Topical Bible: the First Temple was But a Temple Built With Hands

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The First Temple, often referred to 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. It was constructed in Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon, the son of King David, around the 10th century BC. This temple served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Biblical Foundation and Construction

The concept of a permanent temple was first envisioned by King David, who desired to build a house for the Lord. However, God did not permit David to construct the temple, as he was a warrior who had shed much blood (1 Chronicles 22:8). Instead, God chose Solomon, David's son, to fulfill this task. The Lord declared to David, "Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, will build the house for My Name" (1 Kings 5:5).

Solomon's Temple was built on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham had been willing to sacrifice his son Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1). The construction of the temple was a monumental task, involving tens of thousands of laborers and skilled craftsmen. The building materials included cedar from Lebanon, gold, silver, and precious stones, reflecting the temple's grandeur and the glory of God.

Design and Significance

The temple's design was intricate and symbolic, reflecting the divine instructions given to Solomon. It consisted of the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. The Holy of Holies was separated by a veil and was only entered once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).

The temple served as the focal point of Israelite worship and the center of religious life. It was the place where sacrifices were offered, festivals were celebrated, and the people gathered to seek God's presence. The dedication of the temple was marked by Solomon's prayer, in which he acknowledged that "the heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built!" (1 Kings 8:27). This acknowledgment highlighted the temple as a symbol of God's presence rather than a literal dwelling place.

Theological Implications

The First Temple represented the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It was a tangible reminder of God's promises and His desire to dwell among His people. However, the temple was also a "temple built with hands," a phrase that underscores its temporal and earthly nature. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where Stephen, in his defense before the Sanhedrin, states, "However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands" (Acts 7:48).

The destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC marked a significant turning point in Israel's history. It served as a divine judgment for the nation's idolatry and disobedience. Yet, it also pointed to the future hope of a new covenant and a spiritual temple, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to His body and His resurrection.

Legacy and Influence

The legacy of the First Temple extends beyond its physical structure. It set a precedent for the Second Temple, rebuilt after the Babylonian exile, and influenced Jewish worship practices for centuries. The temple's significance is also seen in its typological foreshadowing of Christ, who is the true temple and the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.

In summary, the First Temple was a magnificent edifice that played a central role in the religious life of ancient Israel. It was a "temple built with hands," yet it pointed to the greater reality of God's eternal presence and the coming of the Messiah, who would establish a new and everlasting covenant with His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 7:47,48
But Solomon built him an house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ...
... of the temple there were four gates; the first led to ... with a deep valley along the
entire south quarter; but the fourth front of the temple, which was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how herod rebuilt.htm

The Founder and Finisher of the Temple
... its inception to its accomplishment, from the first breaking of ... may be perfectly
sure that the Temple which He ... and not think only of ourselves, but much rather ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the founder and finisher of.htm

The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ...
... In the first Book of Chronicles, [5111] certainly, David the king says to ... that it
was destroyed at the period of the captivity, but the temple built at the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the temple of solomon.htm

Of the Building of this Temple
... four hundred and forty years; and from Adam, the first man who ... in a manner proper
for such high roofs; but he made all the doors of this temple of silver. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... The first veil was ten cubits every way, and this ... of having a fine linen veil, after
the temple has been ... But the ten other curtains were four cubits in breadth ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... down in prophetic vision to the first advent, the ... of the chief cornerstone in the
temple of Solomon was ... a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

Altar and Temple
... In verse 2 the ecclesiastical dignitary comes first, but in verse 8 the civil. ... There
cannot be a temple without an altar, but there may be an altar without ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

How Solomon Removed the Ark into the Temple How He Made ...
... then it was that the temple did first of all ... preserve them any longer from afflictions,
but would utterly ... in strange lands; and deliver that temple which was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how solomon removed.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... The many Galilean pilgrims in the Temple could not but have spread the ... have passed
from one to the other in the Temple-courts, as He first entered their ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... of these problems were too hard for him; but he conquered ... the ancient temples, he
both built the temple of Hercules and that of Astarte; and he first set up ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm