Solomon's Kingship
If you were buying a bed or cabinet and money was no object, which of these places would be wisest to shop from? And why? Kmart, IKEA, Myer, Fantastic Furniture, King Living
Fantastic Furniture or King Living because they are higher quality.
What 3D shape does the inner sanctuary form?
A perfect cube.
What 3D shape is the New Jerusalem?
A perfect cube.
Where was the ark placed in the Temple?
In the Most Holy Place.
Why can the Israelites not experience God’s full presence? Why do we not get the full picture of God’s glory here on earth?
Sin. Sinful beings cannot stand in God’s full presence. God is Holy.
How does Solomon secure Lebanese cedar for the building of the temple?
He makes a deal with King Hiram giving him lots of food “year after year” (v.11) and paying his workers well.
What is the main material used for the interior of the Temple?
Gold.
What is the New Jerusalem made of?
Gold.
What is similar about God’s presence in the Garden of Eden and the New Jerusalem?
He dwells with His people. No separation.
How does Jesus fulfill the need for a temple?
He is God. No need for a physical place to meet with God. God’s full presence came to us.
What does Solomon’s organisation of materials and labourers reveal about his leadership?
He is very wise. He upholds peace while building the LORD’s temple and ensures the temple is built to the highest standard by hiring experts and using the best materials.
How many cars could be parked inside the Temple? 1 car space = 13m2
~18.7 cars
Name 4 features in the Temple that allude to the Garden of Eden.
Flowers, trees, fruit, gold, cherubim
How does Solomon summarise the Temple’s purpose?
It is where the LORD’s Name dwells. It is a visible sign of God’s faithfulness to the covenant with His people.
How does Jesus’s sacrifice fulfill God’s promise to Israel in 1 Kings 6:11-13?
Jesus’s kingdom – greater than Solomon’s – has been established. Jesus overcame sin – the divide between us and God. God will never abandon us.
Looking @ 1 Chronicles 22:5-6 and 1 Kings 5, in what ways does David’s legacy impact the project?
David was on friendly terms with Hiram, who provided cedar. He made preparations for the temple to be built and advised Solomon on how to ensure the temple is well-built.
Find the height of the Temple in terms of LeBron James. 1 lebron james = 4.5 cubits
About 6 and 2 thirds lebron james
Why does God command the Israelites to build the Temple to look like this?
So that it echoes the Garden of Eden – where God dwelled with man before the Fall. A reminder of what was lost and what God will restore through His covenant.
What is different between where God dwells in Israel’s time and in eternity?
God cannot dwell with the Israelites. There is separation symbolised by the Temple and the Most Holy Place. In the New Jerusalem God dwells with His people.
In light of Jesus’s death + resurrection, what are we called to do?
To come to God through Jesus. Persevere in the faith. Meet up together (church). Encourage one another.
Why are there so many details about Solomon’s preparations for building the temple?
To show Solomon’s wisdom and devotion to God.
What condition does God give Solomon and the people in 6:11-13?
As long as they obey His decrees, He will keep His promise to David AND He will dwell among His people and will not abandon them.
Why is there so much detail about the building of the Temple?
It shows God’s perfection as well as his holiness and splendour.
Why is it significant that God chose to fill a temple made by human hands with His presence?
God is infinite. He made everything in the universe. But He chooses these to be His people. He cares for them.
Should churches be made to look really beautiful? Like lots of stain-glassed windows and high ceilings?
The church building should not be our focus. Jesus fulfills the need for a physical place to meet with God. We are temples with Christ in us.