Topical Encyclopedia
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 a temple for the Lord was first conceived by King David, a man after God's own heart (
1 Samuel 13:14). However, despite his deep devotion and earnest intentions, David was not permitted to construct the temple due to his history as a warrior.
David's Desire to Build the TempleDavid's aspiration to build a house for the Lord is recorded in
2 Samuel 7. After establishing his kingdom and finding rest from his enemies, David expressed his desire to Nathan the prophet, saying, "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 providing a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's presence among His people.
God's Response through NathanGod's response to David's desire was conveyed through Nathan. The Lord acknowledged David's heart but revealed that he was not the chosen one to build the temple. Instead, God promised to establish David's house and kingdom forever, a covenant that would ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David (
2 Samuel 7:12-16).
Reason for David's DisqualificationThe primary reason David was not permitted to build the temple is found in
1 Chronicles 22:8, where David recounts God's words: "You have shed much blood and fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight" . David's life as a warrior, though necessary for the establishment and security of Israel, was not fitting for the construction of a holy sanctuary dedicated to peace and worship.
Preparation for the TempleDespite being disqualified from building the temple, David played a crucial role in its preparation. He gathered materials, made plans, and organized the Levites and priests for the temple service (
1 Chronicles 22:2-5, 28:11-19). David's preparations were extensive, demonstrating his dedication to ensuring that his son Solomon would have everything needed to complete the task.
Solomon, the Chosen BuilderGod chose Solomon, David's son, to build the temple. Solomon's reign was characterized by peace and prosperity, making him the ideal candidate to construct a house for the Lord. In
1 Chronicles 22:9-10, God tells David, "But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. He is the one who will build a house for my Name" .
David's LegacyThough David was not allowed to build the temple, his legacy and contributions were foundational. His heart for God and his preparations set the stage for Solomon's successful completion of the temple. David's account serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience and preparation in fulfilling God's purposes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Samuel 7:5-9Go and tell my servant David, Thus said the LORD, Shall you build me an house for me to dwell in?
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Kings 5:3
You know how that David my father could not build an house to the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Chronicles 22:8
But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, You have shed blood abundantly, and have made great wars: you shall not build an house to my name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Promise in 2 Samuel, Chap. vii.
... the Saviour also says that (in the first instance) He ... the nature and aim of the Church,
the Temple"the symbol ... the Church"must not be built by David the man ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the promise in 2 samuel.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
Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... David had laid up money and material for the ... important ornaments in the magnificent
temple, the erection of ... sanctuary" (Psalm 96:6); strength first, then beauty ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm
Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... Christ the Lord, was born in the city of David. ... he raged most cruelly, even at the
first hearing of ... placed upon the pinnacle of the same temple, from whence it ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm
Acts vii. 35
... David had gotten Saul into his power, and was ... of speaking against "the customs,"--
sacrifices, temple, feasts, etc ... that God did not from the first require these ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvii acts vii 35.htm
The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... entered into Jerusalem, where was the great Temple of the ... Now hear how it was said
through David the prophet ... been taught that Christ is the First-begotten of God ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm
His Own Funeral Sermon
... When he said, the first time, "Feed my sheep," he may have ... serve our Lord day and
night in his temple for ever. ... tarry, you will fall on sleep, even as David did ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/his own funeral sermon.htm
Matt. xxiv. 1, 2
... city and the temple placed within the temple, wherefore Christ ... in that case, he must
overthrow first, and then ... from what we have said before concerning David. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxv matt xxiv 1.htm
With the Rev. William Burns
... We preached twice"once in the temple of the God of ... by Satan, not knowing the Son
of David, went so ... native assistants, and read to them the ninety-first Psalm ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xi with the rev.htm
How after the Death of Cambyses and the Slaughter of the Magi but ...
... 4. As soon as the first had given the forementioned ... to those that guarded the city
and the temple, as also ... son of Salathiel, of the posterity of David, and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how after the.htm
Resources
Was it God's desire for Israel to worship Him in a temple in Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning and significance of the Temple Mount? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Ezekiel's temple? | GotQuestions.orgTemple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
