1 Kings 6:2

The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.

Study Bible

The temple
The Hebrew word for "temple" is "הֵיכָל" (heikal), which signifies a large and magnificent building, often used to describe a palace or sanctuary. In the context of 1 Kings 6:2, it refers to the sacred house of worship dedicated to the LORD. The temple was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of God's presence among His people, a place where heaven and earth met. It was a fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among the Israelites, reflecting His desire for a relationship with His chosen people.

that King Solomon built
Solomon, the son of David, was chosen by God to build the temple. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him the resources and time to undertake such a monumental task. The Hebrew root for "built" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which implies not just construction but also establishing and making something permanent. Solomon's building of the temple was an act of obedience and devotion, fulfilling his father David's vision and God's command.

for the LORD
The temple was built "for the LORD," emphasizing its purpose as a dwelling place for the divine presence. The Hebrew name for the LORD here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. The temple was a testament to God's faithfulness and His covenant with Israel, serving as a constant reminder of His holiness and the need for His people to live in accordance with His laws.

was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high
The dimensions of the temple are given in cubits, an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The specific dimensions—sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high—reflect the grandeur and majesty of the temple. These measurements indicate a structure of significant size and importance, designed to inspire awe and reverence. The precise dimensions also suggest order and intentionality, reflecting God's nature as a God of order and beauty. The temple's size and proportions were not arbitrary but divinely inspired, ensuring it was a fitting place for the worship of the Almighty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is renowned for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites.

2. The Temple
Also known as Solomon's Temple, it was the first temple built for the LORD in Jerusalem. It served as the primary place of worship and housed the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, chosen by God as the place where His name would dwell. It became the spiritual and political center of the nation.

Teaching Points

The Significance of the Temple
The temple was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. It reminds us of the importance of having a dedicated space for worship and communion with God.

God's Dwelling Place
While the temple was a central place of worship, the New Testament teaches that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. This calls us to live lives that honor God's presence within us.

The Role of Obedience in Worship
Solomon's obedience in building the temple according to God's specifications highlights the importance of following God's instructions in our worship and daily lives.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Structures
The eventual destruction of Solomon's Temple serves as a reminder that earthly structures are temporary, and our ultimate hope should be in the eternal kingdom of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the construction of the temple by Solomon teach us about the importance of preparation and dedication in our worship practices today?

2. How does the concept of the temple as God's dwelling place in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament teaching that believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our lives reflect the holiness and reverence that the temple represented in ancient Israel?

4. How does the temporary nature of Solomon's Temple encourage us to focus on eternal values and the kingdom of God?

5. What lessons can we learn from Solomon's obedience in building the temple that can be applied to our own lives and spiritual disciplines?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 3:1-2
This passage provides additional details about the construction of the temple, including its location on Mount Moriah, connecting it to the place where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac.

Exodus 25:8-9
God instructs Moses to build a sanctuary so that He may dwell among His people, which prefigures the temple as a dwelling place for God's presence.

Acts 7:47-50
Stephen references Solomon's building of the temple, emphasizing that God does not dwell in houses made by human hands, pointing to a greater spiritual truth.