The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the first permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the center of worship for the Israelites. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the temple was renowned for its grandeur and intricate craftsmanship, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

Cedar of Lebanon

The use of cedar wood in the construction of the First Temple is a testament to its importance and the desire for durability and beauty. Cedar of Lebanon was highly prized in the ancient Near East for its quality, fragrance, and resistance to decay and insects. The Bible records that Solomon made arrangements with Hiram, the king of Tyre, to supply cedar logs for the temple's construction. In 1 Kings 5:6 , Solomon states, "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that we have no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."

The use of cedar wood was not only practical but also symbolic, representing strength, longevity, and the divine presence. The temple's construction with such materials underscored the sacredness and permanence of the covenant between God and His people.

Carved With Flowers

The intricate carvings within the First Temple further exemplified the artistry and devotion involved in its construction. The interior of the temple was adorned with carvings of flowers, a detail that highlighted the beauty and creativity bestowed by God upon His creation. In 1 Kings 6:18 , it is described, "The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was visible."

These floral carvings were not merely decorative but carried deep theological significance. They symbolized the Garden of Eden, a place of perfect communion with God, and served as a reminder of the beauty and order of God's creation. The presence of such carvings in the temple was a visual representation of the divine order and the hope of restoration to a state of harmony with God.

The use of cedar and the detailed carvings within the First Temple reflect the Israelites' reverence for God and their commitment to creating a dwelling place worthy of His presence. The temple stood as a testament to the covenantal relationship between God and His people, a place where heaven and earth met, and where the divine and human could commune.1 Kings 6:18
And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... worldly care, as did the apostles, the first planters of ... steps, which were the ascent
to the temple, were so ... 2. These steps, whether cedar, gold, or stone, yet ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The First Theban Empire
... slaves, certain perfumes, cedar wood and cedar essences, enamelled ... splendid blocks
of stone for a temple which the ... that of Khnumhotpu, who in the first year of ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... They had to supply the cedar wood, iron, copper ... important ornaments in the magnificent
temple, the erection ... sanctuary" (Psalm 96:6); strength first, then beauty ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... forests of oak, pine, larch, cypress, spruce, and cedar. ... religious and military,
the priest at first taking precedence of ... to go in state to the temple of Bel ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... [Illustration: The Sacred Grove and the Temple of Ceres ... Let us first consult the
diary of Antonio di Vaseli ... thick, composed of myrrh, balm, and oil of cedar. ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... of the cross was cypress, the brown arm cedar, and the ... One of Rhoda's two sons was
the first husband of Maroni ... the other two-thirds going to the Temple and the ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... from his sin was ransomed; Where Solomon the temple did erect ... But such as must not
with these first compare; They ... Here are the cedar, shrub, and bruised reed; Yea ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Striking Similes
... Fresh as the first beam glittering on a sail. ... He was so weak now, like a shrunk cedar
white with the hoar ... like those by sculptor graved for niches in a temple. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... for building or for ornamental work"pine,cypress, yew, cedar, and oak ... which he lavished
on this occasion on the temple of Anion. ... It was at first thought that ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... Some were carved out of alabaster, granite, diorite, fine limestone ... mouth" opened
in front of the temple of Osiris ... over it during one of the first nights of the ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

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