1 Kings 5:17

And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.

Study Bible

And the king commanded them
This phrase refers to King Solomon, who was the son of King David and the third king of Israel. Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the First Temple in Jerusalem. His command reflects his authority and the fulfillment of his father David's desire to build a house for the Lord. This act of commanding also demonstrates the centralized power of the monarchy in Israel at the time.

to quarry large, costly stones
The use of large, costly stones indicates the importance and grandeur of the temple. These stones were likely limestone or similar materials found in the region, known for their durability and beauty. The quarrying process would have required skilled labor and significant resources, reflecting the wealth and dedication of Solomon's reign. The choice of costly stones signifies the value placed on the temple as a dwelling place for God, paralleling the precious materials used in the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27).

to lay the foundation of the temple
Laying the foundation is a critical step in construction, symbolizing stability and permanence. The temple's foundation represents the establishment of a central place of worship for Israel, fulfilling God's promise to David that his son would build a house for His name (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The foundation also foreshadows the spiritual foundation laid by Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the cornerstone in the New Testament (Ephesians 2:20).

with dressed stones
Dressed stones are stones that have been cut and shaped to fit precisely together, indicating a high level of craftsmanship. This detail highlights the care and precision involved in constructing the temple, ensuring its beauty and structural integrity. The use of dressed stones can be seen as a metaphor for the believers being shaped and fitted together in the body of Christ, as described in 1 Peter 2:5, where believers are called "living stones" being built into a spiritual house.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Solomon
The son of King David, Solomon is the ruler of Israel at this time and is known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem.

2. Temple of the Lord
The temple is a significant place of worship for the Israelites, representing God's presence among His people. Solomon's temple is a fulfillment of God's promise to David.

3. Quarry Workers
These are the laborers tasked with extracting and preparing the stones for the temple's foundation, highlighting the collaborative effort in building the temple.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is being constructed, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel.

5. Dressed Stones
These are carefully cut and prepared stones, indicating the care and precision involved in building a house for the Lord.

Teaching Points

The Importance of a Strong Foundation
Just as the temple required a solid foundation, our faith must be built on the firm foundation of God's Word and truth.

Collaboration in God's Work
The building of the temple involved many people working together, reminding us of the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ.

Excellence in Service to God
The use of costly and dressed stones reflects the excellence and dedication we should bring to our service and worship of God.

Preparation and Planning
Solomon's careful planning and preparation for the temple teach us the value of preparing our hearts and lives for God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a strong foundation in 1 Kings 5:17 relate to Jesus' teaching about building on the rock in Matthew 7:24-27?

2. In what ways can we contribute to building up the "spiritual temple" of the church today, as described in Ephesians 2:20-22?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our service to God is marked by excellence and dedication?

4. How does the collaboration seen in the building of Solomon's temple inspire us to work together in our local church communities?

5. Reflect on a time when careful preparation and planning helped you in your spiritual journey. How can you apply this principle to your current walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 22:2
This passage describes David's preparation for the temple, showing the continuity of God's plan from David to Solomon.

Ephesians 2:20-22
Paul speaks of believers being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, drawing a parallel to the temple's foundation.

Matthew 16:18
Jesus speaks of building His church, which can be seen as a spiritual temple, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation.