Topical Bible: the First Temple was Seven Years in Building

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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. Its construction is a pivotal event in the narrative of the united monarchy under King Solomon, the son of King David. The building of the Temple is detailed primarily in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Biblical Account of Construction

The construction of the First Temple began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, as recorded in 1 Kings 6:1: "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD." The project was completed seven years later, as noted in 1 Kings 6:38: "In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the house was finished in all its details and according to all its specifications. So he spent seven years building it."

Design and Specifications

The Temple was designed to be a magnificent structure, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. It was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance. The dimensions and specifications of the Temple are meticulously detailed in the biblical text. The main structure was approximately 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The interior was adorned with cedar wood and overlaid with pure gold, and the walls were carved with figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers (1 Kings 6:18, 21, 29).

Materials and Labor

The construction of the Temple required vast resources and labor. Solomon entered into an agreement with Hiram, the king of Tyre, to supply cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, as well as skilled craftsmen (1 Kings 5:6-10). The workforce included tens of thousands of laborers, including Israelites and foreigners, who were organized into shifts to carry out the work (1 Kings 5:13-18). The stones for the Temple were prepared at the quarry, ensuring that no sound of hammer or chisel was heard at the construction site (1 Kings 6:7).

Spiritual Significance

The completion of the Temple marked a significant moment in Israel's history, symbolizing the establishment of a central place of worship and the fulfillment of God's promise to David. The Temple served as the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's presence among His people. Solomon's dedication of the Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 8, was a moment of great national and spiritual significance, marked by prayer, sacrifice, and the manifestation of God's glory.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the construction of the First Temple underscores themes of covenant, divine presence, and worship. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. The Temple was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of the relationship between God and His people, a place where heaven and earth met, and where the Israelites could seek forgiveness and guidance.

The seven-year construction period of the First Temple is a testament to the dedication and resources invested in creating a dwelling place for the Almighty, reflecting the importance of worship and obedience in the life of the covenant community.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 6:38
And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ...
... In the first Book of Chronicles, [5111] certainly, David the ... of artificers." For
David reigned seven years in Hebron ... of the preparations for the temple and of ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the temple of solomon.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... Now the temple was built in seven years' time ... the inner temple that were round about
the temple itself ... of unleavened bread was at hand, in the first month, which ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

Note 1
... king on the same fast day, twenty-seven years after Pompey ... Now the Temple began to
be built in the eighteenth ... is therefore a doubt what was the first year of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/note 1 2.htm

The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ...
... AN INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION The First Chapter: The Great ... the wisest of the kings
of Israel, spent seven years building a magnificent temple in praise of ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the first chapter the great.htm

An Enumeration of the High Priests.
... This Hyrcanus ruled, besides his first nine years, twenty-four ... the day when Titus
took the temple and the ... that belonged to them was a hundred and seven years. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 an enumeration of.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... a device different from that of the seven-branched candlestick ... thread where he had
dropped it on His first recorded appearance in the Temple, when he ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon at the Approach of his ...
... Things He Left Him For The Building Of The Temple. ... we have not done good to him first,
but we ... died, having lived seventy years, and reigned seven years and six ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 what charge david.htm

That Whereas the City of Jerusalem had Been Five Times Taken ...
... of God, and first built a temple [there], and ... the Babylonians, four hundred and
seventy-seven years and six ... nine years; but from its first building, till this ...
/.../chapter 10 that whereas the.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... which, as we have before said, was finished in seven years, the king ... the temple of
Hercules and that of Astarte; and he first set up the temple of Hercules ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
... The first temple, built by Solomon (bc1012-1005), was destroyed ... 21 But he spake of
the temple of his ... at the passover, during the feast [the seven days' feast ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxiv jesus attends the first.htm