Topical Bible: the First Temple was Called: The House of the Lord

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Topical Encyclopedia

The First Temple, often referred to as "The House of the Lord," holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the son of David, this sacred edifice served as the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

Construction and Dedication

The construction of the First Temple is detailed in 1 Kings 6-8 and 2 Chronicles 2-7. Solomon began building the temple in the fourth year of his reign, approximately 966 BC, and it took seven years to complete. The temple was built on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of profound historical and spiritual significance, where Abraham had earlier been commanded to offer his son Isaac (Genesis 22:2).

The temple's design was grand and intricate, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. It included the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. The temple was adorned with gold, cedar, and fine stones, symbolizing the splendor and holiness of God.

Upon completion, Solomon dedicated the temple with a prayer, seeking God's presence and blessing upon the people of Israel. In 1 Kings 8:10-11 , it is recorded, "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD."

Significance in Worship and Covenant

The First Temple was the focal point of Israelite worship and the center of their religious life. It was here that the Israelites offered sacrifices, observed festivals, and sought atonement for their sins. The temple represented God's covenant with Israel, a tangible reminder of His promises and His desire to dwell among His people.

In 2 Chronicles 7:15-16 , God affirms His presence in the temple, saying, "Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. For I have now chosen and consecrated this temple so that My Name may be there forever. My eyes and My heart will be there for all time."

Destruction and Legacy

Despite its grandeur and significance, the First Temple was not immune to the consequences of Israel's disobedience. The prophets repeatedly warned the people of impending judgment due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness. In 586 BC, these warnings came to fruition when the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, destroyed the temple and exiled the people of Judah.

The destruction of the First Temple marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to a period of reflection and repentance. The loss of the temple underscored the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the need for spiritual renewal.

The legacy of the First Temple endures in the hearts and minds of believers as a symbol of God's presence and a foreshadowing of the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus Christ. As the Apostle John writes in Revelation 21:3 , "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'"

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 23:5,12
And a third part shall be at the king's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple
... Who are the persons addressed in the first portion ... whose charge it was to patrol
the Temple through the ... ministerial work as was needful; they are called upon to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the charge of the watchers.htm

The Temple Cleansed Again
... Carried down in prophetic vision to the first advent, the ... of the chief cornerstone
in the temple of Solomon ... He called it "a sure foundation." The entire world ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 65 the temple cleansed.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... temple, and this should have called forth expressions of ... would delay the completion
of the Lord's house. The magnificence of the first temple, and the imposing ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

Discrepancy of the Gospel Narratives Connected with the Cleansing ...
... not written that My house shall be called a house ... when He did these things in the
temple, is narrated ... must consider the statements, and in the first place that ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/15 discrepancy of the gospel.htm

The Boy in the Temple
... beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His Temple'? ... and here is its beginning, the
very first time that ... the condition of a great many so-called Christian people ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the boy in the temple.htm

Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
... They therefore called upon Jesus to give them a sign as ... manner in which he had cleansed
the house of its ... The first temple, built by Solomon (bc1012-1005), was ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxiv jesus attends the first.htm

Altar and Temple
... the Exodus, and from the dedication of Solomon's Temple. ... do not know, nor whether
his 'first year' was ... their ancestral fields before they were called to leave ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.
... three years before, Jesus had thus cleansed the temple at the first passover of ...
[The temple space being ... c And my house shall be { ^b shall be called} a house ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cvi barren fig-tree temple cleansed.htm

Philadelphia
... of his reign, "in the first year, in the first month, opened ... even to the new Jerusalem
and "the Temple of my ... all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/philadelphia.htm

The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ...
... the image and glory of God, the first-born of every creature, could rightly be called,
in respect ... Tyre, cooperates in the building of the temple, and gives ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the temple spoken of.htm