1. What Was Solomon’s Temple?
1.1 Definition
Solomon’s Temple, also known as the First Temple, was:
- The first permanent temple built for Yahweh by the Israelites.
- Located in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah (Temple Mount).
- Served as the central place for sacrificial worship, covenant ceremonies, and divine presence.
1.2 Key Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Builder | King Solomon, son of David. |
| Biblical Source | Detailed in 1 Kings 5–8 and 2 Chronicles 2–7. |
| Structure | Tripartite layout: Porch (Ulam), Holy Place (Hekhal), and Holy of Holies (Debir). |
| Materials | Cedar and cypress wood, gold overlay, dressed limestone, and bronze furnishings. |
| Significance | Dwelling place of God’s name and presence; centre of Israelite worship and national identity. |
2. When Was Solomon’s Temple Built?
2.1 Historical Timeline
| Event | Approximate Date |
|---|---|
| Construction Began | c. 966 BCE, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 6:1). |
| Construction Completed | c. 959 BCE, after seven years of building (1 Kings 6:38). |
2.2 Biblical Chronology
1 Kings 6:1 states:
“In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out of Egypt… Solomon began to build the temple of the LORD.”
Scholars place this in the mid-10th century BCE, aligning with broader Near Eastern chronological frameworks (Mazar, 1992).
3. Why Was Solomon’s Temple Built?
3.1 Theological Reasons
3.1.1 Fulfilment of God’s Promise to David
- 2 Samuel 7:12–13: God promised David that his son would build a house for His Name.
- The Temple represented God’s covenant faithfulness and established Jerusalem as the spiritual capital.
3.1.2 Dwelling Place for God’s Presence
- Intended as a permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant (1 Kings 8:6–11).
- Symbolised God’s holy presence among His covenant people (Exodus 25:8; 1 Kings 8:27).
3.2 Political and National Reasons
3.2.1 Centralisation of Worship
- The Temple unified Israelite worship, preventing syncretism at local shrines (Deuteronomy 12:5–14).
- Strengthened national identity under the Davidic dynasty.
3.2.2 Royal Legitimisation
- Building the Temple enhanced Solomon’s political legitimacy, fulfilling David’s vision and aligning Israel with other Near Eastern kingdoms that built grand temples to honour their gods and consolidate royal power (Hurowitz, 1992).
4. Summary Table: What, When, and Why
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| What | The First Temple, permanent house of worship built by Solomon in Jerusalem. |
| When | Constructed c. 966–959 BCE. |
| Why | Fulfilment of God’s promise to David, dwelling place for God’s presence, centralisation of worship, and royal legitimisation. |
5. Conclusion
Solomon’s Temple was the first permanent, grand temple dedicated to Yahweh, built in the 10th century BCE to:
- Fulfil God’s covenant with David.
- Provide a central place of worship, sacrifice, and divine presence for Israel.
- Establish Jerusalem as the religious and political heart of the nation, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate temple where God dwells bodily.
6. References
- Brueggemann, W. (1997). Theology of the Old Testament: Testimony, Dispute, Advocacy. Minneapolis: Fortress.
- Hurowitz, V. A. (1992). I Have Built You an Exalted House: Temple Building in the Bible in Light of Mesopotamian and Northwest Semitic Writings. Sheffield: JSOT Press.
- Mazar, A. (1992). Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000–586 B.C.E. New York: Doubleday.
- Levenson, J. D. (1984). Sinai and Zion: An Entry into the Jewish Bible. San Francisco: Harper & Row.