Topical Bible: the First Temple was Called: House of the God of Jacob

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Topical Encyclopedia

The First Temple, often referred to as the "House of the God of Jacob," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. This sacred edifice, constructed under the reign of King Solomon, served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and was the dwelling place of the Divine Presence among His chosen people.

Biblical Foundation and Construction

The concept of a permanent dwelling place for God among His people was first articulated by King David, who desired to build a house for the Lord. However, it was Solomon, David's son, who was divinely appointed to undertake this monumental task. The construction of the Temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. Solomon's Temple was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance, as it was the location where Abraham was prepared to offer Isaac (Genesis 22:2).

The Temple was designed to reflect the glory and majesty of God, with intricate craftsmanship and the finest materials. It was a place where the Israelites could come to offer sacrifices, seek atonement, and worship the Lord. The dedication of the Temple is recorded in 1 Kings 8, where Solomon prays, "But will God indeed dwell on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built" (1 Kings 8:27).

Theological Significance

The designation "House of the God of Jacob" underscores the covenantal relationship between God and the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel. This title emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises and His enduring presence with His people. The Temple served as a tangible reminder of God's covenant with Israel, a place where His name would dwell forever (1 Kings 9:3).

The Temple was also a foreshadowing of the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21), indicating the fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people in a more profound and personal way.

Prophetic References

The prophets frequently referenced the Temple as the "House of the God of Jacob" in their calls for repentance and return to true worship. Isaiah prophesied, "In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains... and all nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths'" (Isaiah 2:2-3). This vision speaks to the universal significance of the Temple and the future hope of all nations coming to worship the one true God.

Destruction and Legacy

The First Temple stood for nearly four centuries before its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC, as a result of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience. This event marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to the Babylonian exile. Despite its destruction, the memory and significance of the Temple endured, symbolizing both the glory of God's presence and the consequences of turning away from Him.

The legacy of the First Temple continues to influence Jewish and Christian thought, serving as a powerful symbol of God's desire to dwell with His people and the hope of restoration and redemption through His promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:3
And many people shall go and say, Come you, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

He Proves that Christ is Called Lord of Hosts.
... place; but now you will permit me first to recount ... who presided over the gates of
the temple at Jerusalem ... wrote a little before, and is called Jacob in parable ...
/.../chapter xxxvi he proves that christ.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... temple, and this should have called forth expressions of ... would delay the completion
of the Lord's house. The magnificence of the first temple, and the imposing ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... God must first give before man can requite ... of 'My Servant the Branch,' who 'shall
build the Temple of the ... when he declared that her Son 'shall be called the Son ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

That the Jews Ceased to have Prophets after the Rebuilding of the ...
... as guardian or procurator, as they were then called, he led ... Afterward Cassius plundered
the very temple. ... the Jews until that Herod, who was the first king of a ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 45 that the jews ceased.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... thirty days at a time, from the first day till ... officers after the manner before
mentioned, he called the rulers ... me in the kingdom, should build a temple for him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

Of Jesus, God and Man; and the Testimonies of the Prophets ...
... cross He endured a bitter end." In the first verse he ... In the next place, Solomon
was never called the son of ... 638] as the Church, which is the true temple of God ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiii of jesus god and.htm

Circumcision, Temple Service, and Naming of Jesus.
... When he was thus first in the temple, opposition was ... 23:38] which is spoken against
[during his earthly lifetime Jesus was called "deceiver," "Samaritan ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xii circumcision temple service and.htm

The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ...
... For in this article of faith, first of all ... a house of merchandise," [2104] He
undoubtedly called Him His ... to whose name Solomon had raised a magnificent temple. ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter iv the god of the.htm

Religious Zeal.
... One of the first things he did after he was anointed ... said, "So shall the name be,"
and they called the child ... should be beautiful and seemly in the temple of God ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxv religious zeal.htm

Concerning Our Lord's Genealogy and Concerning the Holy Mother of ...
... Melchi [2444] and Panther: Panther begat Barpanther, so called. ... was declared a holy
and wonderful temple fit for ... blood, satisfying the debt of the first mother ...
/.../exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xiv concerning our lords genealogy.htm