Topical Bible: the First Temple was Lighted by Narrow Windows

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Topical Encyclopedia

The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, holds a significant place in biblical history as the central place of worship for the Israelites. Constructed under the reign of King Solomon, the temple was renowned for its grandeur and intricate design, as described in the biblical narrative. One of the notable architectural features of the First Temple was its use of narrow windows, which played a role in the temple's lighting and aesthetic.

Biblical Description

The construction of the First Temple is detailed in the book of 1 Kings. According to 1 Kings 6:4 , "He made narrow windows high up in the temple." These windows were strategically placed to allow light into the sacred space while maintaining the sanctity and solemnity of the interior. The use of narrow windows suggests a design that prioritized both functionality and the preservation of a reverent atmosphere within the temple.

Symbolic Significance

The narrow windows of the First Temple can be seen as symbolic of the divine light and presence of God. In biblical thought, light often represents purity, truth, and the presence of God. The careful design of the temple, including its windows, reflects the Israelites' desire to create a dwelling place for the Lord that was both beautiful and spiritually significant. The narrowness of the windows may also symbolize the focused and directed nature of divine revelation, illuminating the temple with a light that was both literal and metaphorical.

Architectural Considerations

From an architectural perspective, the narrow windows served practical purposes. They allowed natural light to enter the temple while minimizing exposure to the elements and maintaining the structural integrity of the building. The design would have helped to keep the interior cool and protected from harsh weather conditions, which was essential in the climate of ancient Israel.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, temple architecture often included features that were both functional and symbolic. The use of narrow windows in the First Temple aligns with this tradition, where architectural elements were imbued with religious meaning. The temple's design was intended to reflect the glory and majesty of God, and every detail, including the windows, contributed to this overarching purpose.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the narrow windows of the First Temple can be interpreted as a reminder of the limited yet profound ways in which humanity can perceive and experience the divine. Just as the windows allowed a controlled amount of light to enter the temple, so too does God reveal Himself to humanity in ways that are both accessible and mysterious. This design choice underscores the belief in a God who is both immanent and transcendent, present within the temple yet beyond full human comprehension.

In summary, the narrow windows of the First Temple are a testament to the thoughtful and symbolic design of this sacred structure. They highlight the interplay between light and architecture, serving both practical and spiritual purposes in the worship of the God of Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 6:4
And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... who are nearest, or most concerned with earth, are the most narrow-spirited as ... It
had the pillars adjoined unto it.3. It was the inlet into the temple. First. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Heir to the Throne
... The king was at prayers in the temple of his ... Merriment lighted his eyes and the cut
of his mouth was ... the Pharaoh had rewarded him at the first opportunity with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter v the heir to.htm

The Night Darkened Steadily Down Over London, -- a Chill Dreary ...
... Do the first works.' Holy Father, those first works, as ... said,"and as he spoke a smile
lighted his eyes ... grew dim,"the arches of the heavenly temple not made ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxix the night darkened steadily.htm

The False Prophet
... is a passage that leads under the Temple through Moriah ... When he opened first the
great press in which ... planted along the outer works, dimly lighted, and manned ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

During These Various Changes in the Lives of those with whom He ...
... bed in a narrow stone chamber, dimly lighted by a ... speaking to the doctors in the
temple and arguing ... Your first attempt was clumsy," and dangerous to yourself ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxv during these various changes.htm

"The House of Israel"
... he sent other servants more than the first: and they ... shall suddenly come to His temple,
even the Messenger of ... and sorrow and pain, is to be lighted with the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

Boehme's Universe
... with those "azure-grey eyes that lighted up like the windows of Solomon's
Temple""saw there ... eternally utters Himself as Person: "The first Abysmal God ...
/.../chapter x boehmes universe.htm

The City of Gold
... Through the long streets, brilliantly lighted at evening (it would ... he visited his
capital for the first time. ... and Diocletian; the Pantheon; the temple of Roma ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the city of gold.htm

Acts 26:24-29. Portraits.
... of any religion except the idolatrous temple-worship, which ... The first Marian martyr,
John Rogers, when he was ... Latimer, before the faggots were lighted, in the ...
/.../chapter x acts 26 24-29 portraits.htm

Demonstration vi. --Of Monks.
... Whosoever is called the temple of God, [866] let him purify ... Whosoever has lighted
his lamp, let him not suffer it ... as I wrote to thee in the first epistle; that ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration vi of monks.htm