Topical Bible: the First Temple: Appointed As a House of Prayer

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The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the first permanent structure built for the worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the son of King David, the Temple was located in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, a site of profound religious importance. The Temple served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Construction and Dedication

The construction of the First Temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. Solomon began building the Temple in the fourth year of his reign, around 966 BCE, and it took seven years to complete. The Temple was a magnificent structure, reflecting the wealth and glory of Solomon's kingdom. It was built with cedar wood from Lebanon, overlaid with gold, and adorned with intricate carvings and precious stones.

Upon completion, Solomon dedicated the Temple with a grand ceremony, as recorded in 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5-7. During the dedication, Solomon offered a prayer, acknowledging the Temple as a house of prayer for all people. In 1 Kings 8:29-30 , Solomon petitions God, saying, "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. Hear the plea of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. May You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place. May You hear and forgive."

A House of Prayer for All Nations

The concept of the Temple as a house of prayer is further emphasized by the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 56:7 , God declares, "I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations." This prophetic vision underscores the Temple's role as a place where not only Israelites but also Gentiles could seek the Lord and offer worship.

The Temple's Role in Israelite Worship

The First Temple was central to the religious life of Israel. It was the site of daily sacrifices, annual feasts, and special ceremonies. The Levitical priests conducted the rituals, and the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). The Temple was a place where the Israelites could come to offer prayers, seek forgiveness, and experience the presence of God.

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its grandeur and significance, the First Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, as a result of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. The destruction of the Temple marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to the Babylonian exile. However, the memory and hope of the Temple endured, influencing Jewish worship and eschatological expectations.

The First Temple's designation as a house of prayer continues to resonate in Christian theology, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people. The New Testament reflects this theme, with Jesus cleansing the Second Temple and affirming its purpose as a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13). The First Temple remains a profound symbol of God's desire for communion with humanity and the centrality of prayer in the life of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 56:7
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 21:13
And said to them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but you have made it a den of thieves.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... the trimming of Joazar, and distrustful of him, had appointed in his ... notably this:
whether on the occasion of this His first visit to the Temple, the Virgin ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple
... Who are the persons addressed in the first portion ... Him and doing the work which He
appointed us; and ... confound watching in the courts of the Temple with lifting ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the charge of the watchers.htm

Christians, Temples of the Living God
... above: if we love God, it is because God first loved us ... to scourge the buyers and
sellers out of the temple of our ... we may know the rod and who hath appointed it ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/christians temples of the living.htm

A New Kind of King
... returning, is deeper; for whereas, in the first instance, it ... courage in continuous
teaching in the Temple, the growing ... and boldly He goes on the appointed way. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/a new kind of king.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... of the seventy years since the first company of ... and he determined to fulfill his
divinely appointed mission ... the Hebrews and for the rebuilding of their temple. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... Saul used to go up to the temple twice a day, at the hour of prayer. ... First, allow
me to address the children of God. ... "Prayer was appointed to convey. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

God's Sovereignty and Prayer
... First and foremost, prayer has been appointed that the Lord ... to notice in this connection
that the Temple wasn't ... In the second place, prayer is appointed by God ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter nine gods sovereignty and.htm

Prayer --The Forerunner of Mercy
... At an appointed season a sound was heard of abundance of ... with God, that he would
suddenly come to his temple. ... should expect of us, that we should first ask at ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/prayerthe forerunner of mercy.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... The good David, now appointed Chief Elder, persuaded all to study ... For the first time
in his busy life he read ... the coping stone was set on the temple {Aug.13th ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

The Chosen People
... the willows, and mourned for the holy temple that was ... of the system that God had
appointed; and many a ... point to the humiliation of Christ's first advent, and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 2 the chosen people.htm