Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: House of Their Sanctuary

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The Temple of Solomon, often referred to as the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Constructed during the reign of King Solomon, the son of David, this magnificent edifice was located in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, the site traditionally associated with Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1).

Construction and Dedication

The construction of Solomon's Temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. Solomon began building the Temple in the fourth year of his reign, around 966 BC, and it took seven years to complete. The Temple was built according to the plans given by David, Solomon's father, who had received divine instructions but was not permitted to build it himself due to his history as a warrior (1 Chronicles 28:2-3).

The Temple was constructed using the finest materials, including cedar from Lebanon, gold, silver, and precious stones. The structure was approximately 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The interior was adorned with intricate carvings and overlaid with gold, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

Upon completion, Solomon dedicated the Temple with a grand ceremony, offering numerous sacrifices and praying for God's presence to dwell within it. In his prayer, Solomon acknowledged the greatness of God, stating, "But will God indeed dwell on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built" (1 Kings 8:27). The dedication was marked by the descent of the glory of the Lord, filling the Temple with a cloud, signifying God's acceptance and presence (1 Kings 8:10-11).

Function and Significance

The Temple served as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. It housed the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, which was separated from the rest of the Temple by a veil. The Ark represented God's covenant with Israel and His presence among them. The Temple was the focal point for the three major Jewish festivals: Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, drawing Israelites from all over the land to worship and offer sacrifices.

The Temple also played a crucial role in the spiritual life of Israel, serving as a place for prayer, teaching, and the administration of justice. It was a symbol of God's covenantal relationship with His people and His promise to dwell among them. The Temple's significance is underscored by the psalmist's declaration, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD'" (Psalm 122:1).

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its grandeur and significance, Solomon's Temple was not immune to the consequences of Israel's disobedience. The prophets warned of its destruction as a result of the people's idolatry and unfaithfulness to God. In 586 BC, the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and carried the people into exile (2 Kings 25:8-10).

The destruction of Solomon's Temple marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to a period of reflection and repentance. The loss of the Temple underscored the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the need for a spiritual rather than merely physical dwelling place for God's presence.

The legacy of Solomon's Temple continued to influence Jewish worship and identity, even after its destruction. It set the pattern for the Second Temple, built upon the return from exile, and remains a central theme in biblical prophecy and eschatology, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people eternally.

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2 Chronicles 36:17
Therefore he brought on them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.
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Library

Altar and Temple
... it is better to them than the old house where the ... If either the grey beards of Solomon's
court or the hot ... sound of weeping and joy from the Temple hill tells a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... In bringing to the temple the sacred ark containing the ... of God the precepts of the
Decalogue, Solomon had followed ... place, to the oracle of the house, into the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... Passing along the eastern colonnade, or Solomon's Porch, we ... 1234] held their meetings
in the Temple; the second ... Rabbis called the Mount of the House,' which was ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... the whole festival the name of House of Outpouring ... that the early disciples made
this their common meeting ... that 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

That in These Two Portions of the Soul There are Four Different ...
... men from women not being made by Solomon); the third ... this, there was the sanctuary
or sacred house, which was ... art within me." In this mystical temple there are ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii that in these.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... captive, they could not carry the holy and beautiful house with them ... little one of
them a little sanctuary." Even the temple which Solomon builded was not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid ... God, and carried
out His purpose for Israel, the temple built by Solomon would not ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Results of Transgression
... that belonged to the One "higher than the highest." Ecclesiastes 5:8. Even to this
day the temple of which Solomon declared, "This house which I ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... when the queen of Sheba, who came to prove Solomon's wisdom, saw ... all this while but
on the outside of the temple, even in the courts of the house of the Lord ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... an end to this desecration of His Father's House, which, by ... [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