Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Holy Temple

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Introduction

Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the first permanent structure built for the worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. Commissioned by King Solomon, the son of King David, this temple served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant. Its construction and dedication are detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Construction and Design

The construction of Solomon's Temple began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, around 966 BCE, and took seven years to complete. The temple was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site chosen by David, Solomon's father, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 3:1: "Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David, at the site that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite."

The temple's design was grand and intricate, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. It was approximately 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The interior was lined with cedar and overlaid with pure gold, and the floors were made of cypress wood. The Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, housed the Ark of the Covenant and was separated from the Holy Place by a veil.

Significance and Function

Solomon's Temple was the focal point of Israelite worship and the center of religious life. It was the place where sacrifices were offered, festivals were celebrated, and the priesthood conducted their duties. The temple symbolized God's presence among His people and served as a reminder of the covenant between God and Israel.

The dedication of the temple is a pivotal moment in biblical history. Solomon's prayer of dedication, found in 1 Kings 8:22-53, emphasizes the temple as a place of prayer and supplication: "May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that You will hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place" (1 Kings 8:29).

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its grandeur and significance, Solomon's Temple was not immune to the consequences of Israel's disobedience. In 586 BCE, the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and carried the people into exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. This event marked a profound moment of loss and reflection for the Israelites.

The legacy of Solomon's Temple endures in its theological and historical significance. It set a precedent for the Second Temple, which was later built upon the return of the exiles. The temple's design and function continue to influence Jewish and Christian thought, symbolizing God's desire to dwell among His people and the importance of worship and obedience.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 79:1
O God, the heathen are come into your inheritance; your holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... is very homely, and without all beauty, save that of the holy life; this ... We come
next to the porch of the temple that is commonly called Solomon's.1. This ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... the building of the temple, and gives his own sons to the sons of Solomon, to hew,
in company with them, the great and precious stones for the holy place, which ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... This was a holy place, and he hoped that there Solomon might have mercy on him.
And Solomon said: ... [Illustration: Supposed form of Solomon's temple]. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

Altar and Temple
... people groping amid the ruins on the Temple hill, to ... destruction, and of the glories
of Solomon's dedication, and ... the countries.' The state of the Holy Land at ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.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 ... The holy house, too, was got ready in peace and was to be built for ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the account of the.htm

The Founder and Finisher of the Temple
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... attempted, with small resources, to build up some
humble house that might represent the vanished glories of Solomon's Temple. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the founder and finisher of.htm

Building a Great Temple
... it as an inner room, even as the most holy place ... And there was cedar inside the temple
with carving in the ... Solomon prepared the inner room as a place for the ark ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/building a great temple.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... the relation of the two things, God's building and
Solomon's, is not ... was an essential preliminary to the rearing of the Temple. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... from many foreign nations, assembled in the temple courts. ... Solomon, with the elders
of Israel and the most ... of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... Here, turning round and facing westwards to the Holy Place, they repeated: Our ... from
the circumstance that it was the only relic left of Solomon's Temple. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm