Topical Bible: Jerusalem: The Temple Built In

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Introduction

Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology, particularly as the site of the Temple, which served as the focal point of Jewish worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Temple in Jerusalem is a significant symbol of God's covenant with Israel and His desire to dwell among His people.

Historical Background

The concept of a central place of worship for the Israelites dates back to the time of Moses, with the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary used during the wilderness wanderings. However, it was King David who first envisioned a permanent structure to house the Ark of the Covenant. Although David was not permitted to build the Temple due to his history as a warrior, God promised him that his son would fulfill this task (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

Solomon's Temple

King Solomon, David's son, was the one who ultimately built the first Temple in Jerusalem. The construction of the Temple began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:1, 38). The Temple was built on Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham had been willing to sacrifice Isaac (2 Chronicles 3:1), and it became the spiritual center of Israel.

The Temple was a magnificent structure, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. It was constructed with the finest materials, including cedar from Lebanon and gold overlay. The inner sanctuary, known as the Holy of Holies, housed the Ark of the Covenant and was the most sacred part of the Temple. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2-34).

The Second Temple

The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the Babylonian exile. After the return from exile, the Jewish people, under the leadership of Zerubbabel and later Ezra and Nehemiah, rebuilt the Temple. This Second Temple was completed in 516 BC, as recorded in the book of Ezra (Ezra 6:15).

The Second Temple underwent significant renovations and expansions under Herod the Great, beginning around 20 BC. Herod's Temple was a grand edifice, and its courts were the setting for many events in the New Testament, including Jesus' teachings and His cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13).

Theological Significance

The Temple in Jerusalem was more than just a building; it was the dwelling place of God's presence on earth. It was where sacrifices were offered, and where the people of Israel gathered for worship and festivals. The Temple symbolized God's covenant with Israel and His desire to be in relationship with His people.

In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Temple's purpose. He referred to His body as the Temple (John 2:19-21), indicating that He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. The tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through Christ.

Prophetic and Eschatological Views

The Temple also holds a place in prophetic and eschatological discussions. Many Christians believe that prophecies concerning the Temple have both historical and future fulfillments. Some interpret passages such as Ezekiel 40-48 and Revelation 11 as referring to a future Temple, which plays a role in end-times events.

Conclusion

The Temple in Jerusalem remains a profound symbol of God's presence, His covenant with His people, and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Its historical and theological significance continues to inspire and inform the faith of believers around the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 3:1
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared to David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 68:29
Because of your temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Friendship that was Between Onias and Ptolemy Philometor; and ...
... By this speech, and other arguments, Andronicus persuaded the king to determine
that the temple at Jerusalem was built according to the laws of Moses, [6] and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 the friendship that.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... was in Media, wherein was written as follows: "Cyrus the king, in the first year
of his reign, commanded that the temple should be built in Jerusalem; and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

Concerning Sanballat and Manasseh, and the Temple which they Built ...
... 8. Concerning Sanballat And Manasseh, And The Temple Which They Built On Mount Gerizzim;
As Also How Alexander Made His Entry Into The City Jerusalem, And What ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning sanballat and.htm

What Philosophers were Famous when Tarquinius Priscus Reigned Over ...
... Tarquinius Priscus, the successor of Ancus Martius, over the Romans, the Jewish
people was led captive into Babylon, Jerusalem and the temple built by Solomon ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 25 what philosophers were famous.htm

And when Jesus Entered Jerusalem, He Went up to the Temple of God. ...
... [1] [2183] And when Jesus entered Jerusalem, he went up to the temple of ... [2193] The
Jews said unto him, This temple was built in forty-six years, and wilt ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxxii and when jesus.htm

How the City Jerusalem was Taken, and the Temple Pillaged [By ...
... the high priest, fled to Ptolemy, and received a place from him in the Nomus of
Heliopolis, where he built a city resembling Jerusalem, and a temple that was ...
/.../chapter 1 how the city.htm

Erection of a Temple by Constantine the Great at Golgotha, in ...
... The temple, [1192] called the "Great Martyrium," which was built in the place of
the skull at Jerusalem, was completed about the thirtieth year [1193] of the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter xxvi erection of a temple.htm

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... upon that gate which he had himself erected in the temple. ... He also built a wall about
a citadel that lay ... he dedicated a tower that was at Jerusalem, and called ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... as also with the sounds of trumpets and of cymbals, and so brought the ark to Jerusalem. ...
and when he had lived a long life, there should be a temple built by a ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

The Promises Addressed to Jerusalem in the Prophets Refer to the ...
... we must say that we are now the temple and the people which was carried captive,
but is to come up again to Jud??a and Jerusalem, and to be built with the ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/26 the promises addressed to.htm