The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites, is a significant theme in the Old Testament. The support for this monumental project came from various sources, including divine command, royal decree, and the contributions of the people.

Divine Command and Royal Decree

The initial impetus for the construction of the Temple came from King David, who desired to build a house for the Lord. However, it was Solomon, David's son, who was chosen by God to carry out this task. In 1 Chronicles 28:6, the Lord declares to David, "Solomon your son is the one who will build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father."

King Solomon's role was pivotal, as he was divinely appointed to oversee the construction. In 1 Kings 5:5, Solomon states, "Behold, I intend to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will put on the throne in your place, will build the house for My Name.’"

Material and Labor Contributions

The construction of the Temple required extensive resources, and support came from both domestic and foreign sources. King Hiram of Tyre played a crucial role by providing cedar and cypress timber, as well as skilled laborers. In 1 Kings 5:10, it is recorded, "So Hiram provided Solomon with all the cedar and cypress timber he wanted."

The Israelites themselves contributed significantly to the project. In 1 Chronicles 29:6-9, the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, and the commanders of thousands and hundreds, along with the officials in charge of the king’s work, gave willingly. The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD.

Financial and Material Offerings

The financial support for the Temple was substantial. King David had amassed a large amount of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and precious stones for the Temple's construction. In 1 Chronicles 29:2-3, David says, "Now with all my ability I have made provision for the house of my God: gold for the gold work, silver for the silver, bronze for the bronze, iron for the iron, and wood for the wood, as well as onyx for the settings, turquoise, stones of various colors, all kinds of fine stones, and alabaster in abundance."

The people of Israel also contributed generously. In Exodus 35:21, during the construction of the Tabernacle, a precursor to the Temple, it is noted, "And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments."

Skilled Labor and Divine Wisdom

The construction of the Temple required not only materials but also skilled labor. Solomon employed tens of thousands of laborers, including stonecutters and craftsmen. In 1 Kings 5:13-18, Solomon conscripted a labor force of thirty thousand men from all Israel, and he sent them to Lebanon in shifts of ten thousand a month, so that they spent one month in Lebanon and two months at home.

Moreover, the wisdom granted to Solomon by God was instrumental in the successful completion of the Temple. In 1 Kings 4:29, it is written, "Now God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore."

Conclusion

The support for the construction of the Temple was multifaceted, involving divine guidance, royal leadership, and the collective effort of the people. This collaborative endeavor not only fulfilled a divine mandate but also established a central place of worship that would become the heart of Israelite religious life.