1 Kings 6:14
So Solomon built the temple and finished it.
So Solomon
The phrase "So Solomon" indicates a continuation of a narrative, emphasizing Solomon's role as the central figure in the construction of the temple. Solomon, the son of David, was chosen by God to build the temple, fulfilling the promise made to David. His name, derived from the Hebrew "Shlomo," is related to "shalom," meaning peace. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him to undertake such a monumental task. His wisdom, granted by God, was instrumental in organizing and executing the construction of the temple, a project that required immense resources and labor.

built the temple
The act of building the temple was not merely a construction project but a fulfillment of divine prophecy and a central event in Israel's history. The Hebrew word for "built" is "banah," which implies not just physical construction but also establishing something of lasting significance. The temple, known as the First Temple or Solomon's Temple, was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. It was a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and a place where the Israelites could come to worship and offer sacrifices. The temple's construction was a monumental task, involving skilled laborers, artisans, and vast resources, including cedar from Lebanon and gold from Ophir.

and finished it
The completion of the temple signifies the fulfillment of God's promise and Solomon's dedication to the task. The Hebrew word for "finished" is "kalah," which can also mean to complete or accomplish. This completion was not just a physical achievement but a spiritual milestone for the nation of Israel. The temple's completion marked the culmination of years of planning and labor, and it became the center of Israelite worship for centuries. It was a place where God's glory dwelled, and it played a crucial role in the religious life of the Israelites. The completion of the temple also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ, who referred to His body as the temple, signifying the new covenant and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he was chosen by God to build the temple in Jerusalem, a task his father David was not permitted to complete.

2. The Temple
Also known as Solomon's Temple, this was the first temple built for the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites and symbolized God's presence among His people.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, chosen by God as the place where His name would dwell. It became the spiritual and political center of the nation under King David and Solomon.

4. The Building Process
The construction of the temple was a significant event in Israel's history, taking seven years to complete. It involved detailed planning, skilled labor, and vast resources, reflecting the importance of the temple in Israelite worship.

5. Completion of the Temple
The completion of the temple marked a fulfillment of God's promise to David and a pivotal moment in Israel's history, establishing a permanent place for worship and the Ark of the Covenant.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Calling
Solomon's dedication to building the temple demonstrates the importance of obedience to God's specific callings in our lives. We are encouraged to pursue our God-given tasks with diligence and faithfulness.

The Significance of Worship
The temple was central to Israel's worship, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing worship in our own lives. Worship is not just a ritual but a vital expression of our relationship with God.

God's Faithfulness
The completion of the temple is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will accomplish His purposes in our lives, even when the process is long and challenging.

Preparation and Planning
The detailed planning and resources required for the temple's construction teach us the value of preparation and stewardship in our endeavors for God's kingdom.

The Presence of God
The temple symbolized God's presence among His people. Today, as believers, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that reflects His presence in us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's obedience in building the temple inspire you to pursue God's calling in your own life?

2. In what ways can you prioritize worship in your daily routine, reflecting the centrality of the temple in Israelite worship?

3. How does the completion of the temple encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in your life?

4. What steps can you take to better prepare and plan for the tasks God has given you, following Solomon's example?

5. How does understanding that you are a temple of the Holy Spirit impact the way you live and interact with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 7
God's covenant with David, where He promises that David's son would build a house for His name, directly connects to Solomon's task of building the temple.

1 Chronicles 28-29
David's preparation for the temple, including gathering materials and instructing Solomon, highlights the continuity of God's plan through David's lineage.

2 Chronicles 3-4
Provides a parallel account of the temple's construction, offering additional details about its design and significance.

Exodus 25-31
The instructions for the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple, show the continuity of God's dwelling place among His people.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the earthly sanctuary and its fulfillment in Christ, drawing a connection between the temple and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
CharacterW. M. Johnston, M. A.1 Kings 6:1-14
Church Architecture1 Kings 6:1-14
Church Building1 Kings 6:1-14
Solomon's Temple Viewed as a Type of the Glorified ChurchJ. H. Hill.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Heavenly TempleJ. S. Bird, B. A.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Law of BeautyN. D. Hillis, D. D.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Soul's TempleN. D. Hillis, D. D.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Temple BuiltMonday Club Sermons1 Kings 6:1-14
The Temple BuiltS. S. Times1 Kings 6:1-14
The Temple BuiltH. A. Nelson, D. D.1 Kings 6:1-14
People
David, Israelites, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem, Most Holy Place
Topics
Buildeth, Building, Built, Complete, Completed, Completeth, Finished, Solomon, Temple
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 6:14

     5119   Solomon, life of
     5478   property, houses

1 Kings 6:1-37

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Kings 6:14-15

     5211   art

1 Kings 6:14-18

     4366   stones

1 Kings 6:14-35

     5399   luxury

1 Kings 6:14-36

     5531   skill

Library
Great Preparations for a Great Work
'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The First Part
Of the Apocalyptical Commentaries, according to the Rule of the Apocalyptical Key, on the First Prophecy which is contained in the Seals and Trumpets; with an Introduction concerning the Scene of the Apocalypse. As it is my design to investigate the meaning of the Apocalyptical visions, it is requisite for me to treat, in the first place, of that celestial theatre to which John was called, in order to behold them, exhibited as on a stage, and afterwards of the prophecies in succession, examined by
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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