Bible Passage: 1 Kings 6:1–8:66
Big Picture Question: What did God promise Solomon? God said, “I will live among the Israelites and not abandon My people.”
Key Passage: 1 Kings 8:61
Unit Christ Connection: Solomon’s grand earthly reign is a picture of the eternal reign of Christ. Solomon’s sin divided his kingdom, but Christ’s perfect Kingdom is forever.
When David was king, he wanted to build a temple for God, but God did not allow him to. “When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam. 7:12-13). God said King David’s son would build the temple.
The temple was impressive. The entire interior was cedar. King Solomon had everything covered with gold. In all, it took seven years for the temple to be completed. Inside the temple was furniture and accessories.
Solomon recognized that God is not confined to a temple. “Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built” (1 Kings 8:27). Solomon’s prayer and speech to the Israelites was followed by a great offering to God.
The temple was where God met with His people, and it gave God’s people a more permanent place to worship Him. The priests followed specific instructions to approach God on behalf of His people. Jesus changed everything when He died for our sins on the cross. By taking our sin upon Himself, Jesus made the way for sinners to come to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment