Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Called Temple

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Temple of Solomon, often referred to simply as the "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 under the reign of King Solomon, the son of King David, and is detailed extensively in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Historical Context and Construction

The idea for the Temple originated with King David, who desired to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant, which until then had been housed in a tent known as the Tabernacle. However, God revealed to David through the prophet Nathan that his son Solomon would be the one to build the Temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13). Solomon's Temple was constructed on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound significance, as it was traditionally believed to be the location where Abraham was prepared to offer Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1).

The construction of the Temple began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:1, 38). The building project was a monumental task, involving tens of thousands of laborers and craftsmen. The materials used were of the highest quality, including cedar from Lebanon, gold, silver, and precious stones (1 Kings 5:6, 1 Kings 6:21-22).

Architectural Features

The Temple was designed with a series of courts and chambers, reflecting the structure of the Tabernacle but on a grander scale. The main components included the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant and was separated from the Holy Place by a veil (1 Kings 6:19-20).

The Temple's dimensions and intricate details are meticulously described in the biblical text. The building was approximately 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The interior was adorned with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, all overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:29-30).

Religious Significance

Solomon's Temple served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and was the focal point of their religious life. It was the site of numerous sacrifices and offerings, and it played a crucial role in the major religious festivals. The dedication of the Temple is a significant event recorded in 1 Kings 8 and 2 Chronicles 5-7, where Solomon offered a lengthy prayer, and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11).

The Temple symbolized God's presence among His people and was a place where the Israelites could seek forgiveness and guidance. Solomon's prayer of dedication emphasized the Temple as a house of prayer for all people, highlighting its universal significance (1 Kings 8:41-43).

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its grandeur and significance, Solomon's Temple was not eternal. It was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC during the conquest of Jerusalem, as a consequence of the Israelites' disobedience and idolatry (2 Kings 25:8-9). The destruction of the Temple marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to the Babylonian exile.

The legacy of Solomon's Temple continued to influence Jewish worship and identity. It set a precedent for the Second Temple, which was built upon the return from exile and later expanded by Herod the Great. The concept of the Temple as a dwelling place for God's presence persisted, shaping Jewish and Christian thought throughout the centuries.

Biblical References

· 1 Kings 5-8
· 2 Chronicles 2-7
· 2 Samuel 7:12-13
· 2 Kings 25:8-9

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 6:17
And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... born of every creature, could rightly be called, in respect ... of Tyre, cooperates in
the building of the temple, and gives ... own sons to the sons of Solomon, to hew ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... We come next to the porch of the temple that is commonly called Solomon's.1. This
porch was in the front of the house, and so became the common way into the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... The great work of Solomon's reign was the building of the House of God.
It was generally called the Temple. It was built on Mount ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ...
... The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ... sort of an ascent
about the temple of God ... sensible things to the so-called divine perceptions ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the account of the.htm

At the Temple Gate
... he which sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple: and they ... the people ran
together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... Zerubbabel was called Tirshatha, or governor ... true birthright was not lost by this
son of Solomon, whom God ... for having laid the foundation of His Temple, and not ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiii the rebuilding of.htm

The Founder and Finisher of the Temple
... house that might represent the vanished glories of Solomon's Temple. ... may be perfectly
sure that the Temple which He ... God is 'faithful who hath called us to the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the founder and finisher of.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... Maccabee had copper money coined; the so-called copper shekel ... 1801] It is certain
that this Temple-market could ... the gate Shushan - as far as Solomon's Porch' (Dr ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... promises were in part directed to, and fulfilled in, Solomon. ... the Branch,' who 'shall
build the Temple of the ... he declared that her Son 'shall be called the Son ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

Altar and Temple
... the remote antiquity of the Exodus, and from the dedication of Solomon's Temple. ...
to take possession of their ancestral fields before they were called to leave ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm