1 Kings 5:5

So behold, I plan to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, according to what the LORD said to my father David: 'I will put your son on your throne in your place, and he will build the house for My Name.'

Study Bible

So behold
The phrase "So behold" serves as an emphatic introduction, drawing attention to Solomon's intention. In Hebrew, the word "behold" is often used to signal something of great importance or to highlight a divine revelation. It invites the reader to pay close attention to what follows, underscoring the significance of Solomon's mission to build the temple.

I intend to build
The word "intend" reflects Solomon's deliberate and purposeful decision. In the Hebrew context, this intention is not merely a wish but a firm resolve. Solomon's determination to build the temple is rooted in his understanding of his divine calling and responsibility as king, fulfilling the promise made to his father, David.

a house for the Name of the LORD my God
The "house" refers to the temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites. The phrase "for the Name of the LORD" signifies that the temple is not just a physical structure but a dwelling place for God's presence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name represented the essence and authority of a person. Thus, building a house for God's Name indicates creating a sacred space where God's presence and glory would reside among His people.

as the LORD told my father David
This phrase highlights the continuity of God's promises and plans. The reference to David underscores the covenantal relationship between God and David's lineage. It reminds the reader of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises across generations, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7, where God promises David that his son would build the temple.

saying, ‘Your son, whom I will put on your throne in your place
The phrase "whom I will put on your throne" emphasizes God's sovereign choice and action in establishing Solomon as king. It reflects the divine orchestration of leadership and the fulfillment of God's promise to David. The throne symbolizes authority and governance, and God's involvement in this process assures the legitimacy and divine approval of Solomon's reign.

will build the house for My Name.’
The future tense "will build" indicates the certainty of the temple's construction as part of God's divine plan. The repetition of "for My Name" reiterates the temple's purpose as a place dedicated to God's glory and worship. It serves as a reminder of the centrality of God's presence in the life of Israel and the importance of obedience to His commands in fulfilling His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is the king of Israel at this time. He is known for his wisdom and is tasked with building the temple for the LORD.

2. David
The former king of Israel and father of Solomon. David had the desire to build a temple for the LORD, but God told him that his son would fulfill this task.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The God of Israel, who made a covenant with David and promised that his son would build the temple.

4. The Temple
The house intended for the Name of the LORD, a central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

5. Israel
The nation chosen by God, over which Solomon reigns as king. The building of the temple is a significant event in Israel's history.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
God's promise to David is fulfilled through Solomon, demonstrating His faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives as well.

The Importance of Obedience
Solomon's commitment to building the temple shows the importance of obedience to God's instructions. We should strive to follow God's will in our own lives.

The Significance of Worship
The temple was a place for worship and sacrifice, symbolizing the centrality of worship in the life of God's people. We should prioritize worship in our daily lives.

Generational Legacy
David's preparation for the temple and Solomon's execution of the plan highlight the impact of a godly legacy. We should consider how our actions today affect future generations.

God's Presence Among His People
The temple represented God's dwelling among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, reminding us of God's constant presence with us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's role in building the temple reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways did David prepare Solomon for the task of building the temple, and how can we prepare the next generation for their spiritual responsibilities?

3. How does the construction of the temple emphasize the importance of worship in the life of a believer, and what steps can we take to prioritize worship in our own lives?

4. Considering that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, how should this truth influence our daily actions and decisions?

5. How can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions in our lives, as Solomon was in building the temple, and what challenges might we face in doing so?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 7
This chapter contains God's covenant with David, where He promises that David's offspring will build a house for His Name. This is the foundational promise that Solomon is fulfilling in 1 Kings 5:5.

1 Chronicles 22
David prepares for the temple's construction by gathering materials and instructing Solomon, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan.

Matthew 1
The genealogy of Jesus Christ, which traces His lineage back to David and Solomon, highlighting the fulfillment of God's promises through the Davidic line.