Building the Temple

Posted 2/17/2007

Solomon builds the temple

1. Solomon is king (i.e., David isn't)
2. Peace is in the land
3. Solomon wants to respect his father's wishes
4. God's promise to David will be fulfilled
1. Flashback to 2 Samuel 7
1. David wants to build a nice house for God
2. God tells him that will be left to his son
3. David thanks God for turning him down

Key Sources of material and expertise:

1. Lumberjacks Timber from Lebanon, by the labor of 10,000 men per month
2. Stonemasons Stone from the mountains, by the labor of another 150,000 men
1. Probably marble and granite: "costly"

3. Gilders Gold from his treasuries to gild the whole temple with and make key items with
4. Smiths Bronze furniture and ornamentation beyond measure, under the direction of Hiram
1. Pillars, chains
2. Basin (7:23)
3. Carts and basins

Why? What is the purpose for all this detail about creating a building?

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works

• Worship and Washing
• The temple and all the sacrifices all describe the work of maintaining a relationship with a holy God through the shedding of blood
• The furniture all has a specific purpose in worship

• With all this effort, Solomon is certainly building a case for proving that he is truly concerned with giving his best to God
• Are we doing the same?

• Solomon made his own house bigger, and took longer at it

Tabernacle or temple - God wants His people's hearts, regardless of the house they build for them (European cathedrals)

Instruction in Righteousness

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All verses in this article