Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Doors of

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The doors of Solomon's Temple hold significant importance in the architectural and spiritual design of the First Temple, constructed under the reign of King Solomon. These doors were not merely functional elements but were imbued with symbolic meaning and artistic craftsmanship, reflecting the grandeur and sanctity of the temple as a dwelling place for the presence of God.

Construction and Design

The doors of Solomon's Temple were crafted with meticulous attention to detail, as described in the biblical account. According to 1 Kings 6:31-35, the entrance to the inner sanctuary, known as the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies, featured doors made of olive wood. These doors were a critical component of the temple's design, signifying the transition from the Holy Place to the innermost sanctum where the Ark of the Covenant was housed.

The doors were adorned with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, all overlaid with gold. This intricate design not only demonstrated the artistic skill of the craftsmen but also symbolized the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling. The use of gold overlay signified purity and divine glory, emphasizing the sacredness of the space beyond the doors.

Symbolism and Function

The doors served both a practical and symbolic function. Practically, they provided access to the inner sanctuary, controlling entry to the most sacred area of the temple. Symbolically, the doors represented a barrier between the divine presence and the people, highlighting the holiness of God and the need for reverence and purity when approaching Him.

The cherubim carved on the doors are particularly significant. In biblical symbolism, cherubim are often associated with the presence of God and serve as guardians of sacred spaces. Their depiction on the doors underscores the sanctity of the Holy of Holies and the divine protection over the temple.

Biblical References

The construction and design of the temple doors are detailed in the biblical narrative, providing insight into their significance. In 1 Kings 6:31-35 , the text describes the materials and craftsmanship involved:

"For the entrance of the inner sanctuary, Solomon constructed doors of olive wood with five-sided doorposts. The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved on them figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, hammered evenly over the carvings."

This passage highlights the artistry and spiritual symbolism embedded in the temple's design, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

Historical and Theological Context

The doors of Solomon's Temple must be understood within the broader context of Israelite worship and theology. The temple itself was the central place of worship for the Israelites, representing God's covenantal relationship with His people. The doors, therefore, were not just architectural features but were integral to the temple's role as a place of divine encounter.

In the conservative Christian tradition, the temple and its elements, including the doors, are often seen as foreshadowing the coming of Christ, who is viewed as the ultimate fulfillment of the temple's purpose. The doors, as a point of access to the divine presence, can be seen as a precursor to Christ, who declared Himself to be "the door" (John 10:9), offering access to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

In summary, the doors of Solomon's Temple were a vital part of the temple's structure, rich in symbolism and artistry, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God. They served as a reminder of the sacredness of the space they guarded and the divine presence that dwelled within.

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2 Chronicles 29:7
Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel.
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Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... shuts up bowels, yea, and the church-doors too, against ... steps, which were the ascent
to the temple, were so ... of Sheba, who came to prove Solomon's wisdom, saw ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Acts III
... temple, so called because of its magnificent folding doors, fifty feet ... colonnades
which faced the inner side of the temple wall, called Solomon's Portico. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iii.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... obedient; and after the dedication of the temple, when once ... Solomon's later writings
reveal that as he realized more ... And the doors shall be shut in the streets ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

Hezekiah
... in the dark years when the temple doors remained closed ... at the dedication of the
temple whose services ... and his associates were now restoring, Solomon had prayed ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... portent of the opening of the Temple-doors by an ... Passing along the eastern colonnade,
or Solomon's Porch, we ... Here the standard measures of the Temple are said ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

'Then Shall the Lame Man Leap as an Hart'
... similar sights may be seen to-day at the doors of many a ... Solomon's porch was, like
the Beautiful gate, on the east side of the Temple enclosure, and may ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/then shall the lame man.htm

The Good Shepherd: a Farewell Sermon
... him walking and looking at the temple, and foreseeing ... when they saw him walking in
Solomon's porch; now ... or fourteen constables to keep the doors, that people ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the good shepherd a farewell.htm

David's Charge to Solomon
... office, and, among the latter, that of building the Temple. ... that these words were
written over the doors of all ... But Solomon was present as well as the notables ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/davids charge to solomon.htm

One Worker Preparing for Another
... What an opening of doors of hope there was for poor ... 5. And David said, Solomon my
son is young and tender ... man to collect the materials for the temple as well as ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm

Acts V
... It was the apostles alone who were in Solomon's Portico, as ... angel of the Lord opened
the prison doors in the ... and said, (20) Go stand in the temple, and speak ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts v.htm