King Solomon’s Temple

Read 1 Kings 8:1 – 9:9

David Kusumoto

King Solomon’s temple was magnificent in its design and opulence. The Bible gives detailed
information of its architecture, as well as the materials and manpower needed to build
it. In fact, several chapters in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles describe the elaborate design and
construction of this magnificent structure.

It took over seven years and a workforce of 183,000 men to complete it. With great respect
for God’s instructions, Solomon and his workers even made sure that no sound of a hammer,
chisel or other iron tool could be heard from the building site. This meant that the stone for
the temple needed to be cut and shaped at the quarry, which was situated miles away.

The temple included an outer court, inner court, a porch, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy
Place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Solomon said in his prayer of dedication that,
“The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I
have built!”

What does all this mean for us? In the New Testament, we learn that the design of God’s
temple symbolizes the true temple of God, which is us, the body of Christ. God lives in those
of us who truly love Him with all or our heart, soul, strength and mind (Mark 12:30).

The outer court of the temple represents our physical bodies, while the inner court represents
our souls. The porch of the temple contained two pillars: Jakin (meaning “he establishes”) and
Boaz (meaning “in him is strength”). By combining these two names the meaning derived
is, “God provides strength.” We were designed to get our strength from God! Our hearts and
minds are represented by The Holy Place. The Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies, which only
the High Priest could enter, is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit within us.

It is no coincidence that Solomon’s temple is designed just as we are. We both have the same
architect and He makes no mistakes.

P r ay e r
Lord, help us to remember that You have designed each of us to be a perfect temple of Your
Holy Spirit. May we be good stewards of this temple. In Christ’s name, Amen.
 DAY 38

Question
“Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If
anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are
that temple.” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)

Have you experienced this in your life?

MY Reflections
Does any particular verse (SCRIPTURE) in today’s reading speak to you?

OBSERVE what this verse is saying to you:

How can you APPLY this verse to your life today?

My PRAYER for today is: