Book of First Kings I Kings 6 Building God s Temple Chapters 5-8 focus on the temple that was built in Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon. In chapter 5, Solomon makes preparation for the temple. In chapter 6, temple construction begins. Chapter 7 tells about the furnishings within the temple, and chapter 8 describes Solomon s dedication of this magnificent house of worship. In building the temple Solomon was not just doing a job, but fulfilling a calling. This was not built out of duty or obligation but out of love and devotion to God. 1. The date of construction, 966 B.C. (vs. 1) In the fourth year of Solomon s reign (966 B.C.), he began construction by laying the temple foundation (vs. 37). The temple was built 480 years after Israel departed from Egypt, therefore the exodus from Egypt can be dated as 1445 B.C. The construction of the temple was understood as the culmination of God s purpose and plan for His people. For that reason the date of construction was calculated from the greatest landmark event in Israel s history, the exodus from Egypt. 2. The construction site (2 Chr. 3:1-2) The temple was built in the city of Jerusalem on Mount Moriah at the threshing floor of Ornan (Araunah) the Jebusite. This was the same location where Abraham went to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:2). This was also the location where David set up an altar and interceded for God to stop the plague that came upon the nation as the result of David s sin in numbering the people (2 Sam. 24; 1 Chr. 21:14-30). This was a holy site where two memorable events took place. 3. The temple layout (vs. 2-6) The ancient unit of measurement was the cubit (18 inches) which made the dimensions of the temple as follows: A. Measurements: 90 ft.(l) x 30 ft. (W) x 45 ft. (H) B. Twice the size of the tabernacle Compare this to the tabernacle in Ex. 26:15-30; 36:20-34. The temple was also permanent instead of portable and it was much more elaborate then the tabernacle C. Basic layout same as the tabernacle The three main sections were an outer court, the holy place, and the most holy place (holy of holies) where the high priest went once a year on Day of Atonement (Lev. 16). The inner sanctuary was a perfect cube (30 ft. x 30 ft. x 30 ft.). A veil or thick curtain separated the holy place from the most holy place. D. Plans were given to David then to Solomon (1 Chr. 28:11-13) God designed plans for the temple. Nothing about the design was accidental or insignificant. If someone asked, What were David s two greatest sins? You would probably say, His adultery with Bathsheba and his sin of numbering the people in 2 Samuel 24. After his adultery David married Bathsheba and they had a son named Solomon. After his sin of numbering the people David bought property, built an altar, and worshiped the Lord. Now we have David s son Solomon building a temple on David s property. God took the consequences of David s worst sins a son and a piece of property and built a temple. God s grace is truly greater than all our sins.
E. Porch or vestibule (30 ft. long x 15 ft. deep) It was attached to the front of the temple. F. Windows for light and ventilation These were on the upper portion of the walls. G. Chambers for storage and supplies They were built alongside the temple wall on three levels. There were doors and a stairway into the second and third levels. 4. The building materials (vs. 7-10, 14-18, 21-22, 29-36) David and the people provided most of the materials (1 Chr. 29:1-9). Hiram, King of Tyre, provided the cedar wood and a non-israelite work force helped in construction. They built with valuable materials so the temple would be a beautiful and impressive home for God. When we sense God s calling to do something, it determines not only what we do, but how we do it. Solomon wanted only the best for God s house the finest stone, the most valued wood, and the most precious metal, and all of them in abundance, to show God s glory and greatness. A. Pre-cut stones These stones were cut precisely at the quarry and then transported to the temple site where they were carefully positioned and fitted together. For this sacred building the construction site was unusually but appropriately quiet. B. Cedar beams and boards In keeping with the agreement between King Hiram and Solomon, these were cut in Tyre (Phoenicia) and transported to Israel (1 Kings 5). C. Pure gold covering the inside No wood or stone could be seen inside, only dazzling gold. The word gold is found ten times in this chapter. The gold was beaten thin so it could cover the entire inside, even the floor (vs. 30). The project called for 25 tons of gold. Think of what that would be worth in today s market. D. Walls and doors with intricate carvings These were carvings of cherubim (majestic angels), palm trees, and open flowers 5. The sacred contents (vs. 19-20, 23-28) A. The ark of the covenant This sacred chest was a rectangular box, about 3 ½ ft. (L) x 2 ½ ft. (W) x 2 ½ ft. (H), made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The ark was built by Bezaleel according to the directions given by God to Moses (Ex. 25:10-22). It contained the Ten Commandments among other items, thus was called the ark of the covenant. It was the most sacred symbol of Israel s faith. B. Two cherubim of olive wood These are not to be confused with the cherubim on the mercy seat (lid) of the ark. These were two carved images overlaid with gold (15 ft. high) that represented angelic beings (Gen. 3:24; 1 Sam. 4:4). They were placed on each side of the ark inside the most holy place (2 Chron. 3:10-13). Their wingspan was 15 feet and their wings touched in the middle of the building. They symbolized God s presence and holiness. 6. The personal promise from God (vs. 11-13) If Solomon obeyed God s commands God promised to dwell with the people of Israel; however, the temple itself was no guarantee of His presence. God revealed that the temple would replace the tabernacle as the special place of God s presence. God reminded Solomon that obedience to His Word was more important than this new house of worship. This is similar to Samuel s message to King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22 Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. God is not impressed with our buildings, but He is most concerned with our obedience. This was not the first time God spoke to Solomon about obedience (1 Kg. 3:14) and this would not be the last time that God reminded him of the importance of obedience (9:3-9). 7. The construction period (7 years) (vs. 37-38). The temple remained as God s house of worship for 374 years until it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Temples in the Bible: o Solomon s Temple (966-586 B.C.) o Zerubbabel s Temple (516-169 B.C.) o Herod s Temple (19 B.C.-A.D. 70) o Temple of Christ s physical body John 2:19-21 o Temple of the believer s body 1 Cor. 6:19-20 o Temple of the Church (Body of Christ) 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:21-22 o God s Temple in Heaven Rev. 7:15; 11:19; 14:15; 15:5-8; 16;1 o Tribulation Temple on Earth Mt. 24:15; Rev. 11:1-2 o Millennial Temple on Earth Ezek. 40:1-42:20 o Eternal Temple (God s presence in the New Jerusalem) Rev. 21:22 The common factor in all these temples is that each one is the unique dwelling place of God. Just as Solomon and the people gave the very best they had for the temple and they worked with great care and commitment, so the church today (God s temple) deserves the best we have to offer.
Book of First Kings I Kings 6 Building God s Temple Chapters 5-8 focus on the temple that was built in Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon. In chapter 5, Solomon makes preparation for the temple. In chapter 6, temple construction begins. Chapter 7 tells about the furnishings within the temple, and chapter 8 describes Solomon s dedication of this magnificent house of worship. In building the temple Solomon was not just doing a job, but fulfilling a calling. This was not built out of duty or obligation but out of love and devotion to God. 1. (vs. 1) 2. (2 Chr. 3:1-2) 3. (vs. 2-6) (Compare to Ex. 26:15-30; 36:20-34) C. D. (1 Chr. 28:11-13) E. F. G. 4. (vs. 7-10, 14-18, 21-22, 29-36) C. D.
5. (vs. 19-20, 23-28) 6. (vs. 11-13) 1 Samuel 15:22 Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 7. (vs. 37-38) Temples in the Bible: o Solomon s Temple (966-586 B.C.) o Zerubbabel s Temple (516-169 B.C.) o Herod s Temple (19 B.C.-A.D. 70) o Temple of Christ s physical body John 2:19-21 o Temple of the believer s body 1 Cor. 6:19-20 o Temple of the Church (Body of Christ) 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:21-22 o God s Temple in Heaven Rev. 7:15; 11:19; 14:15; 15:5-8; 16;1 o Tribulation Temple on Earth Mt. 24:15; Rev. 11:1-2 o Millennial Temple on Earth Ezek. 40:1-42:20 o Eternal Temple (God s presence in the New Jerusalem) Rev. 21:22 The common factor in all these temples is that each one is the unique dwelling place of God. Just as Solomon and the people gave the very best they had for the temple and they worked with great care and commitment, so the church today (God s temple) deserves the best we have to offer.