Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Not Asked for by God

◄ Temple: Solomon's: Not Asked for by God ►

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The Temple of Solomon, also known as the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the first permanent structure built for the worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. Despite its grandeur and central role in Israelite worship, it is noteworthy that the construction of the Temple was not explicitly requested by God. This entry explores the biblical narrative surrounding the Temple's conception, construction, and its theological implications.

Biblical Background

The desire to build a temple for the Lord originated with King David, Solomon's father. In 2 Samuel 7, David expresses his intention to build a house for the Ark of the Covenant, stating, "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent" (2 Samuel 7:2). However, God, through the prophet Nathan, responds to David's plan by reminding him that He had not asked for a house of cedar: "Are you the one to build a house for Me to dwell in? I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day" (2 Samuel 7:5-6).

Instead of granting David the task of building the Temple, God makes a covenant with him, promising that his offspring would build the house for His Name. This promise is fulfilled through Solomon, David's son, who constructs the Temple during his reign.

Construction of the Temple

Solomon's Temple is described in detail in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. The construction began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and took seven years to complete. The Temple was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance, where Abraham had been willing to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22).

The Temple's design was elaborate, featuring the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. The structure was adorned with gold, cedar, and precious stones, reflecting the wealth and splendor of Solomon's kingdom. Despite its magnificence, the Temple's primary purpose was to serve as a dwelling place for God's Name and a center for Israelite worship and sacrifices.

Theological Implications

The construction of Solomon's Temple, while not directly commanded by God, represents a significant development in Israel's religious life. It symbolizes the transition from a nomadic worship system centered around the Tabernacle to a permanent, centralized place of worship. This shift underscores the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of Israel.

The Temple also serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate dwelling of God with His people, pointing to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the true Temple (John 2:19-21). In this light, the Temple's role is seen as part of God's unfolding plan of redemption, despite its initial absence from divine command.

Conclusion

While the Temple of Solomon was not explicitly requested by God, its construction fulfilled God's promise to David and played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. It stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His covenantal promises throughout biblical history.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 7:7
In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel spoke I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying, Why build you not me an house of cedar?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Building of the Golden House.
... could not go in. It was the glory of the presence of the Lord. Then Solomon stood
before all the people and gave thanks to God and asked him to take the temple ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... any chance stones for the foundation of the temple, but great ... precious, unhewn, that
they may be hewn, not by any ... workmen, but by the sons of Solomon; for so ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

Solomon
... court; of his gilded and jewelled temple, with its ... the speech pleased the Lord, that
Solomon had asked ... hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... Solomon To King Hiram. ... 5]Know thou that my father would have built a temple to God ...
but was hindered by wars, and continual expeditions; for he did not leave off ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued)
... Take the remarkable prayer at the dedication of the temple. ... Solomon could not afford
to lay the foundations of God's house in anything else but in prayer. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/ii praying saints of the.htm

Jesus, Son of God.
... to celebrate the Purification of the Temple after its ... certainly cold, Jesus walked
about in Solomon's Porch, where ... to be asked whether there are not parts of ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxii jesus son of god.htm

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He ...
... a colonnade on the east side of the temple court, the ... which Josephus tells us was
the work of Solomon"Jos ... the Christ of the Old Testament, but not the Christ ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxviii feast of the dedication.htm

The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... Whose goings are from everlasting." The 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 Kingdom of all Israel.
... home for the Ark, but this was not a work ... accomplished in his peaceful son, Solomon,
who asked to be ... offered to build and adorn the Temple, Solomon's great work ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

At the Temple Gate
... for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple: and they ... them in the porch that is
called Solomon's, greatly wondering ... of life; but they were careful not to drive ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm