Topical Bible: the First Temple: Solomon: Employed all the Strangers in Preparing For

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Topical Encyclopedia

The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the first permanent structure built for the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem. King Solomon, the son of David, was divinely appointed to construct this magnificent edifice, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

Biblical Context and Construction

The construction of the First Temple is detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Solomon's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, providing the ideal conditions for such an ambitious project. The temple's construction began in the fourth year of Solomon's reign and took seven years to complete (1 Kings 6:1, 38).

Employment of Strangers

A notable aspect of the temple's construction was Solomon's employment of "strangers" or non-Israelites. These individuals were primarily foreigners residing in Israel, often referred to as "aliens" or "sojourners" in various translations. Solomon's decision to employ these individuals is recorded in 2 Chronicles 2:17-18 : "Then Solomon numbered all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, following the census his father David had conducted, and there were found to be 153,600 in all. He made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors to make the people work."

The employment of these foreigners was a practical decision, as they provided the necessary labor force for the massive undertaking. The tasks assigned to them included stonecutting, transporting materials, and overseeing various aspects of the construction process. This workforce was essential for the timely and efficient completion of the temple.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of foreigners in the construction of the temple can be seen as a foreshadowing of the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. While the temple was primarily for the Israelites, the participation of non-Israelites in its construction hints at the future expansion of God's covenant to include all nations. This theme is echoed in the prophetic writings, where the temple is envisioned as a house of prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7).

Significance of the Temple

The First Temple served as the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant and the center of Israelite worship. It was the site of numerous sacrifices and religious festivals, playing a crucial role in the spiritual life of the nation. The temple's construction fulfilled God's promise to David that his son would build a house for His name (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

In summary, Solomon's employment of strangers in the preparation and construction of the First Temple highlights the collaborative effort required for this monumental task. It also reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's plan to extend His grace and covenant beyond the boundaries of Israel, ultimately encompassing all of humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 2:2,17,18
And Solomon told out three score and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 5:15
And Solomon had three score and ten thousand that bore burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and Hiram I., the contemporary of David and Solomon. ... statue was long shown in the
temple at Memphis ... call Shuzub, and whom Assyriologists at first confused one ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Truly the light is good (saith Solomon) and a ... often they who are least able, will
first adventure to ... descended from the pinnacle of the temple, as afterwards ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... Tsadoq), the High-Priest in the time of Solomon. ... that of full member, when, for the
first time, he ... ministry, which constituted the main business of the Temple? ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... his apostles, and answereth to Jerusalem in the days of Solomon; her second ... of God
departed from them, and went, by degrees, first out of the temple to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... bring brick, rebuild E-khul-khul, the temple of Harran ... contingent at Bphesus, and
to be the first to present ... the precious metal came soon to be employed as a ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the Hebrew kingdom"Saul, David, Solomon, the defection ... and isolated group was
not at first, however, a ... of Dagon, he was brought into the temple to amuse ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the Amorites (Joshua 10:13), and very probably the couplet recited by Solomon at
the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings ... Wellhausen was the first to admit ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... long captivity, the destruction of the temple, and suppression ... God is effective only
in the first forgiveness of ... And Solomon says, "by mercy and truth iniquity ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... again, and knocked more vehemently than they did at the first. ... came in unto Thee,
into Thine holy temple' (Jonah 2 ... gently in, and said, I pray for all them that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... in this world borne the image of our first father; so ... in our body, that he will remove
all impossibilities and ... the top of the pinnacle of the temple into Galilee ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm