The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites. The desire to build this temple originated with King David, a man after God's own heart, who was deeply committed to establishing a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the worship of Yahweh.

David's Desire to Build the Temple

David's longing to build a temple for the Lord is first recorded in 2 Samuel 7. After securing peace and establishing his kingdom, David expressed his desire to the prophet Nathan: "Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent" (2 Samuel 7:2). David's intention was to honor God by constructing a magnificent temple, reflecting his deep devotion and gratitude for God's faithfulness.

God's Response through Nathan

Despite David's noble intentions, God had different plans. That night, the word of the Lord came to Nathan, instructing him to relay a message to David: "Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in?" (2 Samuel 7:5). God reminded David of His presence with the Israelites throughout their journey, dwelling in a tent and a tabernacle, and emphasized that He had not asked for a house of cedar (2 Samuel 7:6-7).

The Davidic Covenant

Instead of allowing David to build the temple, God established the Davidic Covenant, promising David that his offspring would build the temple and that his kingdom would endure forever. "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever" (2 Samuel 7:12-13). This covenant not only assured the construction of the temple by David's son, Solomon, but also foreshadowed the eternal reign of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the line of David.

David's Preparations for the Temple

Although David was not permitted to build the temple himself, he played a crucial role in its preparation. Understanding the significance of the temple, David dedicated himself to gathering materials and resources for its construction. In 1 Chronicles 22, David said, "My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I will make preparations for it" (1 Chronicles 22:5). David amassed vast quantities of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone, ensuring that Solomon would have everything needed to build a temple worthy of God's name.

David's Charge to Solomon

Before his death, David charged Solomon with the task of building the temple, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands. In 1 Chronicles 28, David instructed Solomon, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished" (1 Chronicles 28:20). David's charge underscored the spiritual significance of the temple and the necessity of faithfulness to God in its construction and use.

Legacy of David's Vision

David's vision and preparations laid the foundation for the First Temple, which became the center of Israelite worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. Though David did not see the temple completed, his dedication and faithfulness ensured that his son Solomon could fulfill this divine mandate, establishing a legacy that would endure throughout Israel's history and into the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant.2 Samuel 7:2
That the king said to Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 22:7
And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house to the name of the LORD my God:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 29:3
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of my own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 132:2-5
How he swore to the LORD, and vowed to the mighty God of Jacob;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Best of All, God is with Us
... man, and enquire, "What shall I do?" Why, do the first thing that ... the angel sheath
his sword, there is to be a temple commenced, and David is busy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... He was a great conqueror, and was the first to win ... offered to build and adorn the
Temple, Solomon's great ... was the threshing-floor bought by David from Araunah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat.
... Blessed Apostle thus said:"Ye are the temple of God ... For first he builds his building
on the Stone ... For in ancient times David said concerning Him:"The stone ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/the demonstrations of aphrahat.htm

Tuesday --The Day of Controversy.
... If David then calleth him Lord, how is he his son ... on the mount of Olives over against
the temple, Peter and ... And the gospel must first be preached unto all the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/tuesdaythe day of controversy.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... thus left us from the Exodus to Solomon's Temple. ... when God created, &c.), so that
the first direct utterance ... heavenly wisdom, for the honour of David's old age ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... into Jerusalem, where was the great Temple of the ... was taken under Quirinius, who
was your first procurator in ... lots for my clothing." [740] Now David, the king ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... creed Ulfilas, bishop of the Goths, then first gave his ... Lord, had been quiet while
the temple was being ... there he was accustomed to build, immediately, either ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

Thursday Night - Before Annas and Caiaphas - Peter and Jesus.
... His claims to Messiahship and the inheritance of David. ... The first Purgation of the
Temple is not related ... purgation confirms that of the Temple-purgation which ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii thursday night -.htm

Jesus Discussed in Jerusalem.
... David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was ... and carrying it in procession
to the Temple, where it ... 1. The first characteristic of the popular mind, as ...
/.../xvi jesus discussed in jerusalem.htm

The Greatest Trial on Record
... A second time he was made like unto David, who passed over ... Now here was, first,
misquotation ... lived, perhaps the tower of Antonia, close to the temple itself; we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the greatest trial on record.htm

What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org

What was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.org

What was Solomon's temple / the first temple? How many temples were there? | GotQuestions.org

Temple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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