The Temple in Jerusalem, often referred to as Solomon's Temple or the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites. Its construction, dimensions, and structure are detailed primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, with additional insights from Ezekiel's vision of a future temple.

Solomon's Temple

The construction of the First Temple began during the reign of King Solomon, around the 10th century BC. According to 1 Kings 6, the Temple was built on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was to offer Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1). The dimensions and structure of the Temple were divinely inspired, reflecting the sacred nature of this edifice.

Dimensions

The Temple's dimensions are described in 1 Kings 6:2: "The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high." A cubit is generally considered to be about 18 inches (45 centimeters), making the Temple approximately 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high.

Structure

The Temple was divided into several key areas:

1. The Porch (Ulam): The entrance porch was 20 cubits wide and 10 cubits deep (1 Kings 6:3). It served as the entryway to the Temple proper.

2. The Holy Place (Hekal): This main hall was 40 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. It housed the golden altar of incense, the table for the showbread, and the golden lampstands (1 Kings 6:17, 7:48-49).

3. The Most Holy Place (Debir or Holy of Holies): This inner sanctuary was a perfect cube, 20 cubits by 20 cubits by 20 cubits, and housed the Ark of the Covenant (1 Kings 6:19-20). It was separated from the Holy Place by a veil and was the most sacred area, where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.

4. Side Chambers: Surrounding the Temple were three accounts of side chambers, used for storage and other purposes (1 Kings 6:5-6).

Materials and Decoration

The Temple was constructed using the finest materials, including cedar from Lebanon, gold, and precious stones. The interior was overlaid with gold, and the walls were adorned with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers (1 Kings 6:18, 21-22, 29). The floor was made of cypress wood, also overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:15, 30).

The Courtyard

The Temple complex included an inner courtyard, where the bronze altar for burnt offerings and the bronze Sea (a large basin for ceremonial washing) were located (1 Kings 7:23-26, 2 Chronicles 4:1). Surrounding the inner court was a larger outer court, accessible to the people of Israel.

Ezekiel's Vision

In Ezekiel 40-48, the prophet Ezekiel describes a visionary temple with detailed measurements and features. While some interpret this as a literal future temple, others see it as symbolic of God's presence among His people. The dimensions and structure in Ezekiel's vision differ from Solomon's Temple, emphasizing a renewed and perfect worship space.

Significance

The Temple served as the focal point of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people. It was the center of religious life, where sacrifices were offered, and festivals celebrated. The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC marked a significant turning point in Jewish history, leading to the Babylonian exile and subsequent longing for restoration.