Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Overlaid With Gold

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Topical Encyclopedia

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. Commissioned by King Solomon, the son of King David, the temple was constructed in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was to offer Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1). The temple's construction is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4, highlighting its grandeur and the extensive use of gold in its design.

Construction and Design:

Solomon's Temple was built during a period of peace and prosperity in Israel, allowing for the use of the finest materials and craftsmanship. The construction began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:37-38). The temple was designed as a rectangular structure, approximately 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). It consisted of three main parts: the Porch (Ulam), the Holy Place (Hekal), and the Most Holy Place (Debir), also known as the Holy of Holies.

Overlaid with Gold:

One of the most remarkable features of Solomon's Temple was its extensive use of gold. The interior of the temple was lavishly overlaid with gold, symbolizing the divine presence and glory of God. The walls, floors, and ceilings of the inner sanctuary were covered with pure gold, and Solomon even had gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary (1 Kings 6:21-22). The altar of incense, the table for the Bread of the Presence, and the lampstands were also made of gold (1 Kings 7:48-49).

The Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant, was particularly adorned with gold. The cherubim, which overshadowed the Ark, were made of olive wood and overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:23-28). The entire inner sanctuary was overlaid with gold, and Solomon ensured that no expense was spared in its decoration, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God.

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of gold in Solomon's Temple was not merely for aesthetic purposes but carried deep symbolic meaning. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, represented purity, divinity, and the eternal nature of God. The lavish use of gold in the temple underscored the sacredness of the space and the reverence due to God. It also reflected the wealth and splendor of Solomon's reign, a fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding his son (1 Chronicles 22:9-10).

The temple served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and was the location where sacrifices were offered, and festivals were celebrated. It was a tangible representation of God's covenant with Israel and His dwelling among His people. The dedication of the temple was marked by Solomon's prayer and the descent of the glory of the Lord, filling the temple with His presence (1 Kings 8:10-11).

Destruction and Legacy:

Despite its magnificence, Solomon's Temple was eventually destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. as a consequence of Israel's disobedience and idolatry (2 Kings 25:8-9). However, the memory of the temple and its splendor persisted in Jewish tradition and Christian theology, symbolizing the hope of restoration and the coming of a new, eternal temple in the eschatological future.

The Temple of Solomon remains a profound symbol of God's holiness, the importance of worship, and the centrality of God's presence among His people. Its legacy continues to inspire and inform the faith and practices of believers throughout the ages.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 3:4
And the porch that was in the front of the house, the length of it was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was an hundred and twenty: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ...
... The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ... some sort of an
ascent about the temple of God ... And the whole house is overlaid with gold; "the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the account of the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... It was overlaid with gold. ... That in Solomon's chariot called gold is yet again mentioned
by the name ... let then the churches, as the porch of the temple was, be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... cherubim, and palm trees, and flowers, overlaid with gold ... Solomon's workmen made
two great pillars of brass to ... for the use of the temple"candlesticks, and ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... [7] Of the temple of Solomon here described by Josephus, in this ... of the cypress tree,
and only overlaid with gold; and both agree they were ten cubits high. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... offered to build and adorn the Temple, Solomon's great work. ... and the Holy of Holies
was overlaid even to the roof outside with plates of gold, flashing back ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... I have no doubt you have read many times the story of Solomon's temple, and
you have noticed that he overlaid all the temple with gold. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... the same hour of the same day; and on the third day this woman overlaid her son ... Solomon
To King Hiram ... 5]Know thou that my father would have built a temple to God ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... Printed for Francis Smith, at the Elephant and Castle without Temple Barr, 1669 ... 1.
Solomon Jarchi ... wall of it was of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like unto ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... Solomon's was but a shadow, and therefore fit to be put behind; but this is ...
30:1-7). This incense-altar in the type was to be overlaid with gold; but here ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... You read in Solomon's Ecclesiastes of a time when desires ... Lord, and to inquire in
his temple.' There were ... censer, the ark of the covenant overlaid round about ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm