The Temple Built

Read 1 Kings 5-7  
 
1 Kings 6:1 It was in midspring, in the month of Ziv, during the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, that he began to construct the Temple of the Lord. This was 480 years after the people of Israel were rescued from their slavery in the land of Egypt…38 The entire building was completed in every detail by mid autumn, in the month of Bul, during the eleventh year of his reign. So it took seven years to build the Temple.
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1 Kings 7:1 Solomon also built a palace for himself, and it took him thirteen years to complete the construction.
 
VERSE 1 is very important in the Bible’s timeline. A number of historical documents outside of the Bible have confirmed Solomon reigned from 971-931 BC. We then know the exodus occurred in 1447 BC. This may seem irrelevant to the modern church, but it is very important. The historical accuracy helps us know God has moved through history with order and purpose. We can more easily defend our faith when we know there is scientific proof of God’s activity in world events. Historical writings, anthropology and archeology have proven to be very helpful to confirm God’s story. Good science is not the church’s enemy. It is God’s evidence to understand his creation of the world and of a people to save the world. Let’s know the truth and defend it against people who challenge the Bible’s facts with unprovable theories.
     The Temple’s construction is another visible display of God’s covenant with Abraham. We have read how carefully and skillfully God’s anointed artisans constructed the Tabernacle in the Sinai desert. Now it is time for a new generation of gifted workers to build a temple under God’s specific blueprint. Solomon built God’s earthly “house” with God’s glory in mind.
   Chapter 7 tells us Solomon’s palace was about 30% larger than the temple. Its design gave the palace about five times the floor space. This was to make room for the king’s daily operations and responsibilities that required extensive storage of such items as food and weapons.
   But it seems there is unnecessary building. Why would Solomon’s wife, for example, need a separate home? Perhaps Solomon believed all this would praise and glorify God. Perhaps he was satisfying the desires of his wife born into Egyptian royalty.  
   God gifts many of  his people with a strong faith to love him and wealth to serve his church. Throughout history, monetary wealth has been used to build God’s kingdom through the expansion of the church’s mission and through grand structures glorifying God.  
   God has also made each one of his own rich in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Each Christian has the eternal gift of life. You are to generously give of God to a world impoverished by sin.
   God’s Word gives you specific ways to build your life of faith. Are you reading and learning? Are you putting those words into life habits? How will you distribute God’s wealth of salvation to enrich others and to glorify his name?