Bible in 365 Days

1 Kings 6-7

1 Kings 6

This chapter is full of interest, as it gives a somewhat detailed description of the structure of the Temple. In all essentials its actual central building was on the pattern of the Tabernacle. It was, however, twice the size of the Tabernacle, and was built of solid material because it was intended to remain in a permanent position, seeing that the nation was now settled in the land.

Moreover, this settlement was symbolized by the fact that round about the Temple proper many chambers were erected to serve in various ways the interest of the priests and worshipers which had been entirely absent from the Tabernacle.

The time occupied in the construction of the Temple was seven years, during which the actual work of erection in the city went forward in impressive silence.

In this description we have special mention of the oracle, or Holy of Holies; of the golden altar; the doors, and the cherubim. Like the Tabernacle of old, its chief splendor was within, where everything was encased in gold, neither wood nor stone being visible. The magnificence of this small Temple for small it was by comparison with temples erected in other lands to other gods-may be gathered from the fact that the amount of gold used was six hundred talents.

1 Kings 7

Taking advantage of the treaty with Hiram, Solomon also built a house for himself, the house of the forest of Lebanon, a description of which is given in the commencement of this chapter.

It is surely significant that the chronicler says concerning the Temple, "So he was seven years in building it"; and then, "And Solomon was building his own house thirteen years." Comment is hardly necessary, save, perhaps, to remind ourselves that however strong our zeal may be for the Ark of God, if the time and possessions devoted to our own comfort be greater than those devoted to the service of God, it is sure proof that the master passion is self-centered rather than God-centered.

The remainder of the chapter is occupied with a detailed description of the furniture of the Temple. An examination of this shows that essentially it is the same as the furniture of the Tabernacle, but that it is characterized by greater material magnificence and by durability.