Topical Bible: Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies

◄ Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies ►

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In the biblical context, the act of dedicating things to God often served multiple purposes, including the propitiation of enemies. This practice is rooted in the understanding that dedicating something to God could invoke His favor and protection, thereby appeasing adversaries or turning away their wrath.

One of the earliest examples of this can be found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, fearing the wrath of his brother Esau, who he had wronged years earlier, sought to appease him by sending gifts ahead of their meeting. In Genesis 32:13-21, Jacob prepares a substantial offering from his livestock, which he sends in successive droves to Esau. While the text does not explicitly state that these gifts were dedicated to God, Jacob's actions are framed within a context of prayer and seeking divine favor, as seen in Genesis 32:9-12. This suggests that Jacob viewed his offering as a means to secure God's intervention in softening Esau's heart.

Another significant instance is found in the narrative of King Solomon. In 1 Kings 5-8, Solomon dedicates the Temple in Jerusalem to the Lord. This dedication is not only a religious act but also a political one, as it establishes a central place of worship and a symbol of unity and divine favor for the nation of Israel. By dedicating the Temple, Solomon seeks to ensure God's continued presence and protection over Israel, which would naturally extend to the nation's dealings with its enemies.

The concept of dedicating things to God to propitiate enemies is also evident in the account of Jephthah in Judges 11. Jephthah, before going into battle against the Ammonites, makes a vow to the Lord, promising to dedicate whatever comes out of the door of his house to meet him upon his victorious return. Judges 11:30-31 states, "And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: 'If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to greet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'" This vow, though tragic in its fulfillment, underscores the belief that dedicating something to God could secure His favor in overcoming enemies.

In the New Testament, the principle of dedicating things to God for the purpose of propitiation is transformed through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10 states, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Here, the dedication is not of material goods but of Christ Himself, whose sacrifice propitiates the ultimate enemy—sin and death.

Throughout Scripture, the dedication of things to God as a means to propitiate enemies reflects a deep reliance on divine intervention and favor. It illustrates the belief that God, as the ultimate sovereign, holds the power to influence human affairs and relationships, turning potential hostility into peace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 12:17,18
Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the couplet recited by Solomon at the dedication of the ... as possible and probable
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