Solomon Builds The Temple
October 31, 2021
Commentary
The author begins chapter 6 by describing the building of the temple. It began in mid-spring during the fourth year of Solomon’s reign (v. 1). This was 480 years after Israel was delivered from Egypt. The temple was not made according to the pattern of the Tabernacle, which had been built in the wilderness and used at that time. It did, however, include a Holy Place and a Most Holy Place.
A description of the Temple is given as follows. It was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide and forty-five feet high (v. 2). The vestibule was 30 feet wide and extended the entire width of the Temple like a porch (v. 3). Although it was not massive in size (about the size of a large home today) it was strikingly beautiful in appearance (vv. 4-6). The Temple was made of white limestone, cedar and gold (vv. 14-22). The limestone was quarried beneath the northern wall of the City. Because this was to be a place of worship, Solomon apparently felt that the noise of construction should be held to a minimum. He had the stones cut and fitted at the quarry so they could be assembled quietly on the site (v. 7). The Temple faced east but the entrance was on the south (vv. 8-9). The inner walls of the side rooms were attached to the temple by cedar beams (v. 10).
During the temple construction God reaffirmed to Solomon the promise He had previously made to David. That was that He would “establish the throne of David’s kingdom forever” (vv. 11-13; II Sam. 7:13). This was with the stipulation that Israelites would obey Him (v.12). History reveals that they failed to do this and are still suffering the consequences today.
Application
Judah was trusting in Egypt rather than trusting in the Lord. Many people today are putting their trust in what the government can provide for them. Lord help me to never put my trust in the government rather than putting my trust in you.
Isaiah 30:1– 7 (NET)
1 “The rebellious children are as good as dead,” says the Lord, “those who make plans without consulting me, who form alliances without consulting my Spirit, and thereby compound their sin.
2 They travel down to Egypt without seeking my will, seeking Pharaoh’s protection, and looking for safety in Egypt’s protective shade.
3 But Pharaoh’s protection will bring you nothing but shame, and the safety of Egypt’s protective shade nothing but humiliation.
4 Though his officials are in Zoan and his messengers arrive at Hanes,
5 all will be put to shame because of a nation that cannot help them, who cannot give them aid or help, but only shame and disgrace.”
6 This is an oracle about the animals in the Negev: Through a land of distress and danger, inhabited by lionesses and roaring lions, by snakes and darting adders, they transport their wealth on the backs of donkeys, their riches on the humps of camels, to a nation that cannot help them.
7 Egypt is totally incapable of helping. For this reason I call her “Proud one who is silenced.”
Illustration: Francis Schaeffer Choosing God’s Will
Francis Schaeffer struggled to know God’s will in his life. His father wanted to hear from him soon as to what he was going to be and do in life. His heart was all out to pursue medicine and become a physician. His parents desired him to take on engineering. There was a tussle. It could go either way but God would have something which none of them had even dreamed in their wildest dreams. Finally in desperation, Francis prayed and flipped a coin whether to pursue full time ministry or take up a secular profession. The decision was to pursue full time ministry. He went on to become a full time pastor, philosopher, lecturer and founder of LARI Fellowship and wrote numerous books. (Source Unknown).