1 Kings 5:17

And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.

Study Bible

At the king’s command
This phrase underscores the authority and initiative of King Solomon, who was divinely appointed to build the temple. The Hebrew word for "command" (צָוָה, tsavah) implies a directive that carries both authority and purpose. Solomon's command reflects his obedience to God's will, as the construction of the temple was a fulfillment of the promise made to his father, David. This highlights the importance of leadership that aligns with divine purposes, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture.

they quarried
The act of quarrying involves extracting stone from the earth, a labor-intensive process that required skill and precision. The Hebrew root for "quarried" (חָצַב, chatsav) suggests cutting or hewing, indicating the careful selection and preparation of materials. This reflects the meticulous care that God desires in the building of His dwelling place, symbolizing the spiritual preparation required in the hearts of believers as they become living stones in God's spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).

large, costly stones
The use of "large, costly stones" signifies the grandeur and significance of the temple. These stones were not only physically substantial but also valuable, indicating the investment and sacrifice involved in worship. The Hebrew word for "costly" (יָקָר, yaqar) conveys the idea of something precious or esteemed. This reflects the biblical principle that worship should be offered with the best of what we have, as God is worthy of our utmost devotion and resources.

to lay the foundation
The foundation is critical to any structure, providing stability and support. In Hebrew, the word for "foundation" (יָסַד, yasad) implies establishing or founding something securely. This foundation was not only physical but also spiritual, as the temple was to be the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. It serves as a reminder that our lives must be built on the firm foundation of Christ, the cornerstone of our faith (Ephesians 2:20).

of the temple
The temple, in Hebrew (בַּיִת, bayith), was the central place of worship for Israel, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and divine encounter. The construction of the temple was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, representing a shift from the temporary tabernacle to a permanent dwelling for God. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation of believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).

with dressed stones
"Dressed stones" refers to stones that have been carefully shaped and smoothed for construction. The Hebrew word (גָּזִית, gazith) indicates stones that have been prepared and refined. This meticulous preparation reflects the sanctification process in the life of a believer, where God shapes and molds us to fit perfectly into His divine plan. It also emphasizes the beauty and order that God desires in His dwelling place, both in the physical temple and in the hearts of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Solomon
The son of King David, Solomon is the ruler of Israel at this time and is known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem.

2. Temple of the Lord
The temple is a significant place of worship for the Israelites, representing God's presence among His people. Solomon's temple is a fulfillment of God's promise to David.

3. Quarry Workers
These are the laborers tasked with extracting and preparing the stones for the temple's foundation, highlighting the collaborative effort in building the temple.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the temple is being constructed, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel.

5. Dressed Stones
These are carefully cut and prepared stones, indicating the care and precision involved in building a house for the Lord.

Teaching Points

The Importance of a Strong Foundation
Just as the temple required a solid foundation, our faith must be built on the firm foundation of God's Word and truth.

Collaboration in God's Work
The building of the temple involved many people working together, reminding us of the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ.

Excellence in Service to God
The use of costly and dressed stones reflects the excellence and dedication we should bring to our service and worship of God.

Preparation and Planning
Solomon's careful planning and preparation for the temple teach us the value of preparing our hearts and lives for God's work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a strong foundation in 1 Kings 5:17 relate to Jesus' teaching about building on the rock in Matthew 7:24-27?

2. In what ways can we contribute to building up the "spiritual temple" of the church today, as described in Ephesians 2:20-22?

3. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our service to God is marked by excellence and dedication?

4. How does the collaboration seen in the building of Solomon's temple inspire us to work together in our local church communities?

5. Reflect on a time when careful preparation and planning helped you in your spiritual journey. How can you apply this principle to your current walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 22:2
This passage describes David's preparation for the temple, showing the continuity of God's plan from David to Solomon.

Ephesians 2:20-22
Paul speaks of believers being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone, drawing a parallel to the temple's foundation.

Matthew 16:18
Jesus speaks of building His church, which can be seen as a spiritual temple, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation.