Inside of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6 & 7)

In the midst of building God’s House, the Lord sent word to Solomon: IF you will walk in My statues, and execute My ordinances and keep all My commandments by walking in them, then I will…dwell among the sons of Israel and will not forsake My people; this is a reiteration of 1 Kings 2:4; 3:14. God actually dwelled in this magnificent structure Solomon built.

Again I have included below a color version of Solomon's Temple found on page 25 of your book, Walking Faithfully with God:

The Temple’s dimensions (given in 1 Kings 6:2-3) were 60 cubits (L) X 20 cubits (W) X 30 cubits (H) [1 cubit = 18-20 inches]; therefore, it was 90 feet (L) X 30 feet (W) X 45 feet (H). It had a “porch” on the front (1 Kings 6:3 and 2 Chron 3:4) that was 20 cubits X 20 cubits (or 30 feet X 30 feet). The windows had artistic frames (1 Kings 6: 4)

• It was built of stone that was prepared at the quarry; no hammering took place in it (1 Kings 6:7). Wood covered stone; then the wood was carved in the shapes of gourds and flowers (1 Kings 6:18) and overlaid with gold (1 Kings 6:21) and precious stones (2 Chron 3: 6). Why Wood and Gold...Gold represents deity while Wood represents humanity, this is the place where humanity met deity.
• The doorway was on the right side (1 Kings 6:8); this was the east side. Again there was significance for an east reference: The Garden of Eden had an eastern entrance (Gen 3:24), Jesus will come from the East (Is. 41:1-2), the eastern star led the men to the baby Jesus (Mt. 2:2, 9). God may have had countless reasons for choosing the east as the entrance to His presence, but surely not the least of this is that His perfect light interrupts the darkness every morning from the east.

The Main Room as referred to in 2 Chron. 3:5 & 1 Kings 6:17 was 40 (L) X 20 (W) OR 60 feet X (L) 30 feet (W). It was the first room after passing through the 2 pillars one on each side of the entrance that were 35 cubits or 52 ½ feet tall. They each had a name the one of the left was Boaz – which means “in it is strength” the one on the right Jachin – which means “He shall establish” (2 Chron. 3:17). It had 4-sided doorposts made of olive wood and 2 doors of cypress with carvings of cherubim, palm trees and flowers then covered in gold (1 Kings 6:33-35) and walls of cedar with carvings of cherubim, palm trees and flowers then covered in gold (1 Kings 6:29)

• In the Main Room was the Golden Altar (1 Kings 7: 48) was near the entry to the Holy of Holies, used to burn incense. It was covered by cedar and overlaid in gold (1 Kings 6:22)
• Also in the Main room were 10 Golden Tables, 5 on the left and 5 on the right (2 Chron 4:8) on which the bread of presence was (1 Kings 7: 48). The bread was a sign of the everlasting covenant between God and Israel (Lev. 24:8). In Luke 22:14-20, Jesus compares Himself to bread.
• On the 10 Tables were 10 Lampstands, 5 on the left and 5 on the right (2 Chron 4:7) of pure gold to burn in front of the Holy of Holies (2 Chron 4:20). They were made as described in Ex. 25: 31-38, note the flowers were almond blossoms – almond trees were the first to bloom in the spring, the flowers appeared before the leaves. In Numbers 17 Aaron’s staff spouted, budded and produced almond fruit. There were 7 lamps on each lampstand; this is the number of God, the sevenfold attributes of the Spirit of God are described in Is 11:1-2: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might/power, knowledge , fear and the Spirit of the Lord.

The Inner Sanctuary (1 Kings 6:16) or the Holy of Holies (2 Chron. 3:8) was 20 (L) X 20 (W) OR 30 foot cube (30X30X30) had chains of gold across the front of it (1 Kings 6:21) and a veil of violet, purple, crimson and fine linen with cherubim on it (2 Chron. 3:14). These colors signified royalty (violet/purple), sacrifice (crimson) and purity (fine linen). There were 2 doors made of olive wood with carvings of cherubim, palm trees and open flowers overlaid in gold (1 Kings 6:31-32). The walls had carvings of cherubim, palm trees and flowers then covered in gold (1 Kings 6:29).
The Ark of the Covenant would be placed in the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:20) – this was the only thing that was transferred from the tabernacle everything else was built by Solomon. Over the Ark , in the midst of the Holy of Holies were 2 cherubim 10 cubits or 15 feet tall; they were made of olive wood and covered in gold(1 Kings 6:27-28). Each had (2) wings 5 cubit or 7 ½ feet wide; the wings of each attached and they sat facing the main room (2 Chron. 3:12) and covered the entire entrance to the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:27).

Question to Ponder: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states that our bodies are God’s temple. It is our responsibility of the believer is to glorify God in his body. Solomon wanted the house of God’s to be great and wonderful because God is great and wonderful. Because of Jesus, God sees us just as magnificent as Solomon’s Temple. Do you view yourself that way or are you always looking at your faults? How can we glorify God with our body (His Temple)?

Outside of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6 & 7)

Solomon built God’s House according to the instructions God gave Moses in Exodus 27 for the Tabernacle. It was built in Jerusalem on Mt. Moriah (2 Chron. 3:3); this is where the Lord appeared David, also where Abraham went to Sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:2) and from where Jesus as ascended into heaven (Acts 1) as well as where he will step back down onto Earth (Rev 19). Building began 480 years after the exodus from Egypt in the 4th year of Solomon’s reign. It took 7 years to complete it.

We will look at what is recorded in 1 Kings 6 & 7 as well as 2 Chronicles 3 & 4 about Solomon’s Temple. I will include some comparisons to the Tabernacle and see how they point to Jesus. To begin we will start with the courtyard outside of the Temple. There were 3 furnishings outside of the Temple, after we have examined them we walk through the temple. The picture below is a color version of the one you will find on page 25 of your book, Walking Faithfully with God. I have noted the 3 outside furnishings.

#1 The Bronze Altar was almost the same size as the Holy of Holies but only 10 cubits or 15 feet tall. This is where the sacrifices would take place; where the blood was shed. It is what replaced the “Altar of Sacrifice” in the tabernacle. It is where Adonijah and Joab ran and grabbed the horn when they were in fear for their lives earlier in 1 Kings.

#2 Bronze Laver on Oxen was where the priest would wash their hands and feet (see Ex 29:4; 30:19). The idea of clean hands and feet was not new we see God telling Moses to take off his sandals because of him standing on holy ground in Ex 3:1-5, Jesus washed his disciples feet in Jn. 13:1-17 and Ps 24:3-6 promises a blessing to clean hands and a pure heart.

• The Bronze Laver was a circular shape 10 cubits or 15 feet wide and 5 cubits or 7 ½ feet tall with a brim like a cup with 2 rows of gourds like a lily blossom. 12 oxen encircled it facing outward and the laven rested on their backsides – 3 faced north, 3 east, 3 south and 3 west. (2 Chron 4:2-5)
• 2 Chron 4:6 says it holds 3,000 baths where 1 Kings 7:26 says 2,000. The Bible Knowledge Commentary suggests that, “Perhaps the best reconciliation is that the Sea had a capacity of 3,000 baths but actually contained only 2,000.”

#3 Bronze Stands with Bronze Basins were on each side of the Temple; this is where the utensils and tools used during the burn offerings were washed (1 Kings 7: 38-39). There were a total of 10, 5 on each side of the Temple.

• The bronze stands had ornate designs of borders between frames, on the borders were lion, oxen and cherubim, on the frames above the borders were pedestals and wreaths were below. (1 Kings 7: 28-29) The stands had 4 wheels (1 Kings 7: 30) like chariot wheels (1 Kings 7: 27).
• The stands were 4 cubits wide by 4 cubits long and 3 cubits tall; the basins, inside of the stands, held 40 baths (1 Kings 7: 39)

Question to Ponder:  The outer court had one furnishing where the blood was spilled and 2 for cleansing with water. You would have had to pass by the blood and the water to enter the Temple, the place where the fellowship is sweet. In Jn 19: 34 one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side bringing forth a flow of blood and water.  Have you passed by the blood and the water?

Solomon Gives Back to God & Prepares to Build the Temple (1 Kings 5 & 2 Chron. 2)

Solomon decided to build a house for God and for himself (2 Chron. 2:1). Unlike his father, David, Solomon had being given peace on every side from God (vs. 4). This house would be dedicated to God to burn fragrant incense before Him, set out the showbread continually and offer burn offerings (2 Chron. 2:4).


Solomon contacted Hiram, King of Tyre to get the timber (vs. 6-7) since Hiram had provided it to David and he know Hiram had skilled workers (2 Chron. 2:3). He also requested Hiram send a skilled workman to work in gold, silver, brass, iron and fabrics (2 Chron. 2:7).

Hiram rejoiced at Solomon’s request, proclaimed Solomon’s wisdom (vs. 7) and agreed to send Solomon the wood and workers (2 Chron. 2:13-14). He took the wood down from Lebanon, made it into rafts (vs. 9) sent them by sea to Joppa. Solomon’s workers (see paragraph below) carried the wood to Jerusalem (2 Chron. 2:16). In return Hiram asked Solomon for food: 20,000 kors of crushed wheat, 20,000 kors of barley and 20,000 baths of wine and 20,000 baths of oil (2 Chron. 2:10).

His workers included all 153,600 aliens (they became forced workers) – 70, 000 carried loads, 80, 000 quarried stones in the mountains and 3,600 supervisors (2 Chron. 2:17-18). Adoniram (from 1 Kings 4:6) was over these workers (vs. 14). There were also 3,300 chief deputies over the project (vs. 16).

Question to Ponder: Solomon continues to be blessed as God promised; in his wisdom Solomon used the riches and state of his country both provided by God to glorify the Lord in preparing to build a Temple to worship Him. We should view all we are given as blessings from God and use them as an opportunity to give back to Him. How can we give back to God?

God Blessed Solomon (1 Kings 4)

Solomon walked in God's ways and God blessed Solomon with a vast kingdom that had peace on all sides.  It was so large that he had officials to help run the government.  Solomon’s officials are recorded (vs. 1-6).

Solomon’s Officals:
Azariah, son of Zadok, was the priest (vs. 2)
Elihoreph & Ahijah, sons of Shisha, were the secretaries (vs. 3)
Jehoshaphat, son of Ahilud, was the recorder (vs. 3)
Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was over the army (vs. 4)
Azdok & Abiathar were priests (vs. 4)
Azariah, son of Nathan, was over the deputies (vs.5)
Zabud, son of Nathan, was a priest and the king’s friend (vs.5)
Ahishar was over the household (vs.6)
Adoniram was over the men forced to labor (vs.6)

Solomon's 12 deputies of Israel are recorded (vs. 7-19) (I have listed the location first then the names in bold followed by any recorded information).  I can't get the map to paste here so if you are interested let me know and I will make you a copy of it.
#1 Hill country of Ephraim > Ben-hur (vs. 8)
#2 Makaz, Shaalbim and Beth-shemesh > Ben-deker (vs. 9)
#3 Arubboth, Sochoh and Hepher > Ben-hesed (vs. 10)
#4 Dor > Ben-abinadab married to Taphath, Solomon’s daughter (vs. 11)
#5 Taanach and Megiddo > Baana, son of Ahilum (vs. 12)
#6 Ramoth-gilean (included 60 great cities) > Ben-geber (vs. 13)
#7 Mahanaim > Ahinadab (vs. 14)
#8 Land of Naphtali > Ahimaaz married to Basemath, Solomon’s daughter (vs. 15)
#9 Asher and Bealoth > Baana, son of Hushai (vs. 16)
#10 Land of Issachar > Jehoshaphat, son of Paruah (vs. 17)
#11 Land of Benjamin > Shimei son of Ela (vs. 18)
#12 Land of Gilead > Geber, son of Uri (vs. 19)

Solomon’s provisions are recorded (vs. 22-28) as well as some of his accomplishments (vs. 29-34): his wisdom was greater than all men before him from the east or Egypt and all came to hear his wisdom (vs. 30-31, 34). He spoke 3,000 proverbs, 1,005 songs (vs. 32) and wisdom of the trees and animals (vs. 33).

Question to Ponder: Solomon’s kingdom grew in size needing officials and deputies to help govern the land. He also grew great in wisdom, both of which were promised to him by God in 1 Kings 3 and 2 Chron 1. God blessed Solomon and He kept His promises. How has God blessed you?

Walking in God's Ways ~ Solomon is granted Wisdom (1 Kings 3 & 2 Chron.1)

Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh [at that time it was not common for Egyptian pharaohs to intermarry, this was a sign of an alliance between the nations of Egypt and Israel and a sign of Solomon’s unusual esteem.

Solomon then went to the high places at Gibeon and burned incense. At the High Places pagan worship took place (Arnon is referenced in Num 21:28, Baal in Num 22:41 and God told His people to destroy the molten images and high places in Num 33:52).  In addition, he offered sacrifices to the Lord at Gibeon. Then when asleep, the Lord appeared to him:
Solomon was given a promise by David in 1 Kings 2:3 if he would walk in God’s ways, keep His statues, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies according to what is written in the Law of Moses, God would keep a man on the throne of Israel. This promise mirrored God’s promise to Solomon in 1 Kings 3:14, if you walk in My ways, keeping My statues and commandments you will have a long life.

• The word “way” in Hebrew literally means “a road”, figuratively it means “a course of life or mode of action”

The Lord then offered Solomon anything and Solomon chose wisdom and a discerning, understanding heart. God not only gave him wisdom, but wealth and honor as well.

After being granted wisdom, he displayed that wisdom to God when he went to Jerusalem and sacrificed burnt offerings and a peace offering before the Ark of the Covenant. He then displayed his wisdom to his kingdom in the judgment of the 2 harlot women arguing over the baby.

Question to Ponder: It was obviously important for Solomon to walk in God’s ways ~ David said it in chapter 2 and God reiterated it in chapter 3. What does it mean for you to walk in God’s ways?

Solomon's Cleansing of Israel (1 Kings 2)

After Solomon took over as king, David told Solomon to be sure to follow God’s ways, His statues, commandments, ordinances, testimonies and all that was written in the Law. He went on to warn Solomon about 2 individuals, Shimei and Joab; he told Solomon to use wisdom in dealing with them; then David died.

1. Adonijah, Solomon’s brother, tried to have Bathsheba convince Solomon to give him Abishag as a wife (vs. 13-17); his intensions must have been wicked due to the promise Solomon made in vs. 52 of chapter 1 because Solomon was outraged and had Adonijah killed by Benaiah (vs. 25).
2. Abiathar was the priest who supported Adonijah in chapter 1. Solomon dismissed him as the priest just after Benaiah killed Adonijah; Solomon did not kill him due to Abiathar’s service to David (vs. 26-27).
3. Joab was another supporter of Adonijah (1 Kings 1: 7, 19) he also killed 2 members of the army during a time of peace during David's reign (vs. 5). Joab received news that Solomon dismissed Abiathar the priest (vs. 28) and fled to the altar (vs. 29) where he was killed by Benaiah then buried at his house (vs. 34)
4.  Shimei was a Benjamite of Bahurim who cursed David. David promised that he would not kill Shimei (vs. 8). After David’s death Solomon summoned Shimei and told him to build himself a house in Jerusalem but not to cross the brook of Kidron or he would die (vs. 36-37). One of Shimei’s servants ran away and he went after the servant (vs. 39-40). Since Shimei broke his promise to Solomon, Solomon sent Benaiah to kill him (vs. 46)

Solomon headed the warnings and instructions of his father, David and cleansed his kingdom of wickedness and evil men (his brother Adonijah, both of Adonijah’s followers, Joab and Abiathar, as well as Shimei)

A Question to Ponder:  It is important to examine our lives and cleanse ourselves of wickedness and evil; not only is this something that must occur individually but our community and government must do this as well. What areas need to be examined and cleansed in your life?

From David to Solomon (1 Kings1)

David’s son, Adonijah, exalted himself as king and had the assistance of Abiathar the priest and Joab, son of Zeruiah/commander of the army (1 Kings 1:5, 7). He made sacrifices and threw a feast at the king’s table with the king’s sons, Joab and Abiathar (1 Kings 1:25).

Adonijah did not include David, Solomon nor David's faithful servants, Benaiah, Zadok or Nathan (1 Kings 1:8).

• Benaiah, son of Jehoiada was in the army
• Zadok was a priest and
• Nathan a prophet

Nathan and Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, made David aware of this and asked David about the promise he made to Bathsheba concerning Solomon being the next king. David appointed Solomon king and David's men, Benaiah, Zadok and Nathan anointed Solomon king in Gihon (1 Kings 1:29-39). Solomon took his place on David's throne and Benaiah proclaimed a blessing over him stating “may the Lord make Solomon's throne greater than the throne of David”.

Hearing this Adonijah's guests left him; he was alone and terrified so he fled to the altar where Solomon called him. Solomon promised if Adonijah would be a worthy man and show no wickedness he would endure no harm and told Adonijah to return to his house (1 Kings 1:52-53).

1 Kings 1 sets the tone of the book of Kings, we immediately see God's sovereignty ~ God chose Solomon to be the next king after David and promised it through David's promise to Bathsheba.  It was fulfilled when David appointed him and his men anointed Solomon King of Israel. No evil planned by men can stop God's plan. We also see God’s mercy foreshadowed in Solomon’s actions when he sent his brother away safely, giving him another chance if he would not be wicked.

A Question to Ponder…Solomon and Bathsheba must have felt like everything was out of control when Adonijah was the self-appointed king.  What situations cause you to feel like everything is out of control or do you trust in a sovereign God who has your best interest in mind?

Welcome!!

Hello all!! This blog is where I will post notes from the lessons each week. You may want to sign up to “follow it” so that when I post updates you will be notified via emailed. After you have completed your studies, please feel free to add comments; I would love for this to be a venue for us to be able to share insights we have gleaned from God's Word.

I pray a special blessing on each of you as we embark on this journey together through the history of Israel's kings and prophets. Take special note of those who did what was right in their own eyes and evil in God's eyes...those who sought after godly wisdom and those who were more concerned with worldly "wisdom". Please let me know how I can help you.

Blessings,
Ellen