Featured Passage: 1 Kings 5-8
King David had a special desire: He wanted to build God a house. He felt bad that God still dwelt in the Tabernacle as He had with the Israelites in the wilderness while he lived in his own beautiful palace. However, God had other plans in mind for His house. He decided that King David was not the right man for the job, but rather He would let David’s son do the special project. Four years after Solomon began to reign over Israel, he started to build a house for God—the temple in Jerusalem. Solomon spared no expense to get materials of the finest quality with which to construct this marvelous dwelling place for the Most High. Even the stones were carefully shaped to fit perfectly together so that not a single hammer would need to be used when they assembled it. When it was finally completed, seven years later, it certainly must have been something wondrous to behold. The Ark of the Covenant was brought into the Most Holy place, and there awaited one more essential component—the presence of God Himself.
- What didn’t God want David to build the temple even though it was something he desired? Why did He instead give the job to Solomon?
- To whom did Solomon write asking for help in building the temple?
- What were some of the key materials Solomon used to build the temple? What were some of the elements that were built or crafted for the temple?
- Why do you think Solomon had the stones crafted perfectly before they were brought to the temple mount to be put together? What kind of connections can we make between this and us as a spiritual temple? (Read Ephesians 2:19-22 for some clues)
- What were some of the colors used in the temple when it was furnished?
- At the dedication of the temple, what were some of the things included in the ceremony? What happened when the priests brought the ark of the covenant into the Most Holy place? Try to describe what it would have been like to be there.
1 Kings 8:30
And may You hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. Hear in heaven Your dwelling place; and when You hear, forgive.