The construction of the Temple's interior, as described in the Bible, is a testament to the grandeur and meticulous craftsmanship that characterized Solomon's Temple. This sacred edifice, built under the reign of King Solomon, was designed to be the dwelling place of the LORD among the Israelites, reflecting divine glory and holiness.

Materials and Design

The interior of the Temple was constructed using the finest materials available, as detailed in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3. The walls were lined with cedar wood, imported from Lebanon, which was renowned for its quality and durability. This cedar was intricately carved with figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, symbolizing the beauty and sanctity of God's creation. The floors of the Temple were overlaid with gold, adding to the splendor and opulence of the sacred space.

1 Kings 6:18 states, "The cedar within the house was carved in the form of gourds and open flowers. All was cedar; no stone was visible." This highlights the seamless and ornate design that enveloped the interior, creating an atmosphere of divine majesty.

The Holy Place and the Most Holy Place

The Temple was divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (or the Holy of Holies). The Holy Place housed the golden altar of incense, the table for the showbread, and the golden lampstands. These items were crafted with precision and were integral to the worship practices of the Israelites.

The Most Holy Place, separated by a veil, was the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This sacred space was a perfect cube, measuring twenty cubits in length, width, and height. The walls and floor were overlaid with pure gold, and the room was adorned with two large cherubim made of olive wood, each ten cubits high, also overlaid with gold. Their wings spanned the width of the room, symbolizing the divine presence and protection over the Ark.

1 Kings 6:20-22 describes this sacred area: "The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid it with pure gold and also overlaid the cedar altar. So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The construction of the Temple's interior was rich in symbolism, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. The use of gold and precious materials signified the value and purity required in approaching a holy God. The cherubim and other carvings served as reminders of the heavenly realm and the divine order.

The Temple's design also pointed forward to the coming of Christ, who would fulfill the role of the ultimate High Priest and the true Temple. As stated in John 2:19 , Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," indicating that His body would become the new dwelling place of God's presence.

Craftsmanship and Artisans

The construction of the Temple's interior was overseen by skilled artisans, including Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman in bronze, who was brought in to execute the intricate designs. The work required not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the spiritual significance of each element.

1 Kings 7:13-14 notes, "Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to do any work in bronze. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work."

The construction of the Temple's interior was a monumental task that required the collaboration of many skilled workers, all contributing to the creation of a space that would honor and glorify God.