Topical Bible: Temple: Solomon's: Father's House

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The Temple of Solomon, often referred to as the "Father's House," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. It was the first permanent structure built for the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel, and served as the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. The construction of the temple was a fulfillment of God's promise to David, Solomon's father, and a pivotal moment in the history of Israel.

Biblical Background

The concept of a permanent dwelling place for God among His people was first introduced to King David. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13 , God promises David, "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." Although David desired to build the temple, God chose his son Solomon for this task.

Construction and Dedication

Solomon's Temple was constructed on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance. The building process is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. The temple was built with the finest materials, including cedar from Lebanon, gold, and precious stones. The construction took seven years to complete, and the temple was dedicated in a grand ceremony.

During the dedication, Solomon offered a prayer of consecration, acknowledging God's faithfulness and asking for His continued presence and blessing. In 1 Kings 8:27-30 , Solomon prays, "But will God indeed dwell on earth? Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built. Yet regard the prayer and plea of Your servant, O LORD my God, so that You may hear the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You today. May Your eyes be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, 'My Name shall be there,' so that You will hear the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place."

Significance and Symbolism

The temple served as the focal point of Israel's religious life. It was the place where sacrifices were offered, festivals were celebrated, and the Ark of the Covenant was housed. The temple symbolized God's presence among His people and His covenant relationship with Israel. It was also a place of prayer for all nations, as Solomon expressed in his dedication prayer (1 Kings 8:41-43).

The temple's design and furnishings were rich in symbolism, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God. The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, housed the Ark of the Covenant and was separated by a veil, signifying the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could enter this sacred space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its grandeur and significance, Solomon's Temple was eventually destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC as a result of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. This event marked a profound moment of loss and exile for the Jewish people. However, the hope of restoration and a future temple persisted in the prophetic writings.

The temple's legacy continued through the Second Temple, built after the return from exile, and ultimately in the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the true temple. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus refers to His body as the temple, saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." This statement points to His death and resurrection, fulfilling the temple's ultimate purpose as the dwelling place of God with humanity.

Solomon's Temple, as the "Father's House," remains a powerful symbol of God's desire to dwell among His people and the call to holiness and worship.

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John 2:16
And said to them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
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Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... that such a one the builder of the temple should be ... enemies round about; for his
name shall be Solomon, and I ... be my son, and I will be his father' (1 Chronicles ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Great Preparations for a Great Work
... begins by reference to his father's foiled wish ... warrior kings are the great
temple-builders, but ... Solomon next thankfully describes his own happier circumstances ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/great preparations for a great.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... that Temple as the House of His Father, and with ... Passing along the eastern colonnade,
or Solomon's Porch, we ... Here the standard measures of the Temple are said ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... an end to this desecration of His Father's House, which, by ... [1801] It is certain
that this Temple-market could ... the gate Shushan - as far as Solomon's Porch' (Dr ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... read many times the story of Solomon's temple, and you ... noticed that he overlaid all
the temple with gold. ... much of the substance, but his father David brought ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/christ glorified as the builder.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... with scorn even in the prison-house; base criminals ... a covenant not made with my father,
not between ... corner." It is said that when Solomon's temple was building ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... Upon which Solomon sent him an epistle, the contents of which here follow: Solomon
To King Hiram ... 5]Know thou that my father would have built a temple to God ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
... That He Who purified the Temple, was its True Light ... which Jesus spake to the people
in Solomon's Porch.' There ... the works which He wrought in His Father's Name. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv at the feast.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... possession of this land, they should build him a temple. ... may know that he is ordained
king by his father. ... Solomon, without any delay they set Solomon upon the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... and after the dedication of the temple, when once ... will not do it for David thy father's
sake: but ... pronounced against him and his house, Solomon with quickened ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm