Learn from 1 Kings 6 how Solomon built the temple as God's dwelling place. Discover the lessons of obedience, preparation and foreshadowing of Christ.
The heart of the nation of Israel had always been the presence of God among His people. From the days of the wilderness, the tabernacle had served as a mobile sanctuary, a place where God would meet with Moses and the people. Now, with the kingdom established and at peace, the time had arrived for a permanent dwelling place, a house that would be a testimony to God's faithfulness and glory.
Solomon began to build the temple in the fourth year of his reign, in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel came out of the land of Egypt (1 Kings 6:1). The dimensions of the temple were sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The stones were prepared at the quarry so that no hammer, axe, or any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built (1 Kings 6:7). The silence of the construction was a fitting testimony to the peace that characterized the reign of Solomon and the work of God.
The account of 1 Kings 6 reveals the significance of God's dwelling among His people. The temple was not merely a building but a symbol of God's presence and a foreshadowing of greater spiritual realities. The Lord promised Solomon, "If thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then I will perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel" (1 Kings 6:12-13). The lesson from this chapter reminds believers that the presence of God is the greatest blessing and that obedience to His commands is the condition of His favor. The chapter demonstrates that the temple pointed forward to the greater temple of Christ, the church, and the hearts of believers.
The Construction of the Temple
The Date and Dimensions
The building of the temple began with precise timing and specific measurements. The text states, "And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD" (1 Kings 6:1). The date marked a significant milestone in Israel's history and testified to God's faithfulness across generations.
The dimensions of the temple were specific and orderly. The house was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high (1 Kings 6:2). The porch before the temple was twenty cubits long and ten cubits broad (1 Kings 6:3). The measurements reflected the order and design of God's plan, establishing the temple as the central place of worship for the nation.
The Stones Prepared at the Quarry
One of the most remarkable features of the temple construction was the preparation of the stones. The text states, "And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building" (1 Kings 6:7). The silence was a powerful testimony to the peace and order of the work.
The silence of the construction was also symbolic of the peace of God's dwelling place. The temple was to be the house of the God of peace, and the noise of tools would have been inappropriate. The work was done with care and preparation, reflecting the care with which God's work should be done. The pattern also points to the work of God in the heart, which grows in silence (Mark 5:27).
The Chambers and the Cedar
The temple was surrounded by chambers built against the walls. The text describes chambers round about, against the walls of the house (1 Kings 6:5). The chambers were built in three stories, with the lowest chamber five cubits broad, the middle six cubits broad, and the third seven cubits broad (1 Kings 6:6). The chambers were used for storage and for the priests to dress and undress.
The interior of the temple was covered with cedar. The text states, "And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the ceiling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir" (1 Kings 6:15). The cedar was strong and durable and of a very sweet smell. The use of cedar and the gold overlay demonstrated the glory and beauty of God's house.
The Oracle and the Cherubim
The Inner Sanctuary
The temple was divided into the holy place and the most holy place, also called the oracle. The oracle was prepared in the house within to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord (1 Kings 6:19). The oracle was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits broad, and twenty cubits high (1 Kings 6:20). The most holy place was the dwelling place of God's presence.
The oracle was overlaid with pure gold (1 Kings 6:20). The gold was a symbol of the glory and purity of God. The entire house was overlaid with gold until he had finished all the house (1 Kings 6:22). The abundance of gold demonstrated that no expense was spared in honoring God and making the house worthy of His presence.
The Cherubim
Within the oracle, Solomon made two cherubim of olive tree, each ten cubits high (1 Kings 6:23). The cherubim were placed in the inner house, and their wings stretched out so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall, and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house (1 Kings 6:27). The cherubim symbolized the presence of God and the reverence due to Him.
The cherubim were overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:28). The carvings on the walls included cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers (1 Kings 6:29). The decorations were designed to reflect the beauty and glory of God's creation. The cherubim pointed to the holiness of God and the need for reverent worship.
The Doors and the Inner Court
The doors of the oracle were made of olive tree, and the doorposts were a fifth part of the wall (1 Kings 6:31). The doors were carved with cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and were overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:32). The door of the temple was also made of fir tree, with folding doors (1 Kings 6:34).
The inner court was built with three rows of hewed stone and a row of cedar beams (1 Kings 6:36). The court was for the priests and was designed for the worship of God. The temple was completed in all its parts, and the work was finished in the eleventh year of Solomon's reign (1 Kings 6:38).
God's Promise and the Condition of Obedience
The Word of the Lord
The Lord spoke to Solomon during the construction with a promise and a warning. The word of the Lord came to Solomon saying, "Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then I will perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel" (1 Kings 6:11-13). The promise was conditional on obedience.
The word of the Lord was a reminder that the temple was not a guarantee of God's presence. The presence of God was dependent on the obedience of the king and the people. The building of the temple would not excuse them from obedience. The condition of obedience was a test of the nation's faithfulness.
The Significance of the Promise
The promise of God's dwelling was the heart of the covenant. The Lord declared, "I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel" (1 Kings 6:13). The promise was a source of hope and comfort for the nation. The presence of God was the greatest blessing and the source of Israel's security.
The promise of God's presence pointed forward to the greater fulfillment in Christ. The Apostle John writes, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The temple was a type of Christ, who is God's presence among His people. The Lord's promise to dwell with Israel foreshadowed the incarnation of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
The Condition of Obedience
The condition of obedience was a reminder that God's presence is not automatic. The people were called to walk in God's statutes and to keep His commandments. The obedience of the king was the key to the prosperity of the nation.
The condition of obedience applies to believers today. The Apostle Paul writes, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). The presence of the Holy Spirit is a gift, but it is also a call to holiness.
Lessons from 1 Kings 6
The Priority of Worship
The construction of the temple demonstrates the priority of worship. Solomon devoted his resources and labor to building a house for the Lord. The temple was the center of the nation's life and the focus of its worship. The priority of worship was a reflection of the priority of God's presence.
The lesson from 1 Kings 6 is that worship must be a priority. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The example of Solomon encourages believers to prioritize worship and to give their best to God.
The Necessity of Preparation
The silence of the construction demonstrates the necessity of preparation. The stones were prepared at the quarry, and the timbers were cut in Lebanon. The preparation ensured that the work was done with precision and order. The preparation was a reflection of the care that is due to God.
The lesson from 1 Kings 6 is that God's work requires preparation. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:21, "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." The example of Solomon encourages believers to prepare themselves for the service of God.
The Condition of Obedience
The word of the Lord to Solomon emphasizes the condition of obedience. The presence of God was dependent on the faithfulness of the king and the people. The temple was not a guarantee of God's favor but a reminder of the covenant obligations.
The lesson from 1 Kings 6 is that obedience is essential for experiencing God's presence. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." The example of Solomon encourages believers to walk in obedience and to trust in God's faithfulness.
The Foreshadowing of Christ
The temple points forward to the greater temple of Christ. The Apostle John declares, "Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19). The temple was a type of the body of Christ and a foreshadowing of the church.
The lesson from 1 Kings 6 is that Christ is the true temple. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" Believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit and are called to glorify God with their bodies.
Connections to Scripture
The Tabernacle and the Temple
The temple was built on the pattern of the tabernacle. The dimensions of the temple were double the dimensions of the tabernacle. The Most Holy Place was a cube, as was the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. The temple was a fulfillment of the tabernacle and a testimony to the continuity of God's work.
The Promise to David
The temple was connected to the promise to David in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. God had promised David that his son would build a house for His name. Solomon's construction of the temple was a fulfillment of that promise. The temple was a testimony to God's covenant faithfulness.
The Typology of the Temple
The temple is a type of the church and of Christ. Solomon's temple was a physical building made of stone and timber. The church is a spiritual building made of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). Christ is the true temple, and His body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (John 2:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:19). The temple pointed forward to the greater reality of God's presence in Christ.
Conclusion
The building of the temple was a monumental undertaking that demonstrated Solomon's dedication to God and his commitment to fulfilling the promise made to David. The temple was a place of worship, a symbol of God's presence, and a foreshadowing of greater spiritual realities. The construction was marked by preparation, silence, and glory.
The lesson from 1 Kings 6 is that the presence of God is the greatest blessing. The temple was built to be a dwelling place for the Lord among His people. The lesson applies to believers today. God's presence is the source of our hope and the foundation of our faith.
The chapter also reveals the condition of obedience. The Lord promised to dwell among Israel if they walked in His statutes and kept His commandments. The lesson calls believers to walk in obedience and to trust in God's faithfulness. The hope of the temple is found in Christ, who is the true temple and who builds His church for the glory of God. The account of 1 Kings 6 reveals that God's presence is the greatest gift and that obedience is the path to experiencing His favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Solomon build the temple, and what was its significance?
Solomon built the temple to fulfill the promise God had made to David, that his son would build a house for the name of the Lord (2 Samuel 7:12-13; 1 Kings 5:5). The temple was a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people and a central place of worship for the nation of Israel. It symbolized the covenant relationship between God and His people and pointed forward to greater spiritual realities, including Christ, the church, and the hearts of believers (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Peter 2:5).
2. What was the significance of the silence during the construction of the temple?
The temple was built of stones prepared at the quarry, so that no hammer, axe, or any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built (1 Kings 6:7). This silence demonstrated the peace and order that characterized the construction and honored the God of peace. The silence also taught that God's work should be done with care and without clamor or violence. The pattern also points to the work of God in the heart, which grows in silence (Mark 5:27). The silence was a testimony to the reverence that is due to God and the importance of preparation.
3. What was the condition of God's promise to dwell among Israel?
The Lord told Solomon that His dwelling among Israel was conditional on obedience. He said, "If thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then I will perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father: And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel" (1 Kings 6:12-13). The presence of God was not automatic but was dependent on the faithfulness of the king and the people. The condition was a reminder that the temple was not a guarantee of God's favor but a call to covenant faithfulness.
4. What did the cherubim in the temple represent?
The cherubim were symbolic figures that represented the presence of God and the reverence due to Him. They were placed in the Most Holy Place, with their wings stretching out to touch the walls and each other (1 Kings 6:23-27). The cherubim were also carved on the walls of the temple (1 Kings 6:29). They pointed to the holiness of God and the need for reverent worship. In the tabernacle, the cherubim were placed on the mercy seat above the Ark (Exodus 25:18-22), where God would meet with His people.
5. How does the temple in 1 Kings 6 point to Jesus Christ?
The temple in 1 Kings 6 is a type of Christ and the church. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to His body. The Apostle Paul writes that believers are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in them (1 Corinthians 3:16). The temple was a physical building made of stone and timber. The church is a spiritual building made of living stones (1 Peter 2:5). The temple points forward to the greater reality of God's presence in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
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