Topical Encyclopedia
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. The determination to build this temple was a pivotal moment in the reign of King Solomon, the son of King David, and is a testament to his commitment to fulfilling his father's vision and honoring the covenant with God.
Background and Divine MandateThe desire to build a temple for the Lord was initially conceived by King David, Solomon's father. However, due to David's history as a warrior and the bloodshed associated with his reign, God did not permit him to construct the temple. Instead, God promised David that his son Solomon would build the temple. This divine mandate is recorded in
1 Chronicles 22:9-10 : "But a son will be born to you; he will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side, for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant peace and quiet to Israel in his days. He is the one who will build a house for My Name."
Solomon's Determination and PreparationSolomon's determination to build the temple is evident from the outset of his reign. He recognized the importance of this task not only as a fulfillment of his father's wishes but also as a crucial step in solidifying Israel's religious and national identity. Solomon's commitment is highlighted in
1 Kings 5:5 : "So behold, I intend to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will put on the throne in your place, will build the house for My Name.’"
To prepare for this monumental task, Solomon undertook extensive planning and resource gathering. He formed alliances with neighboring nations, most notably with King Hiram of Tyre, who provided cedar and cypress timber, as well as skilled laborers. Solomon's wisdom in administration and diplomacy ensured that the necessary materials and expertise were available for the construction.
Construction and DedicationThe construction of the temple began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and took seven years to complete. The temple was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance. The structure was designed with intricate detail, featuring the Holy of Holies, the inner sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, symbolizing God's presence among His people.
Upon completion, Solomon dedicated the temple with a grand ceremony, offering sacrifices and prayers to the Lord. In his prayer of dedication, recorded in
1 Kings 8:22-53, Solomon acknowledged God's faithfulness and sought His continued presence and blessing upon Israel. The dedication was marked by the glory of the Lord filling the temple, as described in
1 Kings 8:10-11 : "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD."
Significance and LegacyThe First Temple served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's covenant with His people. It was a place where sacrifices were offered, festivals were celebrated, and the law was taught. Solomon's determination to build the temple established a legacy of devotion and obedience to God, setting a standard for future generations.
The temple stood for nearly four centuries before its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Despite its eventual destruction, the First Temple remains a powerful symbol of faith and a testament to Solomon's dedication to honoring God through the fulfillment of His divine mandate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Chronicles 2:1And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The First Christian Martyr
... Lesson 10 The First Christian Martyr. ... He referred to the building of the temple by
Solomon, and to the words of both Solomon and Isaiah: "Howbeit the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 10 the first christian.htm
How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... of its largeness in altitude; for so much did that first temple which Solomon built
exceed this ... herein, for it was not their fault that the temple was no ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm
The Return of the Exiles
... the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when ... God, and carried
out His purpose for Israel, the temple built by Solomon would not ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm
That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... by thirty days at a time, from the first day till the ... the description and pattern
of the building of the temple in the sight of them all to Solomon: of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm
The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... grief to the old, who had seen Solomon's Temple in its ... thought; namely, by seeing
whose horse would first neigh at ... the Jews ventured to go on with the Temple. ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiii the rebuilding of.htm
Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... most important ornaments in the magnificent temple, the erection ... was the best feature
of Solomon's reign ... His sanctuary" (Psalm 96:6); strength first, then beauty ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm
The Best of All, God is with Us
... and enquire, "What shall I do?" Why, do the first thing that ... 5. And David said, Solomon
my son is young and tender ... If he might not build the temple, he would at ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm
The New Temple and Its Worship
... The offerings were poor, if compared with Solomon's 'two and ... The re-establishment
of the Temple worship with the ... on the fourteenth day of the first month, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the new temple and its.htm
One Worker Preparing for Another
... This sermon is intended for reading on the first anniversary of ... God's temple was
built by "a man of rest.". ... round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm
The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... aged men who had seen the glory of Solomon's temple, and who ... did the second temple
exceed the first in glory ... no Roman should violate the sanctity of the temple. ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm
Resources
What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Solomon's temple / the first temple? How many temples were there? | GotQuestions.orgTemple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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