SPECIFICATIONS (1 KINGS 6-7) Posted 10.18.07
QUANTITY
1 Kings 6
My son received a belated birthday card from a friend that read, “Sorry this is late for your birthday…but by the time I chopped down the tree, processed the wood pulp into paper, completed my greeting card artist correspondence course, learned how to operate a printing press, printed the card, saved up enough money for a stamp, and mailed it, your birthday had long since passed!” I’ve never considered all the details associated with a simple birthday card! Imagine the details associated with this temple!
In this portion of 1 Kings we will study the details of the temple Solomon built. Our emphasis in chapter six is quantity which is more than just numbers. It’s defined as measure, extent, magnitude, capacity, size, mass and amount. What is the extent of the work God wants to do among us? More than we can imagine.
The first major structure ever built for the purpose of worship was the tabernacle. Exodus 25:9 states “Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” God gave Moses every necessary detail. Speaking about the temple David says in 1 Chronicles 28:19, “The LORD…gave me understanding in all the details of the plan.” Our God is the God of details.
“But I’m not building a temple,” you say. 1 Corinthians tells us we are the temple. “You are a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God…Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple…” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 3:16) Everything about your life is important to God.
Both the tabernacle and the temple are God’s greatest visual representations of His desired relationship with His children. His temple design walks us through the many facets of knowing Him personally – in detail.
In chapter six, we will examine the motives and methods appropriate for our lives.
MOTIVES (Read 1 Kings 6:1-14)
Why?
Verse 1 mentions the most discussed event in Israel’s history: their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Their flight from Pharaoh represents the greatest event in the life of every Christian: freedom from the bondage of sin. Everything we build in this life should be motivated by our salvation. Why are you doing what you are doing? Are your relationships, interests, hobbies and lifestyle the result of God’s work in your heart?
When?
David wanted to build this temple, but God chose Solomon to build it during the time period listed in verse one. If David had pressed on ahead without submitting to God’s timing, it would have spelled disaster. God cares about the timing of events in your life. Who is setting your clock? He knows you need the job, the money, the friend, the ministry, the answer, the question, the directions, the child, the spouse, the encouragement, and the promotion. Seek Him for His timing. There is none better.
Who?
There was no doubt who this temple was for. Verse 3 gives dimensions, but more importantly it clarifies, “The temple that King Solomon built for the LORD…” This temple was not for Solomon or even David. It was for God alone. My temple, my life should be no less clear. I am His. Who do you do it for?
The emerging details in verses 3-6 seem simple enough, but God taught me a few things here, too. The clerestory windows (v.4) were situated high on the wall in order for the light to shine in the center of the structure. My vernacular: spotlight on God! Who is in the spotlight in your world?
The side rooms mentioned in verse 5 housed the priests who would serve in the temple upon its completion. My emphasis: service beyond the project. What happens when the project is done? How can you serve God there?
The offset ledges of verse 6 provided stability without external sources. My interpretation: self-supporting. The scripture teaches the importance of the Body of Christ. We need each other in a very real way to function as God intended. However, when it comes to interacting with God, there is no substitute for independence. We will not always have a physical person right there to support us in a crisis or even a joy, but if we build God’s way, with God’s heart, our relationship with Him will be self-supporting. He is Faithful. He will always be there.
The final motivations are revealed in verses 7-14. Verse 7 paints a picture for me of quiet, reverence, focus and peace. When God is building in our lives and we are co-laboring for and with Him, it need not be noisy. We must refrain from drawing attention to ourselves, and simply do the work. Live the life. Be the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is a holy call.
If we want to talk about quantity, verses 11-13 would be my preference. The voice of God, the Word of God, the promises of God, the challenges of God – I pray the Lord will fill our lives with these in abundance! Whose voice is filling our lives?
Why are you doing what you are doing?
METHODS (Read 1 Kings 6:15-38)
This section begs the question: how are you doing what you are doing? How do you approach the work of God in your life?
With God no detail was too small or too large. He focused on the floors and ceilings as well as the decorative carvings. Nothing was wasted. Notice the words: covered, floor to ceiling, everything. In later verses you will see rooms filled appropriately and all speak of proper proportions. Complete excellence. Nothing missed. The cedar represents growth and strength. This temple was built with a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and stewardship. To what type of work are you committed?
The inner sanctuary was called The Holy of Holies and represents the purity and presence of God. When the tabernacle and temple worship began, only the high priest could enter this room and then, only once per year. When Jesus died, the veil that hung in the entranceway was torn in two signifying God’s provision for any to enter this area. Jesus made a way for all of us to be “high priests” and enjoy the presence of God (see 1 Peter 2:4-5).
I love the symbolism of the cherubim, gold, palms and open flowers.
Cherubim are guards, attendants and messengers in scripture. They represent supernatural protection and wisdom which are available to us as we abide in God’s Presence. We are not promised freedom from harm or pain, but He will watch over us and guide us always.
Gold was valuable as it is today. There is nothing as valuable as intimacy with God.
Palms were characteristic of oases and watered places. They, as well as the open flowers, represent growth, beauty, and life. In what way do you feel “dry” or “stunted” in your spiritual growth? God’s presence will water your life abundantly!
The inner courtyard represents the invitation of God. All are welcome. Will you come?
Verses 37-38 record the completion of the temple in seven years. Seven years working on one project represents patience, perseverance and peace. In our “quick fix” society, we resist long-term efforts. If we don’t see results instantly we become distracted and discouraged. This temple was built stone by stone, one cedar board at a time. Would you allow God to build according to His timing and His methods? He does great work!
What are God’s specifications for your life?