The completion of Solomon's Temple marks a significant event in biblical history, symbolizing the fulfillment of King David's vision and the establishment of a central place of worship for the Israelites. The construction of the Temple, often referred to as the First Temple, was a monumental task undertaken by King Solomon, the son of David, and is detailed in the Old Testament.

Biblical Timeline and Context

The construction of Solomon's Temple began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, as recorded in 1 Kings 6:1: "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD." This places the start of construction around 966 BC, based on traditional dating.

The building process took seven years to complete, as noted in 1 Kings 6:38: "In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the house was finished in all its details and according to all its specifications. So he spent seven years building it." This indicates that the Temple was completed around 959 BC.

Significance of Completion

The completion of the Temple was a momentous occasion for the nation of Israel. It represented not only the physical manifestation of God's dwelling place among His people but also the culmination of a promise made to David. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13, God promised David that his offspring would build a house for His name: "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."

The Temple served as the central place of worship and sacrifice, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed in the Most Holy Place. It was a symbol of God's presence and a focal point for the religious life of the Israelites.

Dedication of the Temple

Following its completion, Solomon dedicated the Temple with a grand ceremony, as described in 1 Kings 8. The dedication included the transfer of the Ark of the Covenant into the Temple, numerous sacrifices, and Solomon's prayer of dedication. In 1 Kings 8:10-11, it is recorded that "when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD."

Solomon's prayer, found in 1 Kings 8:22-53, emphasized the Temple as a place of prayer and supplication, not only for the Israelites but also for foreigners who would come to seek the God of Israel. This dedication underscored the Temple's role as a spiritual center for the nation and a testament to God's faithfulness.

Historical and Theological Implications

The completion of Solomon's Temple had profound historical and theological implications. It established Jerusalem as the religious and political center of Israel and reinforced the Davidic covenant. The Temple became a symbol of national identity and divine favor, serving as a reminder of God's promises and His presence among His people.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the Temple's significance is reiterated, and its eventual destruction and subsequent rebuilding play crucial roles in the history of Israel. Solomon's Temple, in its completion, stands as a testament to the faithfulness of God and the centrality of worship in the life of His people.1 Kings 6:38
And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.
Nave's Topical Index

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... the 700 and the 70; and at that time, too, our ... of Tyre, cooperates in the building
of the temple, and gives his own sons to the sons of Solomon, to hew ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm

The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ...
... The Account of the Building of Solomon's Temple Contains Serious ... sons of the kings
really spend their time in hewing ... sort of an ascent about the temple of God ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the account of the.htm

The Founder and Finisher of the Temple
... house that might represent the vanished glories of Solomon's Temple. ... man, grown an
old man by this time, who had ... may be perfectly sure that the Temple which He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the founder and finisher of.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... after the temple of Solomon was finished, this sumptuous ... type of expiation"without
limit of time, or space ... The cost of Solomon's temple has been estimated at ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... So the friendship between Hiram and Solomon hereby increased more ... finished their
task at the appointed time; and so ... for the foundations of the temple, and that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

The New Temple and Its Worship
... and its successful finish, much of which time had been ... a remembrance of the former
more splendid Temple in the ... were poor, if compared with Solomon's 'two and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the new temple and its.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... also the gold and silver stored up for time of building ... 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

Promises and Threatenings
... So, when Solomon had finished his great task, 'the Lord appeared the second time,
as He ... of approval during all the years of building the Temple, for none ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/promises and threatenings.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... of Solomon's evil life and adversity was the time when Hadad ... 22] This youth of Jeroboam,
when Solomon built the ... his twenty years building of the temple and his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

One Worker Preparing for Another
... He has had a good time of service ... He has gathered all the materials for the temple.
Solomon comes, with young blood and youthful vigour, and carries on the work ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/one worker preparing for another.htm

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