All hands on deck

The story of Solomon's temple appears on pages 30-31 of this month's book, The Bible Atlas: A pictorial guide to the Holy Lands, available in Christian Science Reading Rooms. 

The opening paragraph offers helpful background:

               Solomon became king of Israel when his father, David, died in about 970BCE. Solomon inherited a large kingdom, with taxes pouring in from many surrounding lands. He became very rich, built a huge palace for himself and had many servants and many wives. ... Solomon was also a clever businessman. He bought horses from Egypt and then sold them to traders from other countries. He also imported gold, parrots, spices, and perfume. ... his biggest project was the building of a magnificent temple, where all the Israelites could come to worship God.

The atlas reminds of:

- Cedars transported by sea from Tyre

- King Solomon's mines (copper and other precious metals)

- The visit of the Queen of Sheba (to see for herself his fabled wealth)

- Solomon's wisdom (as shown in his resolution of a dispute between two mothers)

- The cut-out drawing of the temple shows its magnificence. 

 

The story of building this temple is fascinating. Here are a couple of details: 

I Kings 6:2, 7

And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits. ...[27.5m x 9m x 13.7m; 90’ x 30’ x 45’]

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

Everything was prepared in advance! What a project. And what a lesson in planning, preparation, focus, cooperation, and attention to detail for us today. How the people must have loved being part of this building project.

Having a temple in which to worship was very significant. Previously, Solomon had gone “to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place” (I Kings 3: 4). Now, the people would have a temple right there in Jerusalem just where David had decreed it be built. No wonder they worked harmoniously together. Even King Hiram of Tyre, who had loved King David, was an enthusiastic participant (see I Kings 5:1).

Julie Swannell