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. Commissioned by King Solomon, the son of King David, the temple was constructed in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, a site of profound religious importance. The building of the temple is detailed in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Solomon's Workforce

King Solomon's ambitious project required a vast and organized workforce. According to 1 Kings 5:13-14 , Solomon conscripted thirty thousand men from all Israel to work on the temple. These men were not slaves but rather conscripted laborers, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies for large state projects. The passage states:

"Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of thirty thousand men from all Israel. He sent them to Lebanon in shifts of ten thousand per month, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home. Adoniram was in charge of the forced labor."

This system of labor ensured that the burden was distributed and that the workers could return to their families regularly. The labor force was organized into shifts, with each group working for one month in Lebanon, where they assisted in the felling and transportation of the famed cedars of Lebanon, essential for the temple's construction. The rotation allowed the workers to spend two months at home, maintaining their familial and agricultural responsibilities.

The Role of Adoniram

Adoniram, also known as Adoram, was appointed by Solomon to oversee the labor force. His role was crucial in managing the logistics and ensuring the smooth operation of the workforce. Adoniram's position highlights the administrative sophistication of Solomon's reign and the importance placed on the temple project.

Materials and Construction

The construction of the temple required not only a large workforce but also a vast array of materials. Solomon's alliance with Hiram, the king of Tyre, was instrumental in acquiring the necessary resources. As noted in 1 Kings 5:6 , Solomon requested cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, renowned for its quality:

"So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay your servants whatever wages you set, for you know that there is no one among us who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians."

The collaboration between Solomon and Hiram exemplifies the diplomatic and economic relationships that facilitated the temple's construction. The skilled Sidonian woodcutters, along with the Israelite labor force, ensured the procurement and preparation of materials.

Significance of the Temple

The First Temple served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and housed the Ark of the Covenant. It symbolized the culmination of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The temple was not only a religious center but also a symbol of national unity and divine presence among the people of Israel.

The construction of the First Temple under Solomon's reign marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, reflecting both the fulfillment of divine promises and the zenith of Israel's united monarchy. The employment of thirty thousand Israelites in this monumental task underscores the collective effort and dedication of the nation to honor their covenant with God.1 Kings 5:13,14
And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Historical Books.
... with its calamitous consequences, and the idolatry of Solomon. ... in like manner, employing
sometimes the first and sometimes ... the building of the temple and the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Earlier Hebrew Histories.
... In the sixth chapter of First Kings, the Septuagint ... 14, which is an exhortation to
Solomon, injected into the specifications respecting the temple building ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter iv the earlier hebrew.htm

Introduction.
... In the Psalter of Solomon the Messiah is lauded in ... mercy-seat, and other sacred things
appertaining to the temple. ... of Jubilees states that on the first day of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

General Index.
... Tabernacle, of Moses, 411-415. replaced by temple of Solomon, 412. destruction
of, by Romans, 17-38, 412. the sanctuary of first covenant, 413. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /general index.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... fifteen are ascribed to David; one to Solomon (Psa.127 ... been added as a subscription
to the first two books ... before the others were arranged for the temple service ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Egypt
... a description of the plan of the temple of Dendera ... sayings of Qaqemna and Ptah-hotep,
the first of whom ... are moral treatises like the Proverbs of Solomon or the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... three kings ("tyranni"), Saul, David, and Solomon; the "nineteen ... down the Roman eagle
on the temple gate, urging ... in the first half of the first Christian century ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... the southern wall of the court of the great temple of Amen ... of the kingdom subsequent
to the death of Solomon to the ... under Omri to the end of the first half of ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The Philistines and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the defection ... The temple
and statue ... independent and isolated group was not at first, however, a ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... entered, not into the splendid temple of Solomon, there to ... to shake it, until the
polluted temple of slavery ... it is full of instruction; she at first refused to ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

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How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died? | GotQuestions.org

Temple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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