The Temple of Solomon, also known as the First Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the son of David, the temple was located in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was to offer Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1). The temple served not only as a place for sacrifices and worship but also as a refuge for the people of Israel, both spiritually and physically.

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, using the finest materials, including cedar from Lebanon and gold overlay. The temple's design was divinely inspired, reflecting the heavenly sanctuary. 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 temple as a place where God's people could seek refuge: "May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that You will hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place" (1 Kings 8:29).

A Place of Refuge

The temple was intended as a refuge for the Israelites, a place where they could turn in times of trouble. Solomon's dedication prayer emphasized this aspect, asking God to hear the prayers of His people when they faced various adversities, such as famine, pestilence, or enemy attacks (1 Kings 8:37-40). The temple was a physical representation of God's covenant with Israel, offering assurance that He would listen to their cries and provide deliverance.

Spiritual Refuge

Beyond its physical structure, the temple symbolized a spiritual refuge. It was the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law given to Moses. The presence of the Ark signified God's covenantal promises and His willingness to forgive and restore His people. The temple rituals, including sacrifices and offerings, were means by which the Israelites could seek atonement and reconciliation with God, finding refuge from the consequences of sin.

Historical Significance

Throughout Israel's history, the temple served as a focal point for national identity and spiritual renewal. During times of national crisis, such as the invasion of foreign armies, the temple was a place where the people gathered to seek God's intervention. For instance, King Hezekiah prayed in the temple when Jerusalem was threatened by the Assyrian army, and God delivered the city (2 Kings 19:14-19, 35-36).

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its significance, Solomon's Temple was eventually destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC as a consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The destruction marked a period of exile and reflection for the Israelites. However, the memory of the temple as a place of refuge endured, influencing the construction of the Second Temple and the future hope of a restored relationship with God.

In summary, Solomon's Temple was more than a magnificent building; it was a sanctuary of divine presence and a refuge for the people of Israel, embodying the hope and assurance of God's protection and provision.2 Kings 11:15
But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, and said to them, Have her forth without the ranges: and him that follows her kill with the sword. For the priest had said, Let her not be slain in the house of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 6:10,11
Afterward I came to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay you; yes, in the night will they come to slay you.
Nave's Topical Index

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized. or, ... Of all the wonders of the world, the temple of
Solomon was beyond comparison the greatest and the most magnificent. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... offered to build and adorn the Temple, Solomon's great work ... destined chief of the
new kingdom, Solomon persecuted him, and drove him to take refuge with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... Jeroboam, the rebellious servant of Solomon, taught the people that ... The temple built
for him was destroyed by John ... 13); 4, here was a city of refuge ( Joshua 20 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from 2.htm

The Priest of the World and King of Men
... the spiritual house which the King greater than Solomon is building ... of the confusion
and desolation shall gleam the temple of God, which is the refuge of men ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the priest of the world.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... that part of the {16} Temple called Solomon's porch[33 ... brethren to the Holy City
and the Temple, he could ... by the Greek-speaking Jews who sought refuge there[54 ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

A Little Sanctuary
... A sanctuary was a place of refuge. You know how Joab fled to the horns of the altar
to escape from Solomon's armed men: he ran to the temple hoping to find ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/a little sanctuary.htm

A Peal of Bells
... from the slaughter of Goliath, or that auspicious morn when Solomon's temple,
glittering in ... of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge""there was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a peal of bells.htm

Heaven
... thousands of Jerusalem; he might have seen king Solomon upon his ... Will they all resort
to one temple? ... midst of the sea, he says, "God is our refuge and strength ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/heaven.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... some work, like that of building the Temple, which has ... Solomon meant that it should
be complete, in contradistinction ... He is, our only God and refuge, the only ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

Hugh the Builder
... doors from the north and west, so that men might seek refuge in the ... rounded space
lies open, putting to the proof, both in material and art, Solomon's temple. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org

What was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.org

What was Solomon's temple / the first temple? How many temples were there? | GotQuestions.org

Temple: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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