Topical Bible: the First Temple was Called: The Mountain of the Lord's House

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Mountain of the Lord's House" is a significant biblical phrase that refers to the First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, which was constructed in Jerusalem. This sacred edifice is central to the religious and cultural history of Israel and holds profound theological importance in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References

The phrase "Mountain of the Lord's House" is prominently mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. Isaiah 2:2-3 states: "In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.' For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."

This passage highlights the eschatological vision where the Temple becomes a focal point for divine instruction and worship, drawing nations to the wisdom and law of God.

Historical Context

The First Temple was constructed under the reign of King Solomon, as detailed in 1 Kings 6-8. Solomon's Temple was built on Mount Moriah, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance, where Abraham was tested with the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:2). The construction of the Temple fulfilled the divine promise to David that his son would build a house for the Lord (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

Architectural and Ritual Significance

The Temple was a masterpiece of ancient architecture, designed to reflect the glory and majesty of God. It housed the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The Temple served as the central place of worship, where sacrifices and offerings were made according to the Mosaic Law. It was the heart of Israel's religious life, where the annual feasts and festivals were celebrated, and where the high priest performed the Day of Atonement rituals.

Theological Implications

The "Mountain of the Lord's House" symbolizes God's dwelling among His people and His sovereignty over all nations. It represents the fulfillment of God's covenant promises and His desire for a relationship with humanity. The Temple's destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC marked a significant moment of judgment and exile, yet the prophetic hope for a restored Temple and a renewed relationship with God persisted.

Prophetic Vision and Messianic Hope

The vision of the "Mountain of the Lord's House" extends beyond the physical Temple to a future hope of restoration and peace. Prophets like Isaiah and Micah envision a time when the Temple will be a beacon of divine truth and justice, drawing all nations to worship the one true God. This vision is often associated with the Messianic age, where the Messiah reigns in righteousness and peace.

In summary, the "Mountain of the Lord's House" is a profound biblical concept that encapsulates the historical, theological, and eschatological dimensions of the First Temple. It serves as a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:2
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Return of the Exiles
... Thy city Jerusalem, Thy holy mountain: because for ... temple, and this should have called
forth expressions ... The magnificence of the first temple, and the imposing ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Altar and Temple
... of their ancestral fields before they were called to leave ... verse 2 the ecclesiastical
dignitary comes first, but in ... but there may be an altar without a temple. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

The River of Life
... thirsty land, must come from below the Temple threshold ... Ezekiel seems to be copying
the first psalm, or ... of large tracts of life in so-called Christian countries ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the river of life.htm

Description of Pilate's Palace and the Adjacent Buildings.
... Temple, and began at the gate which was called Probatica ... this pool the sheep were
washed for the first time, before being taken to the Temple; while the ...
/.../chapter xvi description of pilates.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... THE PROPHETS OF GOD wore anciently called seers, for they had ... Up it mounts, with
the temple on its summit ... The first is the individual exertion of every Christian ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... Carried down in prophetic vision to the first advent, the ... of the chief cornerstone
in the temple of Solomon ... He called it "a sure foundation." The entire world ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... by making the building of His house their first work, they ... poverty has led you to
neglect the temple, but this ... And I called for a drought upon the land, and ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

Jesus in the World.
... pharisees, the priests and the rulers"they would be the first to acknowledge ... but
not the men of religion, the men of the temple, who called his father ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/jesus in the world.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... separation unto God; the priests in the temple and the ... in all manner of conversation."
"God hath not called us to ... to God through Jesus." Take the first thought ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm

Psalm XI.
... to him, as to the other Apostles, the first Eucharist consecrated ... who sent this same
betrayer, whom He called a devil ... 7. "The Lord is in His holy temple" (ver.4 ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xi.htm