1 Kings 7
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Introduction
Introduction
So, last week in chapter 6 we looked at Solomon’s construction of the Temple.
So, last week in chapter 6 we looked at Solomon’s construction of the Temple.
David had wished to construct the Temple himself.
David had wished to construct the Temple himself.
But God had not allowed him to do that, leaving it instead for David’s successor, Solomon.
And chapter 7 detailed the construction, giving quite a bit of detail.
But there were other buildings within the Temple area and those are given to us in the first part of chapter 7 which we’ll look at today.
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The building of the Temple was first and that required 7 years.
Then Solomon built the king’s palace and the other structures and courts that made up the temple area.
The entire project took 20 years.
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You will note that the “temple area” included buildings in addition to the temple proper (7:1–12). Solomon built the temple first; this required seven years (6:38). Then he built the king’s house and the other structures and courts that made up the temple area (9:10). The entire project took twenty years.
We won’t go back through the nitty gritty details of the construction of the Temple tonight, but I do want to refresh your memory.
We won’t go back through the nitty gritty details of the construction of the Temple tonight, but I do want to refresh your memory.
It was double the size of the original Tabernacle … so, as we saw last week, the Temple was not a huge structure.
It was double the size of the original Tabernacle … so, as we saw last week, the Temple was not a huge structure.
But
This picture of the Temple structure without the porch gives an idea of the size.
The temple was made of cut stone, cut and shaped at the quarry and then overlayed with wood.
That wood was then overlayed with gold, and embellished with precious stones.
The fact that the stones were cut and shaped at the quarry meant that they could be silently fitted into place.
They workers were following God’s plans, given to David … so everything fit together.
This is a great example to us and a great reminder of why we approach the Bible in a verse by verse / chapter by chapter method.
Even when we get to chapters that are dense with detail, or name after name genealogies … we don’t skip over them.
That’s because God tells us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable.”
Do not read below:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
-17
Everything in scripture fits together just right for our learning and edification and our own fitting together into the Body of Christ.
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The Temple may have not been huge, but it was extremely elaborate.
The Temple may have not been huge, but it was extremely elaborate.
Where the Tabernacle was a temporary tent with skins for a covering; the Temple was a magnificent stone building with a foundation to the bedrock.
Where the Tabernacle was a temporary tent with skins for a covering; the Temple was a magnificent stone building with a foundation to the bedrock.
It had windows and a floor made of wood and covered in gold.
The Tabernacle did not have either of those things.
In the Holy of Holies, there were two huge cherubim which lumbered over the Ark of the Covenant, which sat beneath their wings.
The Holy Place also called the Sanctuary was separated off by a large decorative veil.
In the Sanctuary were all the same furnishings that were in the Tabernacle .... table of shewbread, altar of incense, menorah and so forth … but there were also some additions and differences.
The Tabernacle had a outer court, but the Temple had a beautiful porch with multiple courtyards surrounding it.
On the porch were 2 pillars, one called Jachin meaning “He will establish” and the other called Boaz meaning “In Him is strength.”
Strength and stability belonged to the Lord and if they were faithful to the LORD and His commandments, strength and stability would belong to His people as they settled in their land.
However, as we saw in verses 11-13,
The courtyard area immediately outside of the Temple contained those items that were found in the one courtyard of the Tabernacle … laver and altar.
However, as we’ll see tonight, instead of the small laver of the Tabernacle, they made a large “molten sea” which stood upon twelve oxen.
Other, portable brass lavers were made to be used throughout the temple area.
We are told in that the altar of brass was equal in size to the holy of holies.
Other, portable brass lavers were made to be used throughout the temple area.
2 Chronicles also tells us that there were ten candlesticks instead of the one menorah, as well as 10 tables for the bread.
We’ll look more closely at some of these things tonight.
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As we have seen in our study in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews, there is a lot of instruction given about the meaning of the Tabernacle.
As we have seen in our study in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews, there is a lot of instruction given about the meaning of the Tabernacle.
But the New Testament doesn’t give as much instruction about the meaning of the Temple.
But the New Testament doesn’t give as much instruction about the meaning of the Temple.
The NT does not give us as much instruction as to the meaning of the temple as it gives concerning the tabernacle.
Some say that the tabernacle is a picture of Christ in His humility on the earth.
The temple then is a type of His present ministry in glory, building that “holy temple” of living stones.
Others say that the tabernacle expresses our life as pilgrims or sojourners today.
The permanent building of the temple then expresses our glorious reign with Christ when He returns.
Whatever the case, I don’t think we should make too much of it … it’s easy to get distracted and focused on the shadow rather than the spiritual reality.
In fact, Israel began to trust the presence of their temple instead of the promises of the Lord.
And in less than 500 years, this temple was destroyed as Israel went into captivity because of their sins.
Remember that in 6:11–13, God reminded Solomon that the important thing was obeying His Word, not building a great temple.
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As I mentioned earlier, this chapter brings up some other buildings that Solomon constructed … royal buildings for administration and judicial purposes.
As I mentioned earlier, this chapter brings up some other buildings that Solomon constructed … royal buildings for administration and judicial purposes.
But since the temple is the main focus of the historian’s account, less space is devoted to these buildings.
But since the temple is the main focus of the historian’s account, less space is devoted to these buildings.
Since the temple is the main focus of the historian’s account, less space is devoted to the complex of royal secular buildings for administrative and judicial purposes. All these were within a large courtyard to which general reference is made (vv. 9–12). This section is not in 2 Chronicles and is placed elsewhere by lxx and Josephus (Ant. viii.5.2). Yet the work on these buildings took almost twice as long as the smaller temple construction, perhaps undertaken concurrently, in seven years (vv. 6–38), giving a total of twenty years.
Yet the work on these buildings took almost twice as long as the construction of the Temple.
All these were within a large courtyard to which general reference is made.
2 Chronicles parallels these accounts in 1 Kings in many places and even gives us more information, but this section is not found there.
So, that’s enough introduction.
Let’s pray and dig into the chapter.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for everyone here this evening. Thank You that You know each of us by name and have caused us to walk with You. Lord, we open up Your word desiring to hear from You ... not man's word or wisdom, but Your Words and Wisdom. Please soften our hearts to receive from You.
v1
v1
In contrast to the Temple, which Solomon built in 7 years, he took nearly twice as long to build his own palace.
In contrast to the Temple, which Solomon built in 7 years, he took nearly twice as long to build his own palace.
Now, we read that we might think that means his own house was way more elaborate than the Temple.
Now, we read that we might think that means his own house was way more elaborate than the Temple.
But the point of the text is that Solomon was so dedicated to the building of the Temple and getting it finished that he neglected construction of his own house.
The verse uses the singular form, but the context of “all his house” speaks of all the buildings associated with his rule.
That includes the royal palace, the House of the Forest of Lebanon, and the palace Solomon built for Pharaoh’s daughter.
v2-5
v2-5
The House of the Forest of Lebanon is the great assembly hall, and 1 Kings seems to indicate that it also served as an armory.
The House of the Forest of Lebanon is the great assembly hall, and 1 Kings seems to indicate that it also served as an armory.
Do not read below:
He also made three hundred shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon.
However, those shields may also have been simply for visual impact, as gold would not make for very strong shields.
However, those shields may also have been simply for visual impact, as gold would not make for very strong shields.
The Targum (a 1st century paraphrase of the Bible) names this building, “The house of cooling off of kings.”
With it’s many windows and doors, there would have been a cooling cross breeze blowing through the building as the king met with people there.
It was probably called The House of the Forest of Lebanon because of the many cedar pillars which came from Lebanon.
It was probably called The House of the Forest of Lebanon because of the many cedar pillars which came from Lebanon.
Konkel, A. H. (2006). 1 & 2 Kings (p. 129). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.It was probably called The House of the Forest of Lebanon because of the many cedar pillars which came from Lebanon.
It was much larger than the temple, measuring 100 cubits by 50 cubits, but the same height of 30 cubits.
That means the structure was about 146 feet long, 73 feet wide, and 43.8 feet high.
The building had 4 parallel rows of cedar pillars, running along the outside and down the middle.
Cedar beams were laid horizontally from pillar to pillar the whole way down.
The floor may have been elevated a bit to allow air to circulate under the building as well.
The fact that there were many doors probably speaks of additional rooms, rather than just a big open building.
However, we don’t know anything more about this building than what we have here.
v6
v6
Konkel, A. H. (2006). 1 & 2 Kings (p. 129). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Somewhere in the same vicinity there was a “Hall of Pillars.”
Somewhere in the same vicinity there was a “Hall of Pillars.”
Likely this was attached or semi-attached to the Forest of Lebanon building.
Likely this was attached or semi-attached to the Forest of Lebanon building.
It was a colonnade that served as an entrance.
The length of 50 cubits is equal to the width of the assembly hall.
It says that in front was a portico of pillars, and in front of that, a canopy … but it is unclear as to what structure is.
It was probably the case that this
v7
v7
There are differing opinions about whether the “hall for the throne” and the “Hall of Judgment” are the same place or two separate places.
There are differing opinions about whether the “hall for the throne” and the “Hall of Judgment” are the same place or two separate places.
I think the text in the original Hebrew makes it clear that this is the same place.
I think the text in the original Hebrew makes it clear that this is the same place.
No measurements are given for this judgment hall, which suggests it was within the colonnade in front of the assembly hall.
No measurements are given for this judgment hall, which suggests it was within the colonnade in front of the assembly hall.
It was paneled with cedar all over.
This was the place where the king would preside in court.
I wish I could say more about these places, but this is all the information we have here and anything else is just speculation.
v8-12
v8-12
The king’s residence was in the same complex as the Forest of Lebanon building … but set off in another court … probably west of the hall.
The king’s residence was in the same complex as the Forest of Lebanon building … but set off in another court … probably west of the hall.
The palace was not accessible to the public.
The palace was not accessible to the public.
The palace of Solomon and the quarters for all his servants are set in another court back (west) of the hall. The public buildings are situated in a separate court; the palace is not accessible to the public but has an entrance to the public court as well as the inner court of the temple. The palace of Solomon and that of Pharaoh’s daughter are similar in construction to the other buildings, since all of them are royal edifices.
Instead, it has an entrance to the public court as well as the inner court of the temple.
All of these buildings were royal, and so it’s not surprising that Solomon’s palace and that of Pharaoh’s daughter were constructed like the others.
In verses 9-12, there is a special note about the costly stonework that was a part of the buildings and the courts.
It is costly because the stones are all hewn to measure inside and outside and built up from the foundation to the eaves.
The stonework extended as far as the large public court or the great court which was built with three levels of stone and a row of cedar timbers.
The foundation stones are large (3.5 to 4.5 meters; 11.5 to 14.6 feet), but not excessive by building standards. The larger outer court is built with three levels of stone and a row of cedar timbers (v. 12), like the inner temple court (cf. 6:36).
The great courtyard surrounded the king’s residence and the other buildings of the complex.
It also extended to the large outer courtyard of the Temple.
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And that’s all we have about these other buildings.
Like I said … the intent of this chapter is to focus on the Temple.
v13-14
v13-14
So now we go back to the construction of the Temple.
So now we go back to the construction of the Temple.
In order to supervise the decorative aspects of the building and to make some of it’s vessels, Solomon sought out a famous artisan who resided in Tyre.
In order to supervise the decorative aspects of the building and to make some of it’s vessels, Solomon sought out a famous artisan who resided in Tyre.
Solomon needed someone who could make the intricate and beautiful furnishings required for the temple.
So, King Solomon asked for, and King Hiram sent him Huram.
Also known as Huram-Abi, this man’s father was Phoenician and his mother was an Israelite of the daughters of Dan.
But his father was a gentile from Tyre.
He was a gifted worker of wood and stone, as well as metals … gold, silver, bronze, and iron.
It’s interesting that the Temple was built by King Solomon, from the tribe of Judah, with help from Hiram whose roots were from Dan.
The Tabernacle was built through a similar partnership … tells us that God appointed Bezalel from Judah and Aholiab from Dan to work on it.
Judah was the royal tribe and Dan was the least of the tribes.
Also,
It demonstrates the fact that there is no partiality with God.
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Now, there is a little something else here, but first you have to know that in verse 14, the word for “skill” is “da-at” … meaning Knowledge.
Now, there is a little something else here, but first you have to know that in verse 14, the word for “skill” is “da-at” … meaning Knowledge.
That means a literal translation is, “was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill.”
And that matches the description of Bezalel, “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge.”
Jewish sages say that wisdom is defined as the knowledge one acquires from others.
Understanding speaks of the new ideas and deductions that one derives from analyzing and developing prior wisdom.
And knowledge speaks of divine inspiration.
Now, says in verses 19-20:
The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.
There is a parallelism in the Lord’s creation of the world as the setting where man would worship and serve Him and the Tabernacle and Temple which served the same purpose.
I thought that was a pretty cool thing.
Now, let’s move on.
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Regarding the phrase about “skill in working with all kinds of bronze work” in verse 14, we know from that Hiram was skilled in working with gold, silver, copper, iron, stones, wood, and dyed fabrics.
Regarding the phrase about “skill in working with all kinds of bronze work” in verse 14, we know from that Hiram was skilled in working with gold, silver, copper, iron, stones, wood, and dyed fabrics.
But the emphasis in this chapter is Hiram’s work with bronze.
But the emphasis in this chapter is Hiram’s work with bronze.
Hiram would cast 2 bronze pillars.
These pillars are described briefly in and mentioned in and .
We’ll use the information from those places and from the next few verses in this chapter.
v15-22
v15-22
Hiram, cast two large pillars of bronze, each 27 feet high and 18 feet in circumference.
Hiram, cast two large pillars of bronze, each 27 feet high and 18 feet in circumference.
These were free standing, and further tells us that these pillars were hollow.
› Do not read below:
Now concerning the pillars: the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, a measuring line of twelve cubits could measure its circumference, and its thickness was four fingers; it was hollow.
NKJV
And in chapter 25 of 2 Kings, we learn that four foot high ornately decorated bronze capitals were set on top of each pillar.
And in chapter 25 of 2 Kings, we learn that four foot high ornately decorated bronze capitals were set on top of each pillar.
Now concerning the pillars: the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, a measuring line of twelve cubits could measure its circumference, and its thickness was four fingers; it was hollow.
The capitals on the pillars were in the shape of lilies
And in chapter 25 of 2 Kings, we learn that four foot high ornately decorated bronze capitals were set on top of each pillar.
They were comprised of an inverted bowl, lotus petals, and a network or interwoven chain of pomegranates.
› Do not read below:
The height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the capital on it was of bronze. The height of the capital was three cubits, and the network and pomegranates all around the capital were all of bronze. The second pillar was the same, with a network.
NKJV
This agrees with what we read here in , except in regards to the height of the capitals.
This agrees with what we read here in , except in regards to the height of the capitals.
The height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the capital on it was of bronze. The height of the capital was three cubits, and the network and pomegranates all around the capital were all of bronze. The second pillar was the same, with a network.
In it says they were 5 cubits high.
But in it gives a measure of 3 cubits.
This is easily explained by considering what we know of the design.
There was a sheeth that slipped around each pillar to hold the capital in place.
And then there was a bulge shape made of 2 bowls set together, and 2 rows of pomegranates hung at the widest point of the bulge to hide the seam between the two bowls.
These bowls were a total of 4 cubits in height and on top of them sat a smaller capital, 1 cubit high.
A flower design was carved into the capitals and there was a mesh of chainwork.
This made it look something like this.
Now, adds to what we know from these references and further says that the two pillars were named “Jachin” meaning “He will establish” and “Boaz” meaning “in Him is strength.”
They stood outside the entrance to the Holy Place, Jachin to the north and Boaz to the south.
The “he” in these definitions refers to God.
So, the pillars bore witness to the Jewish people that it was God who established their nation and Israel’s faith in Him was the source of their strength and stability.
And if they were faithful to the LORD and His commandments, strength and stability would belong to His people as they settled in their land.
The furnishings of the temple were important to the priests, for without the divinely ordained furniture, they couldn’t do their ministry or please the Lord
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Moving on, we get to the furnishings of the Temple and the court.
Moving on, we get to the furnishings of the Temple and the court.
The furnishings of the temple were important to the priests.
The furnishings of the temple were important to the priests.
Without the furniture which was ordained by God, they couldn’t do their ministry and their service could not please the Lord.
We’ll read through this whole next section and then go back and look at each piece.
v23-26
v23-26
As you approached the temple from the east, you came to the entrance to the inner courtyard of the priests.
As you approached the temple from the east, you came to the entrance to the inner courtyard of the priests.
It was to this entrance that the people brought their sacrifices and offerings to be presented to the Lord.
It was to this entrance that the people brought their sacrifices and offerings to be presented to the Lord.
On the right, toward the north, stood the altar of brass.
It was 30 feet square and 15 feet high.
At the altar of brass, the fire was kept burning and the priests offered the sacrifices.
Because of the height of the altar, it must have had steps leading up to a ledge where priests could stand and minister.
It might have been the case that the altar itself was actually shorter but stood on a stone base that raised it higher.
The tabernacle altar was only 4.5 feet high.
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To the left of the entrance, on the south side of the court was the giant laver called the “molten sea.”
To the left of the entrance, on the south side of the court was the giant laver called the “molten sea.”
The sea replaced the smaller laver that had stood in the court of the tabernacle.
This new great laver was round and made of brass as thick as a hand.
This new great laver was round and made of brass as thick as a hand.
It bore the image of lilies around the rim, and was so large that it could hold over 17,000 gallons of water.
That’s 141,780 pounds of water … the equivalent of 15,753 Gibson Thunderbird bass guitars.
The molten sea measured 15 feet across and 7.5 feet high.
It stood on the backs of 12 cast statues of oxen, grouped in threes, with each group facing a different direction.
It may have been that these 12 oxen represented the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jewish literature speculates that the water contained in the sea was connected to flowing underground wells by means of holes in the feet of the oxen that supported it.
The reasoning is that only flowing water could be used as a mikvah, so the water in the sea must have drained somewhere.
There also must have been a system for removing small amounts of water so the priests could wash their hands and feet for service, but this isn’t explained in the text.
Perhaps there were spigots at the base of the basin.
If the priests didn’t keep their hands and feet clean as they ministered in the temple, they were in danger of death.
When they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, lest they die.
So then, it was very important that the priests washed before they served, but having a huge bronze laver sitting on the backs of 12 statues of oxen was not practical.
It stands to reason then that they had some method for pouring the water from the base of the sea.
In Scripture, water for drinking is a picture of the Spirit of God (), while water for washing is a picture of the Word of God (; ; ). As the priests labored for the Lord in the temple, they became defiled and needed to be cleansed; and as we serve the Lord, we too can become defiled and need the “washing of water by the word.” Jesus pictured this truth in when He washed the disciples’ feet.
Now, in Scripture, water for drinking is a picture of the Spirit of God.
Jesus, in said:
On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
And water for washing pictures the Word of God.
while water for washing is a picture of the Word of God.
In , David wrote:
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
And Jesus said in verse 15:
You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
As the priests labored for the Lord in the temple, they became defiled and needed to be cleansed; and as we serve the Lord, we too can become defiled and need the “washing of water by the word.”
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Jesus pictured this truth in when He washed the disciples’ feet.
As the priests labored for the Lord in the temple, they became defiled and needed to be cleansed; and as we serve the Lord, we too can become defiled and need the “washing of water by the word.” Jesus pictured this truth in when He washed the disciples’ feet.
v27-39
v27-39
These wagons were beautifully decorated and made of bronze.
These wagons were beautifully decorated and made of bronze.
They were 6 feet square and 4.5 feet high, and they had handles at each corner.
They were 6 feet square and 4.5 feet high, and they had handles at each corner.
Each stand could hold a basin that held 230 gallons of water.
The stands were kept in the court of the priests right next to the sanctuary.
There were 5 on the north side and 5 on the south side.
The stands were on wheels, so they could easily be moved from place to place.
These were used for the washing and preparing of the sacrifices.
We might think that these were more practical for the priests to wash themselves with, but explains that these were for washing the sacrifices and the sea was for the priests.
Do not read below:
He also made ten lavers, and put five on the right side and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as they offered for the burnt offering they would wash in them, but the Sea was for the priests to wash in.
After sacrifices were washed, the dirty water could then be wheeled away and disposed of.
The basins would then be refilled with clean water from the molten sea.
v40-53
The altar was made of cedar covered with gold.
The altar was made of cedar covered with gold.
However, there are no dimensions given in the text.
However, there are no dimensions given in the text.
This is the altar of incense.
It stood before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
On it the priests burned incense each morning and evening when they cared for the lamps.
In Scripture, the burning of incense is a picture of our prayers rising up to the Lord.
Lord, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense.
In , the Lord gave Moses the recipe for the mixture of spices that was used in the tabernacle.
Now it would be used in the temple.
This mixture was not to be counterfeited or used for any other purpose.
The golden altar was used for no other purpose.
On the annual Day of Atonement, the high priest applied blood to this altar to cleanse and purify it.
Notice that Solomon is not re-using items from the Tabernacle … it says in verse 48 that Solomon had all the furnishings made for the house of the Lord.
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We also have the table of showbread and lampstands.
We also have the table of showbread and lampstands.
In the tabernacle, there was only 1 table for the loaves of bread.
In the tabernacle, there was only 1 table for the loaves of bread.
But the temple had 10 golden tables.
There were 5 in a line on each side of the Holy Place.
Likewise, the tabernacle had 1 golden lampstand with seven lamps on it.
Likewise, the tabernacle had 1 golden lampstand with seven lamps on it.
But the temple had 10 golden lampstands.
But the temple had 10 golden lampstands.
They stood in the sanctuary.
There were 5 along the north wall and 5 along the south wall.
They provided the light needed for the ministry in the Holy Place.
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And there were a lot of miscellaneous tools and utensils created for the use of the priests.
And there were a lot of miscellaneous tools and utensils created for the use of the priests.
To perform their many daily duties, the priests required many different utensils.
To perform their many daily duties, the priests required many different utensils.
These included wick trimmers, bowls for sprinkling water and sacrificial blood, dishes, ladles, large pots for cooking the meat from the peace offerings, and shovels for removing the ashes.
The temple was an imposing structure that contained expensive furnishings made of gold and polished bronze, but the daily ministry would have been impossible without these small utensils.
From the golden floor to golden hinges … gold, copper, bronze, silver, cedar wood, ornate stonework and precious jewels … Solomon spared no expense with the Temple, it’s porch, and it’s courtyard.
There is no way to calculate just what this building would have cost in today’s currency.
And even if we were able to calculate the precious metals, how could we calculate what Solomon paid for laborers and other miscellaneous materials?
I think it’s enough to recognize that this building was so expensive it’s beyond our understanding.
The other day, my family was driving on 280 and saw a brand new Bentley.
My youngest son asked Siri, “How much does a Bentley cost?”
And Siri answered back, “More than you can afford.”
A new Bentley costs nearly 20 times what a new Toyota corolla costs.
Yet we both were driving on the same road.
Some day that Bentley will be a wreck just like all cars.
The expense of a car cannot make a person obey the rules of the road.
The temple served the same purpose as the Tabernacle … it was just much more expensive.
And all that expense could not make King Solomon or the people of Israel obedient to God.
All the beauty of the Temple was destroyed and it’s wealth was confiscated when the Babylonian army captured Jerusalem and destroyed the temple.
Nebuchadnezzar robbed the temple and deported the captives in stages, and eventually his men burned the city and the temple so they could get their hands on all the gold that was there.
Solomon, the man who constructed the temple, was the man who broke God’s law and married a multitude of foreign wives who influenced him to encouraged idolatry in Israel, the very sin that turned the nation away from God and brought upon them judgment from the LORD.
Let’s pray:
Prayer: Lord Father we thank You for this time we’ve had together studying Your Word and we ask that You would make it fertile in our lives to do what You desire. Help us to be devoted to You and to Your Word. Thank You for loving us so much and may Your desires be the desires of our hearts.