1 Kings 7:9
All these buildings were constructed with costly stones, cut to size and trimmed with saws inside and out from the foundation to the eaves, and from the outside to the great courtyard.
All these buildings were constructed with costly stones
The use of costly stones signifies the grandeur and opulence of Solomon's construction projects, reflecting the wealth and resources available during his reign. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of Solomon's era as a time of prosperity and peace (1 Kings 4:25). The choice of expensive materials also underscores the importance of the temple and royal palace as central places of worship and governance.

cut to size and trimmed with saws inside and out
The precision in cutting and trimming the stones indicates advanced craftsmanship and technology for the time. This meticulous work reflects the care and dedication in building structures meant to honor God and serve as a lasting legacy. The use of saws suggests a level of sophistication in construction techniques, which may have been influenced by interactions with neighboring cultures known for their architectural advancements.

from the foundation to the eaves
This phrase emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the construction, ensuring that every part of the building, from the base to the top, was made with the same high-quality materials and attention to detail. It symbolizes the stability and durability of Solomon's kingdom, which was established on a strong foundation of wisdom and divine favor (1 Kings 3:12-14).

and from the outside to the great courtyard
The mention of the great courtyard highlights the expansive and inclusive nature of the temple complex, designed to accommodate large gatherings for worship and community events. This layout reflects the temple's role as a central place for the Israelites to come together in the presence of God. The courtyard's design may also foreshadow the New Testament concept of the church as a spiritual community open to all believers (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity.

2. Temple of Solomon
A significant structure in Jerusalem, representing God's presence among His people. It was a place of worship and sacrifice.

3. Palace of Solomon
The royal residence built with great craftsmanship and costly materials, reflecting the wealth and glory of Solomon's reign.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, where the temple and palace were constructed, serving as the spiritual and political center of the nation.

5. Craftsmen and Builders
Skilled workers who were responsible for the construction of these magnificent structures, using advanced techniques and materials.
Teaching Points
The Value of Excellence in Work
The use of costly stones and precise craftsmanship in Solomon's buildings reflects the importance of excellence in our work for God. We should strive to offer our best in all we do, recognizing that our work is an act of worship.

The Significance of God's Dwelling Place
The temple's construction with high-quality materials signifies the reverence and honor due to God's dwelling place. In our lives, we should prioritize creating spaces—both physical and spiritual—that honor God's presence.

Stewardship of Resources
Solomon's use of resources for the temple and palace challenges us to consider how we steward the resources God has entrusted to us. Are we using them to glorify God and serve His purposes?

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Structures
While Solomon's buildings were magnificent, they were ultimately temporary. This reminds us to focus on eternal values and invest in what lasts beyond this life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the craftsmanship and use of costly materials in Solomon's buildings reflect the value placed on worship and God's presence?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of excellence in our work and service to God today?

3. How does the construction of the temple and palace challenge us to consider our stewardship of resources?

4. What lessons can we learn from the temporary nature of Solomon's structures about where we place our priorities and treasures?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about storing treasures in heaven relate to the grandeur of Solomon's earthly projects?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 6
Describes the construction of the temple, providing context for the detailed craftsmanship and materials used in Solomon's building projects.

2 Chronicles 3-4
Offers a parallel account of the temple's construction, emphasizing the grandeur and significance of the work.

Exodus 31
Discusses the craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab in the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of skilled labor in sacred projects.

Matthew 6:19-21
Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, prompting reflection on the use of wealth and resources.
Building God's House and One's OwnJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 7:1-12
The Satisfaction of Completing a Work1 Kings 7:1-12
People
Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan
Topics
Base, Blocks, Buildings, Coping, Costly, Court, Courtyard, Crowning, Cut, Cutting-instruments, Different, Eaves, Faces, Foundation, Front, Hewed, Hewn, High-grade, Highly, Inner, Inside, Measure, Measures, Outer, Outside, Precious, Priced, Sawed, Sawn, Saws, Size, Sizes, Square, Stone, Stones, Towards, Trimmed, Walled, Within
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:9

     5583   tools

1 Kings 7:1-12

     5207   architecture
     5437   palaces
     5776   achievement

1 Kings 7:9-12

     4366   stones
     5340   house
     5403   masons
     5531   skill

1 Kings 7:9-14

     5212   arts and crafts

Library
Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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