Biblical Description:
1. Primary Narrative Accounts
1.1 1 Kings 5–8
- 1 Kings 5 – Preparations for building: Solomon’s alliance with Hiram of Tyre; labour force organisation; acquisition of cedar and cypress timber.
- 1 Kings 6 – Detailed architectural description: dimensions, materials, interior design, and construction timeline.
- 1 Kings 7 – Craftsmanship and furnishings: bronze works by Huram (e.g. pillars Jachin and Boaz, Bronze Sea, lavers), golden articles, and utensils.
- 1 Kings 8 – Dedication ceremony: installation of the Ark of the Covenant, God’s glory filling the Temple, Solomon’s dedicatory prayer and sacrifices.
1.2 2 Chronicles 2–7
This is a parallel account with Levitical and priestly emphases:
- 2 Chronicles 2 – Preparations, correspondence with Hiram, labour force details.
- 2 Chronicles 3 – Temple construction: site location (Mount Moriah), dimensions, and design.
- 2 Chronicles 4 – Furnishings and vessels: bronze and gold items, similar to 1 Kings 7.
- 2 Chronicles 5 – Ark brought into the Temple; cloud of God’s glory fills it.
- 2 Chronicles 6 – Solomon’s prayer of dedication and covenant faithfulness.
- 2 Chronicles 7 – Fire from heaven consumes offerings; dedication festival; God appears to Solomon reaffirming His covenant.
2. Additional Scriptural References
2.1 Brief Mentions and Theological Reflections
- 2 Samuel 7 – God’s promise to David that his son will build a house for His Name.
- Psalm 132 – Celebration of Zion as God’s chosen dwelling place.
- Isaiah 6:1–4 – Isaiah’s vision in the Temple, likely Solomon’s Temple at the time.
- Jeremiah 7 – Prophetic critique of reliance on the Temple without covenant faithfulness.
- Ezekiel 8–10 – Vision of abominations in the Temple and God’s glory departing (First Temple context).
2.2 New Testament References
- Matthew 12:6 – Jesus: “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here,” referencing His own divine authority.
- Acts 7:47–50 – Stephen references Solomon building the house for God.
- Hebrews 9:1–5 – Recalls the earthly sanctuary’s layout and furnishings, rooted in Temple and Tabernacle imagery.
3. Summary Table: Key Scriptural Passages
| Book and Chapter | Content |
|---|---|
| 2 Samuel 7 | Davidic covenant promise of a temple-building son. |
| 1 Kings 5–8 | Full narrative of Solomon’s Temple construction and dedication. |
| 2 Chronicles 2–7 | Parallel account with Levitical emphasis and Temple worship details. |
| Psalm 132 | Temple and Zion as God’s dwelling place. |
| Isaiah 6 | Vision of God’s glory in the Temple. |
| Jeremiah 7 | Temple sermon against religious hypocrisy. |
| Ezekiel 8–10 | Vision of Temple defilement and departing glory. |
| Acts 7:47–50 | Reference to Solomon’s Temple in Stephen’s speech. |
| Hebrews 9:1–5 | Description of sanctuary furnishings, echoing Temple design. |
4. Conclusion
Solomon’s Temple is described primarily in 1 Kings 5–8 and 2 Chronicles 2–7, with additional reflections and references throughout Psalms, Prophets, and the New Testament. These passages establish its architectural details, theological significance, and typological role within redemptive history.
5. 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.
- Levenson, J. D. (1984). Sinai and Zion: An Entry into the Jewish Bible. San Francisco: Harper & Row.