Tag: Temple

1 Kings 8

1 Kings 8 (Cf. 2 Chronicles 5.1-7.11)

1-13-The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the Temple as are the two stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Verses 10-12 present the glory of God coming into the Temple. The glory of God has been with the Israelites since God called them in Exodus. He went before them in the Wilderness, visited them at Sinai, and would dwell with them until Ezekiel 10.18-19. He will pay a brief visit in the flesh (John 1.14), dwell within man (John 14.16-17), and will come again in the Kingdom (Revelation 21.2-3).

14-21-Solomon reminds the people of God’s faithfulness to His promise, covenant, with David and with all Israel.

22-53-Solomon constantly reminds Israel through this prayer that God dwells in Heaven, though He dwells in the Temple. He is also reminding Israel that all they have is still God’s and they are merely stewards or managers of what He has given. These two principles are necessary for our understanding of accomplishing God’s task. God is greater than we can imagine (Ephesians 3.20-21, cf. with verse 56). Although He indwells us through the Holy Spirit, we should never make Him commonplace as much of the current theology attempts to do when they describe Him as a friend who is hugging and kissing us. If you would like further discussion on this topic, please respond to this post. We are the managers of what God has given us. He owns it all, we are to take care of it and do as He would with it. When we get this mentality, our perspective on giving and life changes dramatically.

Verse 46 is a great reminder that we all sin and that we all need God to help us overcome our sin. What is your sin that causes you to stumble and fall (Galatians 6.1-3 and Hebrews 12.1-2)?

54-61-Solomon then blesses Israel with a reminder that God is with them.

62-66-The dedication ends with a joyful celebration; dare I say party?

When you read this long chapter, do you see elements of this in your personal daily worship and weekly corporate worship? If so, celebrate; if not, try to incorporate aspects of it this week.

A thought to ponder: though Solomon’s Temple was magnificent and beautiful, it was merely another building until God came. Our lives are just another life, our churches are just another church, until God comes in. It is at this point when these ordinary things become super-ordinary not because of what they are but because of Who chose them.

Another thought: Trace “heart” through this chapter and you will notice that we know what is in our heart (38), though we attempt to conceal it from others. God knows our heart (39), we cannot conceal anything from Him. In order to come to Him, it must be with all our heart (48). When we do, God gives us the ability to obey His Word (58). All this because this is a goal of God for our lives (61).

An example of prayer from Solomon

  • Praise and worship (22-25)
  • Revelation of self in God’s presence (26-30)
  • Requests for forgiveness sins (31-40)
  • Requests for the Lord to be merciful to those who seek Him (41-43)
  • Prays for victory (44-45)
  • Restoration when they sin (46-53)

1 Kings 7

1 Kings 7

The dimensions of the compound Solomon built (7.2) is comparable to that of the Temple (1 Kings 6) although a bit larger. It was not merely his house but included the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Hall of Pillars, the Hall fo the Throne, the Hall of Judgment, his own house, and the house for Pharaoh’s daughter (1 Kings 3.1). The remainder of the chapter, 7.13-51, is a description of what Hiram contributed to the effort from the largest detail to the smallest, in order of size.

A point of interest is the naming of the two pillars in 7.21. Jachin means “God will establish” and Boaz means “in it is strength.” Placing these in the Temple presents us with the truth that what God establishes will not fail. Apply this to your salvation. It is established in Christ and He will not fail.

1 Kings 6

1 Kings 6

Verse one, if taken literally, which I do, tells us the Exodus from Egypt began in 1447 B.C. Doing the math, this verse states in the four-hundred eightieth year after the Israelites left Egypt, which is the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, the Temple was started. Dating the split of the kingdom as 931 B.C., we go back forty years to the beginning of Solomon’s reign (2 Kings 11.42), we have 971 B.C. Since this was in the fourth year, it would be 967 B.C. Adding the 480 years to 967 B.C. we have 1447 B.C. as the date for the Exodus.

Matthew Henry adds:

The time when it began to be built is exactly set down. 1. It was just 480 years after the bringing of the children of Israel out of Egypt. Allowing forty years to Moses, seventeen to Joshua, 299 to the Judges, forty to Eli, forty to Samuel and Saul, forty to David, and four to Solomon before he began the work, we have just the sum of 480.

 When evaluating the dimensions given for the Temple, we surmise it is twice the size of the Tabernacle. The Temple was ninety feet long, thirty feet wide, and forty-five feet tall. It was divided into two rooms, the sanctuary (the Holy Place) and the inner sanctuary (the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies). The first was two-thirds of the Temple and the latter was the remaining one-third. Built into the Temple on the north, west, and south were threes stories specifically for the priests to use.

The entire purpose of the building of the Temple is explained in verse 13, and it is so God could dwell among His people. John 1 explains this concept in regard to Jesus. Jesus dwelt among us. The word is tabernacled. Later, Jesus would identify His body as being the Temple (John 2.13-21).

The details of this chapter are amazing and would explain why the building of it took such a long time. The Temple was completed, according to verse 38, in the fall of 959 B.C.

If God indwells His Temple so His presence can be with people, what does it mean that we are the Temple of God?

1 Kings 5

Do you see the plans God has made for you and the direction He is taking you by the experiences you have had and the preparation others have made for you?

1 Kings 5

This chapter introduces one of the main reasons for the dividing of the kingdom after Solomon’s death. The reason is found in verse thirteen. It is corvée, which is the mandatory service of Israelites to build the great architectural wonders Solomon developed during his reign. It is the forced enslavement of citizens not outsiders that make this act more heinous than slavery as was found in Egypt or the United States. More on this concept below.

We see ancient near eastern customs in sending delegates to show support for a new regime after the passing of the previous leader in verse one. David did this earlier in 2 Samuel 10. Solomon used this alliance with Hiram to enable him to build the Temple and other buildings. God had this planned before Solomon was even born. Without Hiram of Lebanon there would be no wood to build what God had designed. God will provide what we need to complete the task to which He has called. When we live life with this faith we begin to understand why with God nothing is impossible (Mark 10.27).

The desire of David to build the Temple (2 Samuel 7.13) was finally realized in his son. Although he did not get to see the Temple, much like Moses did not get to walk the Promised Land, like Moses prepared Israel to enter, David did prepare his son to build as he purchased the area (2 Samuel 24) and provided the plans for the Temple and its usage that he received from God (1 Chronicles 28 and 29).

One desire of parents is for their children to claim the God of the Bible as their own. In verses four and five, Solomon does this. He maintains that the God of his father is also his God.

Solomon, in applying the wisdom God gave him (1 Kings 3), agreed to pay Hiram for the material and labor he is supplying for twenty-years (1 Kings 9.10-11). His annual payment is 125,000 bushels of wheat and 115,000 gallons of pure olive oil.

Verse thirteen introduces corvée. Samuel warned the Israelites this would come if they sought a king other than God (1 Samuel 8.11-17) and would become the bane for the northern kingdom (1 Kings 12.4). These workers worked for one month for Solomon in the quarries or in Lebanon and two months at home. This alternated for at least seven years, the amount of time it took to build the Temple. Solomon also had a large group of slave laborers helping with these projects.

For a detailed account on corvée labor, see “Labor Pains: The Relationship between David’s Census and Corvée Labor” by Kyle R. Greenwood.

Do you see the plans God has made for you and the direction He is taking you by the experiences you have had and the preparation others have made for you?

1 Chronicles 23

Is our life such that we are attentive to the ministry God has called us to accomplish 24/7?

1 Chronicles 23

This chapter opens with a defense of the Solomonic reign. David appoints his younger son, Solomon, to be king over Adonijah as seen in the beginning chapters of 1 Kings.

David had a deep interest in the corporate worship of God, hence the psalter. This passion was so great that he is dubbed “The Sweet Psalmist of Israel.” His organization of the Levites, whom he assigned positions in the Temple to come and the Tabernacle at present, is the focus of the next four chapters of 1 Chronicles. Chapters 24-26 will be considered shortly, look for the studies to come.

This chapter is a list of those who were to serve in the Temple when Solomon built it. The need to transport, set-up and tear-down, and keep the articles belonging to the Tabernacle would no longer be necessary for the Temple would permanently house them.

In looking at the vast numbers belonging to the Levites, we surmise that corporate worship was intense. There were 38,000 Levites assigned to work in groups. There were twenty-four groups of one-thousand assigned for Temple service and 14,000 assigned for varied tasks, which included six thousand officers and judges, four thousand gatekeepers, and four thousand musicians.

Brief mention will be made of the number twenty-four. David uses this number frequently in the following chapters. It is also represented heavily in the book of Revelation to represent the twelve tribes and the twelve apostles. David has twenty-four

  • Divisions of priests (1 Chronicles 24.1–18)
  • Groups of musicians (1 Chronicles 25.7–31)
  • Gatekeepers 24 gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26.12–19)
  • Divisions of the military (1 Chronicles 27.1–15)

Could this be for 24/7 protection, worship, order, and ministry? Is our life such that we are attentive to the ministry God has called us to accomplish 24/7?

1 Chronicles 22

David established an inheritance for Solomon, a legacy for his son to continue, and a charge to be great in God’s kingdom. What inheritance, legacy, and charge are you leaving you children (even if it is decades from now)?

1 Chronicles 22

This passage and the remainder of 1 Chronicles have no parallel accounts for us to consider.

  • Verses 1-5-David’s desire was to build the Temple. He had all the plans made up and most of the material gathered. However, God would not have him do so because of his past (8). Solomon would build the Temple.
  • Verses 6-16-God promised to give David a son who would build the Temple. That son would be a king who reigned in the peace David fought for and God granted. Solomon, whose name translated is peacefully, will be the one to rule in peace.
  • God, through David, gives Solomon his charge:
    • Verse 9-God’s peace will prevail during Solomon’s reign
    • Verse 10-God’s Temple will be built by Solomon
    • Verse 12-God’s wisdom and understanding were necessary for Solomon to rule
    • Verse 13-God’s blessing only comes to those who purpose to follow His Word.
    • Verse 13-God is with Solomon, so he need not fear
  • David, through God’s grace, provided Solomon with the needed material to build the Temple.
    • Verse 14-David provided over 40,000 tons of precious metal.
    • Verse 14-David provided the timber and stones, but not all of it
    • Verse 15-David commissioned the workers for these materials
  • Verses 17-19-David knew without wise counsel, Solomon would fail. We too will fail if we attempt to live the life God called us to live without guidance from godly men. Who do you surround yourself with? Your character will imitate their character. The major focus of each of these men was the Lord.

David established an inheritance for Solomon, a legacy for his son to continue, and a charge to be great in God’s kingdom. What inheritance, legacy, and charge are you leaving you children (even if it is decades from now)?

1 Chronicles 21

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

1 Chronicles 21 (Cf. 2 Samuel 24 and our study)

The variations between 1 Chronicles 21 and 2 Samuel 24 are few, but the few are intriguing. The outline would be the same for both chapters. God is angered at the sin of Israel (1-6), David’s realization of sin (7-17), and the telling of God to David to build the Temple (18-30). However, each section contains at least one variant in its presentation.

  • Verses 1-6-Satan is credited with leading David to count the men of fighting age. Here it is Satan, in 2 Samuel it is God, in both passages David is held responsible. This helps us to understand a few things about God’s sovereign control and man’s responsibility. God was going to judge Israel for their sin. I believe it was the continual syncretism of the nation. God allowed Satan to tempt David to do something that was against God’s will. David chose to do it. Satan cannot do anything without God’s approval. The book of Job displays this clearly (Job 1-2). We can neither blame God for our sin nor blame Satan. We are responsible for the choices we make.
  • Verses 7-17-David sees the angel who was to destroy Jerusalem and the elders prayed that God would stay His hand from destroying Jerusalem.
  • Verses 18-30-The acceptance of the sacrifice by David signified that God had accepted this as the new place of worship for Israel. This selection of Mt. Moriah as the place of worship for Israel can also be seen in the sacrifice David offered for his sin, the forgiveness God offered, and the answered prayers of the people.

The purchase in 2 Samuel of 50 shekels was for the threshing floor and the purchase in 1 Chronicles of six hundred shekels was for the entire property.

It was at this site, Mt. Moriah, that Abraham offered up Isaac (Genesis 22). Here is where the Temple will be built. It was here that Jesus would die (on the Mount not in the Temple). This will become the new center of worship for all Israel.

It is wise for us to listen carefully to the voices that clamor for our attention. We should be asking if the voice is from God, Satan, the world, or our own sinful desires. We then need to take every thought captive and make sure that it is from God, which is when we choose to reject or accept it (2 Corinthians 10.4-5).

Psalm 42

God desires you to be in His presence with great joy more than you can imagine. How great is your desire to be in His presence? He gave His Son in order for you to go there? What have you forsaken for Him to be there?

Psalm 42

The inscription of this psalm leads us to believe it was written by the family of the Korahites unless it is read that it was written for the family of the Korahites to play during worship service. If the latter are valid, then David wrote this on his retreat from Jerusalem during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15-19). If the former is valid, then it was written during the exile by a Korahite longing for Jerusalem. I prefer Davidic authorship due to the style and geographic locations mentioned in verse five. Whichever author is chosen, it reflects a genuine heart desire to be with God in the Temple/Tabernacle. If this were the heart attitude of Christians today, the world would be a much different place. The oddity for Christians is that we don’t have to go to the church to spend time with God, He indwells us. We are the temple of God. However, for true fellowship to occur we need to publicly worship Him as part of our growth toward Christlikeness (Hebrews 10.24-25).

This psalm and Psalm 43 (see our study) have a connection and many have placed them together as one psalm. The Septuagint combines them into one psalm. Each psalm has the same refrain and the same ending. However, if Psalm 43 was written during the Babylonian Captivity, it could have been inspired by Psalm 42. Psalm 43 and Psalm 71 are the only psalms in this section of the Psalms without an inscription (see studies on Psalm 9 and Psalm 10).

  • Verses 1-3-David realizes that his life is in God. Without the ability to enter into the presence of God in the Tabernacle, his life was devalued, depressing. What is your heart attitude about being in God’s presence? As mentioned above, the only place we need to go to be with God is nowhere for He indwells us. This is Jesus discussion with the woman at the well in John 4.15-26. We only need to be in right relationship with Him (His child) and in right fellowship with Him (confession of sins) in order to be in His presence. Do you long for God more than for the sins of this world? This is the essence of the book of 1 John.
  • Verses 4-8-David poetically presents his state without God’s presence in it (again, return to our discussion of Psalm 43 for thoughts on verse five). He misses the fellowship he had in Jerusalem with fellow followers of God and longs to see them and publically worship with them.
  • Verses 9-10-David laments over his current situation asking God to deliver him not only for the sake of David but for the sake of God. Do you see your relationship with God as a public demonstration of whom God is? When people see you, they see a representation of God. Your words and actions either tell His greatness or belie who He is. How do people see you when they ask “Where is your God?”
  • Verse 11-The ending of Psalm 43 is identical to this psalm. Our hope is not in others nor in things. It is solely in God.

God desires you to be in His presence with great joy more than you can imagine. How great is your desire to be in His presence? He gave His Son in order for you to go there? What have you forsaken for Him to be there?

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