solemn confirmation of a covenant underscores the importance of commitment and consecration in the believer's relationship with God. It involves a deliberate and public declaration of faith and obedience, often accompanied by rituals that signify the sacredness of the covenant. Throughout the Bible, dedications serve as pivotal moments that reinforce the divine-human relationship, reminding believers of their responsibilities and privileges under God's covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 9:18Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Nature of Covenanting. Baptism Christian Baptism. Chronology of the Life of Christ. Footnotes Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.org Dedication: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dedication by Idolaters in Setting up Idols Dedication of Property often Perverted Dedication of Samuel by his Mother Dedication of Self: Feast of Dedication Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem Dedication: Consecration of a Place of Worship Dedication: Devoting Any Thing to Sacred Uses Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God Dedication: Law Concerning Dedicated Things Dedication: Must be Without Blemish Dedication: Offering Must be Voluntary Dedication: Solemn Confirmation of a Covenant Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built Dedication: Subjects of Persons Dedication: Subjects of Property Dedication: Subjects of Second Temple Dedication: Subjects of Spoils of War Dedication: Subjects of Tabernacle Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Dedication: Subjects of Tribute from Foreigners Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities Dedication: Things Dedicated to God for Support of Priests Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Applied to the Repair and Maintenance of the Temple Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Esteemed Holy Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Levites Place Over Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Placed With the Treasures of the Lord's House Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Special Chambers Prepared For Related Terms Dedication-offering (3 Occurrences) Dedication-gift (3 Occurrences) Dedication-song (1 Occurrence) |
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