Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, palaces are grand residences typically associated with royalty, nobility, or high-ranking officials. They are often depicted as symbols of power, wealth, and authority. The concept of a palace is prevalent throughout the Bible, serving as both literal and metaphorical representations of human and divine authority.
Old Testament ReferencesPalaces are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in connection with the kings of Israel and Judah. King Solomon's palace is one of the most notable examples. In
1 Kings 7:1, it is recorded, "Solomon, however, took thirteen years to complete the construction of his entire palace." Solomon's palace was part of a larger complex that included the Temple, reflecting the grandeur and prosperity of his reign.
The palaces of foreign kings are also mentioned, such as the palace of Pharaoh in Egypt. In
Genesis 41:40, Pharaoh elevates Joseph to a position of power, saying, "You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."
The prophets often used the imagery of palaces to convey messages of judgment or restoration. For instance, in
Amos 3:15, God declares, "I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end," signifying the impending judgment on Israel's opulence and idolatry.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, palaces are less frequently mentioned but still hold significance. Herod the Great's palace in Jerusalem is a notable example, serving as a backdrop for several events in the Gospels. In
Matthew 2:1, Herod's palace is the setting for the visit of the Magi, who come seeking the newborn King of the Jews.
The palace of the high priest is another significant location, particularly in the Passion narratives. In
Matthew 26:58, Peter follows Jesus to the high priest's courtyard, where Jesus is put on trial: "But Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome."
Symbolic and Theological SignificancePalaces in the Bible often symbolize human pride and the transient nature of earthly power. They are frequently contrasted with the eternal kingdom of God. In
Psalm 45:15, the imagery of a palace is used to describe the beauty and joy of God's presence: "They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king."
Theologically, palaces can also represent the dwelling place of God. In
Revelation 21:3, the New Jerusalem is depicted as a divine palace where God dwells with His people: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'"
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern cultures, palaces were not only royal residences but also centers of administration and governance. They were often fortified and elaborately decorated, reflecting the wealth and power of the ruler. The construction of palaces was a demonstration of a king's ability to command resources and labor, often involving skilled artisans and imported materials.
The biblical portrayal of palaces, therefore, serves as a reflection of the socio-political realities of the time, as well as a theological commentary on the nature of human authority in contrast to divine sovereignty.
Greek
933. basileion -- a palace... 932, 933. basileion. 934 . a palace. Transliteration: basileion Phonetic
Spelling: (bas-il'-i-on) Short Definition:
palaces. Word
...934. basileios -- royal
... royal. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: basileios Phonetic Spelling:
(bas-il'-i-os) Short Definition: courtiers,palaces, a body of kings, royal...
3624. oikos -- a house, a dwelling
... NASB Word Usage descendants (1), families (1), family (1), home (18), homes (2),
house (79), household (14), households (1), itself (1),palaces (1), place (1...
Strong's Hebrew
759. armon -- a citadel... Definition a citadel NASB Word Usage castle (1), citadel (2), citadels (13), fortified
buildings (1), fortified towers (1), palace (3),
palaces (9), palatial
...1964. hekal -- a palace, temple
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition a palace, temple NASB Word Usage court (1),
nave (14), palace (7),palaces (4), temple (53), temples (1). palace, temple....
Library
Fragment xxxii. Josephus Says, that when Moses had Been Brought up...
... Fragment XXXII. Josephus says, that when Moses had been brought up in
the royalpalaces? [4849] Josephus says, that when Moses...
Wherefore, if You are Assured that in the LoftyPalaces of Heaven...
... Book III. 44 Wherefore, if you are assured that in the loftypalaces of
heaven there dwells? Wherefore, if you are assured that...
That Like Moses, He was Reared in thePalaces of Kings.
... The Life of the blessed emperor constantine, by eusebius pamphilus. Book I. Chapter
XII."That like Moses, he was reared in thePalaces of Kings....
That Oeconomi Ought to be in the EpiscopalPalaces and in the...
... Canon XI. That OEconomi ought to be in the Episcopalpalaces and in the Monasteries.
That OEconomi ought to be in the Episcopalpalaces and in the Monasteries....
Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Occupy Themselves with...
... are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings," says: "Hence we gather
that an austere life and severe preaching should avoid thepalaces of kings...
The Son is of one Substance with the Father. ...
... Moreover, in the Greek, the rendering is this: "Thepalaces are fallen." Whatpalaces,
save the palace of Satan, of whom the Lord said: "How shall His kingdom...
The Cost of Being Cruel and Stubborn
... telling me at what time I shall pray to Jehovah in your behalf and in behalf of
your servants and people, that the frogs be destroyed from yourpalaces and be...
How one Even of those who are Without May be Brought to Believe...
... 3. Who knows not how the people of Israel flourished of old, raised up against all
the powers of the world; what were thepalaces in the city of Jerusalem...
Smerdis the Magian.
... with the report of it, it was probably generally supposed that his brother was still
alive, and was residing somewhere in one or another of the royalpalaces....
The Mother of Xerxes.
... A king or an emperor could have morepalaces, more money, and more wives than other
men; and if he was of an overbearing or ambitious spirit, he could march...
Thesaurus
Palaces (37 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Palaces (37 Occurrences).
... A man luxuriously dressed? Those
who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings'
palaces. (WEY NAS NIV).
...Citadels (15 Occurrences)
... Consider herpalaces, that you may tell it to the next generation.... Amos 1:7 but I
will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, and it will devour itspalaces....
Fortresses (45 Occurrences)
... land of the Chaldeans--this is the people that was not, when Asshur founded it for
shipmen--they set up their towers, they overthrew thepalaces thereof; it is...
Strongholds (44 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 34:13 And thorns shall come up in herpalaces, nettles and thistles in the
fortresses thereof; and it shall be a habitation of wild-dogs, an enclosure...
Alexandria (4 Occurrences)
... with the single exception of Rome) arose with straight, parallel streets-one at
least 200 feet wide-with fortresses, monuments,palaces, government buildings...
Castles (10 Occurrences)
... and towers. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Isaiah 13:22 Wolves will cry in their
castles, and jackals in the pleasantpalaces. Her time...
Calah (2 Occurrences)
... It also became a favorite place of residence for the later kings of Assyria,' who
builtpalaces, and restored the city's temples from time to time....
Towers (38 Occurrences)
... They overthrew itspalaces. They made it a ruin.... Jeremiah 49:27 I will kindle a fire
in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour thepalaces of Ben Hadad....
Kindle (25 Occurrences)
... to bear a burden and enter in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; then
will I kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour thepalaces of Jerusalem...
Nineveh (23 Occurrences)
... The bas-reliefs, alabaster slabs, and sculptured monuments found in these recovered
palaces serve in a remarkable manner to confirm the Old Testament history...
Resources
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