Jews, Gentiles, and the House of God

Gentiles contributed materials to every sanctuary in the Bible. But the character of their contributions changes. Tracing the changes displays the trajectory of redemptive history.

Pharaoh contributes to the tabernacle unwillingly. Pummeled by plagues, he lets Israel go, and as they go they “plunder Egypt.” Call Pharaoh an “involuntary supplier.”

Solomon allies with Hiram of Tyre, who provides cedar and cypress, as well as skilled woodcutters and carvers, to build the temple. It’s Solomon’s project, but the Gentiles contribute materials and skill. Hiram’s stature in the project is higher than Pharaoh’s. Call Hiram a “subordinate ally.”

After the exile, Cyrus the Persian initiates the rebuilding of the temple, provides materials and furnishings, protects the Jewish builders from the people of the land. The second temple is as much a Persian as a Jewish project. Call Cyrus the first “Gentile general contractor.”

After the cross, Jews and Gentiles contribute to the building of God’s house, the church, under the oversight of the new Solomon, Jesus. But now their contributions are not really distinct. Jews and Gentiles always contributed to the building of God’s Houses of prayer for all nations.” But now they are knit together into one new man, the company of Jentiles or Gews, all anointed with the Spirit of craftsmanship.