Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Built by Solomon

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The Temple built by Solomon, often referred to as Solomon's Temple or the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the first permanent structure dedicated to the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem. Its construction is detailed primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, and it served as the central place of worship for the Israelites until its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC.

Construction and Design

The construction of Solomon's Temple began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, around 966 BC, and took seven years to complete. The project was a fulfillment of King David's desire to build a house for the Lord, a task that God reserved for his son Solomon (1 Kings 5:3-5). The temple was built on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was to offer Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1).

Solomon employed a vast workforce, including 30,000 Israelites, 70,000 burden bearers, 80,000 stonecutters, and 3,300 supervisors (1 Kings 5:13-16). The materials used were of the highest quality, including cedar from Lebanon, quarried stone, and gold overlay (1 Kings 6:14-22).

The temple's design was intricate and symbolic. It measured approximately 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The structure included the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), separated by a veil. The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people (1 Kings 6:19-20).

Significance and Function

Solomon's Temple was not only a religious center but also a symbol of Israel's national identity and God's covenant with His people. It was the location for major religious festivals, sacrifices, and offerings. The temple's dedication is recorded in 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5-7, where Solomon offered a prayer of dedication, emphasizing the temple as a place of prayer and repentance (1 Kings 8:22-53).

The temple also served as a place where the Israelites could seek God's presence and forgiveness. Solomon's prayer highlighted the temple's role in intercession, asking God to hear the prayers of His people and foreigners who would come to the temple (1 Kings 8:41-43).

Destruction and Legacy

The temple stood for approximately 400 years before its destruction by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC, as a result of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 25:8-9). The destruction marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, leading to the Babylonian exile.

Despite its destruction, Solomon's Temple left a lasting legacy. It set a precedent for the Second Temple, built upon the return of the exiles, and it remains a focal point in Jewish history and eschatology. The temple's design and function continue to influence Christian theology, symbolizing God's desire to dwell among His people and foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who referred to His body as the true temple (John 2:19-21).

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 7:47
But Solomon built him an house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Further Spiritualizing of Solomon's Temple-Building.
... It is worth while to enquire how, on the one hand, Solomon the king is said to have
built the temple, and on the other the master-builder whom Solomon sent and ...
/.../25 further spiritualizing of solomons.htm

Solomon's Reign.
... Besides the temple, palace and other great buildings at the capitol, Solomon undertook
various other great building enterprises. He built many great cities not ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ...
... The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious Difficulties and
is to Be ... holy house, too, was got ready in peace and was to be built for God ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the account of the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... And as Solomon built this temple, so Christ doth build his house; yea, he shall
build the everlasting temple, 'and he shall bear the glory' (Zechariah 6:12,13 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... The great work of Solomon's reign was the building of the House of God. It was
generally called the Temple. It was built on Mount Moriah, one of the hills of ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... that it is a house of God, built of living ... Church the truth of each statement made
about the temple. ... Christ will be Solomon, which means "Peaceful," [5121] and ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

Building a Great Temple
... Against the wall of the temple on the outside Solomon built wings, both around the
larger room and the inner room, and made side-chambers around the temple. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/building a great temple.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... Solomon To King Hiram. "[5]Know thou that my father would have built a temple to
God, but was hindered by wars, and continual expeditions; for he did not leave ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... Solomon's work was, after all, outward work, and fitter for that early age ... and a
stone or two to lay in the great Temple which is being built up through the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

The Fall of Solomon
... Solomon was wise, but Christ is 'Wisdom.' Solomon built a Temple, but also altars
to false gods overtopping it across the valley; and his Temple was burned ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm