The Temple of Solomon, often referred to as the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the son of King David, this sacred edifice was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound religious importance. The Temple served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Biblical Foundation and Construction

The construction of Solomon's Temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. King David, Solomon's father, had initially conceived the idea of building a house for the Lord, but God revealed to David that his son Solomon would be the one to build it (1 Chronicles 28:6). Solomon's Temple was constructed in the fourth year of his reign, around 966 BCE, and took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:37-38).

The Temple was built on Mount Moriah, a site with deep historical and spiritual significance. It is traditionally believed to be the location where Abraham was prepared to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:2). The choice of this site underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises to His people.

Architectural Features

Solomon's Temple was renowned for its grandeur and intricate design. The structure was approximately 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The interior was lined with cedar and overlaid with pure gold, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. The Temple's layout included the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant was kept (1 Kings 6:19).

The Temple's furnishings were crafted with great care and detail. The altar, the bronze sea, and the ten lampstands were among the notable items within the Temple precincts (1 Kings 7:23-49). The Temple's construction involved skilled laborers and artisans from Israel and neighboring regions, including the renowned craftsman Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 7:13-14).

Religious Significance

Solomon's Temple was the focal point of Israelite worship and the center of religious life. It was the place where sacrifices were offered, and festivals were celebrated according to the Mosaic Law. The dedication of the Temple is recorded in 1 Kings 8, where Solomon offered prayers and sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord (1 Kings 8:10-11).

The Temple symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His dwelling among His people. It was a place of prayer and intercession, as Solomon articulated in his dedicatory prayer, asking God to hear the prayers of His people and forgive their sins (1 Kings 8:30).

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its splendor and significance, Solomon's Temple was eventually destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE as a consequence of Israel's disobedience and idolatry (2 Kings 25:8-9). The destruction marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to the Babylonian exile.

The legacy of Solomon's Temple endures in biblical theology and eschatology. It serves as a typological foreshadowing of the ultimate dwelling of God with His people, fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The Temple's significance is further reflected in the prophetic visions of a future temple, as seen in Ezekiel and Revelation, symbolizing the restoration and consummation of God's kingdom.

In summary, Solomon's Temple on the Holy Mount was a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a central element of Israel's religious life, embodying the presence and promises of God to His chosen people.Isaiah 27:13
And it shall come to pass in that day, that the great trumpet shall be blown, and they shall come which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the outcasts in the land of Egypt, and shall worship the LORD in the holy mount at Jerusalem.
Nave's Topical Index

The Story of Solomon and his Temple
... This was a holy place, and he hoped that there Solomon might have ... The great work
of Solomon's reign was the building of the ... It was generally called the Temple. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of solomon and.htm

Conclusion
... are told that the angel of the Lord said unto Mary, "That Holy Thing which ... being
cold out on the mountain) Jesus walked in the Temple in Solomon's porch" (10 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/conclusion.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... foundation, its altar, its courts, the holy of holies ... The temple becomes therefore
an object of our special ... Solomon had made to himself an everlasting name, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... round and facing westwards to the Holy Place, they ... eastern colonnade, which abutted
against the Mount of Olives ... it was the only relic left of Solomon's Temple. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the ... At last the
temple planned by King David, and built ... All that came into Solomon's heart to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... to win for Israel her great city on Mount Moriah. ... being offered to build and adorn
the Temple, Solomon's great work ... was of white marble, and the Holy of Holies ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The New Temple and Its Worship
Expositions of Holy Scripture. ... is a remembrance of the former more splendid Temple
in the ... The offerings were poor, if compared with Solomon's 'two and twenty ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the new temple and its.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... of the law, was carried into the most holy place, and ... Then Solomon stood before all
the people and gave thanks to God and asked him to take the temple for his ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... 1. Solomon Jarchi ... temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb, are the
temple of it ... into the mount also, when he hath the view of the Holy Land, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Results of Transgression
... superintend the construction of the temple on Mount Moriah ... began to lose sight of
the holy character of ... and of those engaged in erecting Solomon's temple, has a ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

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