Solomon Builds the Temple

After Solomon became king, Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to him. Solomon sent back word that he wanted to build a house for the name of Yahweh his God, just as God had spoken about David’s son. Hiram agreed to provide cedar and cypress from Lebanon, and the two kings made a treaty in peace.

Solomon organised many workers for the task. Some cut timber, some carried heavy loads, and some cut large stones for the foundation. Officers oversaw the labour. The stones and timber were prepared carefully, and the stones for the house were cut ready at the quarry, so no hammer, axe, or iron tool was heard at the building site.

In the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, the building began. The temple had a porch, windows, side rooms, and an inner sanctuary for the ark of the covenant. Cedar and cypress lined the inside, with carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and flowers. The inner sanctuary and the house were richly overlaid with gold.

While Solomon was building, the word of Yahweh came to him. God spoke not only about the building, but about obedience. If Solomon walked in God’s statutes, carried out his ordinances, and kept his commands, then God would keep his word to David and dwell among the people of Israel.

Skilled craftsmen also made the temple furnishings. Hiram from Tyre, a master worker in bronze, made the pillars, the great sea, the bases, the basins, and many tools. Solomon made the golden altar, the tables, the lampstands, and other gold vessels. The house itself took seven years to complete, and when all the work for Yahweh’s house was finished, Solomon placed the treasures dedicated by David in its storerooms.