Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: The Covered Place for the Sabbath and King's Entry

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The Temple of Solomon, also known as the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the temple was a monumental achievement in architecture and religious significance, serving as the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant and the center of Israelite worship.

The Covered Place for the Sabbath

The Temple of Solomon included various structures and features designed to facilitate worship and religious observance. Among these was the "covered place for the Sabbath," a specific area designated for the observance of the Sabbath day. While the Bible does not provide extensive details about this particular feature, it is understood to be a space that allowed for the proper observance of the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and worship as commanded in the Mosaic Law.

The Sabbath was a covenantal sign between God and Israel, as described in Exodus 31:16-17 : "The Israelites must keep the Sabbath, celebrating it as a permanent covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed." The covered place would have provided a sheltered area for the priests and worshippers to gather, ensuring that the sanctity of the Sabbath was maintained regardless of weather conditions.

The King's Entry

Another notable feature of Solomon's Temple was the "king's entry," a special entrance reserved for the king. This entrance symbolized the unique relationship between the monarchy and the temple, highlighting the king's role as both a political and spiritual leader of the nation. The king's entry would have been a place of honor, reflecting the king's responsibility to uphold the covenant and lead the people in worship.

The king's role in temple worship is exemplified in the dedication of the temple by Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:22-23 : "Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, and said: 'O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts.'" This prayer and dedication underscore the king's duty to lead the nation in faithfulness to God.

The king's entry also served as a reminder of the Davidic covenant, the promise made by God to David that his descendants would rule over Israel. This covenant is articulated in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 : "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

In summary, the covered place for the Sabbath and the king's entry were integral components of Solomon's Temple, each serving distinct purposes in the religious and political life of ancient Israel. These features underscored the temple's role as the heart of Israelite worship and the king's responsibility to lead the nation in accordance with God's covenant.

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2 Kings 16:18
And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
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