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Tag: 1 Kings

Temple as Eden —

How the Temple was designed to look like the Garden of Eden.

Temple as Eden —

How the Temple was designed to look like the Garden of Eden.

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As meeting places for God and men, ancient temples were created to reflect the ideal environment for such an event: the Garden of Eden, also called the “Garden of Plenty” or “Paradise” in surrounding cultures. The Jerusalem Temple, built by Solomon was no exception. The Bible gives a detailed description
Siege Warfare —

Offensive and defensive strategies in the ancient Near East.

Siege Warfare —

Offensive and defensive strategies in the ancient Near East.

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From very early times, people have found it necessary to build walls around their living spaces. For cities, these protective fortifications could be quite elaborate, including double walls systems with steep space between that provided a defensive advantage, moats, towers, complex gate structures, and thick wooden, metal covered doors. But
Solomon’s Adversaries —

Due to Solomon’s rebellion against the Lord, God raised up three adversaries against him.

Solomon’s Adversaries —

Due to Solomon’s rebellion against the Lord, God raised up three adversaries against him.

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Despite the fact that God expressly warned King Solomon not to multiply wives, that is precisely what he did. And he did so with great defiance as the Bible records that he had a staggering 700 wives and 300 concubines. And the result was exactly as God had predicted: “his
Birds & Fowling —

Archaeological evidence of ancient Israelites hunting and farming birds.

Birds & Fowling —

Archaeological evidence of ancient Israelites hunting and farming birds.

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Birds were both a source of food and sacrifice in ancient Israel. Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 13 preserve for us the list of fowl that were ritually impure and, therefore, not to be eaten or offered to God as sacrifice by the Israelites. As a general rule, birds of prey
Seafaring in Ancient Israel —

How did seafaring develop in the ancient Near East?

Seafaring in Ancient Israel —

How did seafaring develop in the ancient Near East?

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While not a major seafaring nation, the land of Israel did have reasons and opportunities to develop seafaring technology. There were select pockets, or areas, where this was necessary: Along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea (though Israel proper did not often control much of that territory), the area surrounding
Pomegranates —

The rich symbolism of the humble pomegranate.

Pomegranates —

The rich symbolism of the humble pomegranate.

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In the ancient Near East, the pomegranate was a widely accepted symbol of fertility. This was due to the many seeds contained in each fruit; the pomegranate’s potential for reproducing seems nearly unlimited. So, standing as a symbol for fruitful potential, productivity, and abundance was quite appropriate. It’s red, blood-like