Xanthe Hancox

So Solomon built the temple and completed it. He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, panelling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of juniper. He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. The main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long. The inside of the temple was cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was to be seen. 1 Kings 6:14-18

If you thought chapter five was a long list of seemingly meaningless information, you might find it tempting to pass over today's text with a yawn of indifference. There are thirty seven verses detailing the building of the temple, complete with information about walls, floors and elaborate interiors. What on earth could we possibly learn from all that?

Firstly, Scripture's description of the temple reveals God's glory. Compared to the earlier Mosaic tabernacle, the temple was four times as big. And while the tabernacle was mostly curtains and dirt floor, the temple was covered in costly material. The floors, walls, and ceilings were covered with cedar, pine, and gold; the temple was decorated with gold-covered cherubim, and the walls were carved with images of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers. In short, the description of the temple tells us that God is a God of splendour and glory.

Secondly, God used the temple to reveal his purpose: “As for this temple you are building … I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.” (verses 11-13) God intended to dwell there with his people just as he had dwelt with them in the Tabernacle.

Solomon’s great temple was destroyed about 2 500 years ago but God’s purpose has not changed, he still dwells with his people. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 Paul tells us, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” As you read the description of Solomon’s temple this morning, think about your temple, and how you reflect the love, mercy and grace that is God’s splendour and purpose.

Prayer: It’s so humbling to be reminded that I am your temple, Lord, and that you require the same obedience, righteousness and holiness from me as you did from Solomon. Teach me through your Holy Spirit to mindfully build my temple each day, reflecting your glory and purpose. Amen