1 Kings 14

1 Kings 14:1

A Word for Solomon

In these verses we are again reminded of responsibility (2 Samuel 7:13-14). This also applies to the church. The fact that the Lord Jesus is among those who come together as a church has everything to do with the will of God, with obedience. We have God’s will in the Bible. If we want to listen to Him, He will fulfill His Word and dwell among the assembled believers and not leave them. It is remarkable that Solomon is addressed personally. If we want to experience God’s presence together, we will all have to listen to His Word personally. Then He dwells with His people and will not leave them.

1 Kings 14:2

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:3

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:4

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:5

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:6

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:7

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:8

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:9

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:10

The Covering of Wood and Gold

The stones are covered with cedar wood. The cedar represents the greatness of man which is humiliated by the LORD (Isaiah 2:12-13). When a person repents, another greatness returns for it. Christ is compared to a cedar in Song of Songs and God unites us with Christ in His greatness (Song of Solomon 5:15b; Psalms 92:12). Thus we are useful to God for the building of His house. The great thing that the believer is, he only is through Christ. Therefore the wood is covered with gold again. Everything speaks in God’s temple of His glory (Psalms 29:9b).

The inner sanctuary or rear space – a large, glorious space – is the place where the ark is placed. The altar (1 Kings 6:20) and the veil (1 Kings 6:21) are also mentioned. The altar is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:22. It is seen here as belonging to the most holy place, although it will stand before the veil, but directly close to it (cf. Numbers 18:7; Hebrews 9:3-4).

1 Kings 14:11

The Cherubim

The cherubs are made of olive wood, which is wood from the wild olive tree, of which also the doors of the holy and the posts of the entrance of the temple are made. They have large dimensions, larger than the cherubs on the ark. They fill the most holy place.

Cherubs are special angels who are connected with God as Judge (Genesis 3:24). God rides on them (Psalms 18:10a) and they are God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Ezekiel 10:8-17). They represent God in His judicial glory. In the books of Moses they occur only in connection with paradise and the tabernacle.

1 Kings 14:12

The Cherubim

The cherubs are made of olive wood, which is wood from the wild olive tree, of which also the doors of the holy and the posts of the entrance of the temple are made. They have large dimensions, larger than the cherubs on the ark. They fill the most holy place.

Cherubs are special angels who are connected with God as Judge (Genesis 3:24). God rides on them (Psalms 18:10a) and they are God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Ezekiel 10:8-17). They represent God in His judicial glory. In the books of Moses they occur only in connection with paradise and the tabernacle.

1 Kings 14:13

The Cherubim

The cherubs are made of olive wood, which is wood from the wild olive tree, of which also the doors of the holy and the posts of the entrance of the temple are made. They have large dimensions, larger than the cherubs on the ark. They fill the most holy place.

Cherubs are special angels who are connected with God as Judge (Genesis 3:24). God rides on them (Psalms 18:10a) and they are God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Ezekiel 10:8-17). They represent God in His judicial glory. In the books of Moses they occur only in connection with paradise and the tabernacle.

1 Kings 14:14

The Cherubim

The cherubs are made of olive wood, which is wood from the wild olive tree, of which also the doors of the holy and the posts of the entrance of the temple are made. They have large dimensions, larger than the cherubs on the ark. They fill the most holy place.

Cherubs are special angels who are connected with God as Judge (Genesis 3:24). God rides on them (Psalms 18:10a) and they are God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Ezekiel 10:8-17). They represent God in His judicial glory. In the books of Moses they occur only in connection with paradise and the tabernacle.

1 Kings 14:15

The Cherubim

The cherubs are made of olive wood, which is wood from the wild olive tree, of which also the doors of the holy and the posts of the entrance of the temple are made. They have large dimensions, larger than the cherubs on the ark. They fill the most holy place.

Cherubs are special angels who are connected with God as Judge (Genesis 3:24). God rides on them (Psalms 18:10a) and they are God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Ezekiel 10:8-17). They represent God in His judicial glory. In the books of Moses they occur only in connection with paradise and the tabernacle.

1 Kings 14:16

The Cherubim

The cherubs are made of olive wood, which is wood from the wild olive tree, of which also the doors of the holy and the posts of the entrance of the temple are made. They have large dimensions, larger than the cherubs on the ark. They fill the most holy place.

Cherubs are special angels who are connected with God as Judge (Genesis 3:24). God rides on them (Psalms 18:10a) and they are God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Ezekiel 10:8-17). They represent God in His judicial glory. In the books of Moses they occur only in connection with paradise and the tabernacle.

1 Kings 14:17

The Walls, Floor and Doors

On the walls of the house “cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers” are carved. The cherubim remind us of paradise (Genesis 3:24). They watch over a service in the sanctuary, not to stop it, but to let it take place in accordance with God. In the temple paradise is as it were open to man again. This is possible because the Lord Jesus gained the victory, of which the palm trees speak, over sin and death on the cross. As a result, new life is possible, which is represented by the open flowers.

The floor is made of gold. There is walking on the basis of God’s glory which has become visible in Christ and which is the part of everyone who believes. This golden floor is reminiscent of the street of gold in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21b).

The doors are a picture of Christ through Whom we can only approach God (John 10:7). “For through Him we … have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This is the great privilege for us who are saved by grace. On the doors is the same carved artwork as on the walls of the house. This reminds us that we will be like Christ when we are with Him and the work of grace is perfect (1 John 3:3).

1 Kings 14:18

The Walls, Floor and Doors

On the walls of the house “cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers” are carved. The cherubim remind us of paradise (Genesis 3:24). They watch over a service in the sanctuary, not to stop it, but to let it take place in accordance with God. In the temple paradise is as it were open to man again. This is possible because the Lord Jesus gained the victory, of which the palm trees speak, over sin and death on the cross. As a result, new life is possible, which is represented by the open flowers.

The floor is made of gold. There is walking on the basis of God’s glory which has become visible in Christ and which is the part of everyone who believes. This golden floor is reminiscent of the street of gold in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21b).

The doors are a picture of Christ through Whom we can only approach God (John 10:7). “For through Him we … have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This is the great privilege for us who are saved by grace. On the doors is the same carved artwork as on the walls of the house. This reminds us that we will be like Christ when we are with Him and the work of grace is perfect (1 John 3:3).

1 Kings 14:19

The Walls, Floor and Doors

On the walls of the house “cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers” are carved. The cherubim remind us of paradise (Genesis 3:24). They watch over a service in the sanctuary, not to stop it, but to let it take place in accordance with God. In the temple paradise is as it were open to man again. This is possible because the Lord Jesus gained the victory, of which the palm trees speak, over sin and death on the cross. As a result, new life is possible, which is represented by the open flowers.

The floor is made of gold. There is walking on the basis of God’s glory which has become visible in Christ and which is the part of everyone who believes. This golden floor is reminiscent of the street of gold in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21b).

The doors are a picture of Christ through Whom we can only approach God (John 10:7). “For through Him we … have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This is the great privilege for us who are saved by grace. On the doors is the same carved artwork as on the walls of the house. This reminds us that we will be like Christ when we are with Him and the work of grace is perfect (1 John 3:3).

1 Kings 14:20

The Walls, Floor and Doors

On the walls of the house “cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers” are carved. The cherubim remind us of paradise (Genesis 3:24). They watch over a service in the sanctuary, not to stop it, but to let it take place in accordance with God. In the temple paradise is as it were open to man again. This is possible because the Lord Jesus gained the victory, of which the palm trees speak, over sin and death on the cross. As a result, new life is possible, which is represented by the open flowers.

The floor is made of gold. There is walking on the basis of God’s glory which has become visible in Christ and which is the part of everyone who believes. This golden floor is reminiscent of the street of gold in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21b).

The doors are a picture of Christ through Whom we can only approach God (John 10:7). “For through Him we … have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This is the great privilege for us who are saved by grace. On the doors is the same carved artwork as on the walls of the house. This reminds us that we will be like Christ when we are with Him and the work of grace is perfect (1 John 3:3).

1 Kings 14:21

The Walls, Floor and Doors

On the walls of the house “cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers” are carved. The cherubim remind us of paradise (Genesis 3:24). They watch over a service in the sanctuary, not to stop it, but to let it take place in accordance with God. In the temple paradise is as it were open to man again. This is possible because the Lord Jesus gained the victory, of which the palm trees speak, over sin and death on the cross. As a result, new life is possible, which is represented by the open flowers.

The floor is made of gold. There is walking on the basis of God’s glory which has become visible in Christ and which is the part of everyone who believes. This golden floor is reminiscent of the street of gold in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21b).

The doors are a picture of Christ through Whom we can only approach God (John 10:7). “For through Him we … have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This is the great privilege for us who are saved by grace. On the doors is the same carved artwork as on the walls of the house. This reminds us that we will be like Christ when we are with Him and the work of grace is perfect (1 John 3:3).

1 Kings 14:22

The Walls, Floor and Doors

On the walls of the house “cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers” are carved. The cherubim remind us of paradise (Genesis 3:24). They watch over a service in the sanctuary, not to stop it, but to let it take place in accordance with God. In the temple paradise is as it were open to man again. This is possible because the Lord Jesus gained the victory, of which the palm trees speak, over sin and death on the cross. As a result, new life is possible, which is represented by the open flowers.

The floor is made of gold. There is walking on the basis of God’s glory which has become visible in Christ and which is the part of everyone who believes. This golden floor is reminiscent of the street of gold in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21b).

The doors are a picture of Christ through Whom we can only approach God (John 10:7). “For through Him we … have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This is the great privilege for us who are saved by grace. On the doors is the same carved artwork as on the walls of the house. This reminds us that we will be like Christ when we are with Him and the work of grace is perfect (1 John 3:3).

1 Kings 14:23

The Walls, Floor and Doors

On the walls of the house “cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers” are carved. The cherubim remind us of paradise (Genesis 3:24). They watch over a service in the sanctuary, not to stop it, but to let it take place in accordance with God. In the temple paradise is as it were open to man again. This is possible because the Lord Jesus gained the victory, of which the palm trees speak, over sin and death on the cross. As a result, new life is possible, which is represented by the open flowers.

The floor is made of gold. There is walking on the basis of God’s glory which has become visible in Christ and which is the part of everyone who believes. This golden floor is reminiscent of the street of gold in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:21b).

The doors are a picture of Christ through Whom we can only approach God (John 10:7). “For through Him we … have our access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This is the great privilege for us who are saved by grace. On the doors is the same carved artwork as on the walls of the house. This reminds us that we will be like Christ when we are with Him and the work of grace is perfect (1 John 3:3).

1 Kings 14:24

The Inner Court

In the inner court, where the bronze altar is, where the priests serve, a low wall is made. This wall is the separation between the people and the priests. It consists of three rows of cut stones with a row of cedar beams on top. It is a low wall, so that the people can look over it and see everything the priests do and hear everything the priests say to them.

1 Kings 14:25

Duration of the Building of the Temple

The duration of the building of the temple is seven years, a complete time. God is building a wonderful house in this time, His church. That building will also take a complete time.

The last verse contains an important indication that Solomon built the house “according to all its plans”. Solomon did not follow his own imagination during the building. He also didn’t think about making a small adjustment here and there. He built the temple exactly as God had indicated to David by the Spirit, not only orally, but for greater certainty and accuracy, in writing (1 Chronicles 28:11-12; 19). It is just as He had shown Moses a pattern of the tabernacle on the mountain (Exodus 25:40).

This is an important indication for our time, in which ‘being a church’ is increasingly being attuned to the needs of people. The services should be enlivened with music and dance, the speeches should be delivered by men (or women!) of name. Man must feel at home there, while less and less is asked whether God can still feel at home in His own house.

1 Kings 14:26

Duration of the Building of the Temple

The duration of the building of the temple is seven years, a complete time. God is building a wonderful house in this time, His church. That building will also take a complete time.

The last verse contains an important indication that Solomon built the house “according to all its plans”. Solomon did not follow his own imagination during the building. He also didn’t think about making a small adjustment here and there. He built the temple exactly as God had indicated to David by the Spirit, not only orally, but for greater certainty and accuracy, in writing (1 Chronicles 28:11-12; 19). It is just as He had shown Moses a pattern of the tabernacle on the mountain (Exodus 25:40).

This is an important indication for our time, in which ‘being a church’ is increasingly being attuned to the needs of people. The services should be enlivened with music and dance, the speeches should be delivered by men (or women!) of name. Man must feel at home there, while less and less is asked whether God can still feel at home in His own house.

1 Kings 14:28

Introduction

The previous chapter describes the temple as a building. In this chapter we hear about the bronze and golden objects of the temple, preceded by a description of the buildings of Solomon for himself.

The Buildings for Solomon Himself

We have a break in the description of the temple, because first the house of Solomon is described. This is because there is a close connection between the temple and the house of Solomon. Both houses speak of the church. The temple is the picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. God dwells in the church as His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21-22). In the house of Solomon we see a picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Lord Jesus, which He calls “My church” (Matthew 16:18). Solomon lives there with his family. The Lord Jesus is “Son over His house” (Hebrews 3:6), and as Son He is connected with sons. God said of Solomon that he would be a son to Him (2 Samuel 7:12-14; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In the church the Lord Jesus lives as Son together with those whom He has made sons of God.

Solomon’s house was probably a palace complex with several independent, but complementary buildings. There are public rooms and there is a private room. The house consists of cedar pillars, making it look like a forest. There is a hall of pillars and a hall of the throne. The hall of pillars can be seen as a kind of waiting room where people can wait until they can get to the king. Solomon is sitting in the hall of the throne. More in the middle of the complex is his house. There is also a separate house for his Egyptian wife.

The Lord Jesus will reign over the kingdom of peace from His house. The church is involved in His government. The Lord Jesus reigns also now in His realm over those who acknowledge His authority. All of professing Christianity today is His realm, but He has a real relationship only with those who are connected with Him through faith as the Son. They are the house in the narrow sense in which He lives (1 Kings 7:8), the dwelling behind the hall of the throne, the dwelling place of the royal family.

The materials with which the house is built (1 Kings 7:9-12) are the materials with which the temple is built. It is from stones taken from the rock, as the Lord Jesus says in Matthew 16 (Matthew 16:18). Every believer is a precious stone in the eyes of the Lord Jesus (1 Peter 2:5), because for every stone of all stones of which the church is composed, He has given His life. The foundation of 1 Kings 7:10 does not apply to Him as the foundation, for He is the cornerstone. Here is spoken of several large stones. That points to the apostles as the fundament, the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).

1 Kings 14:29

Introduction

The previous chapter describes the temple as a building. In this chapter we hear about the bronze and golden objects of the temple, preceded by a description of the buildings of Solomon for himself.

The Buildings for Solomon Himself

We have a break in the description of the temple, because first the house of Solomon is described. This is because there is a close connection between the temple and the house of Solomon. Both houses speak of the church. The temple is the picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. God dwells in the church as His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21-22). In the house of Solomon we see a picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Lord Jesus, which He calls “My church” (Matthew 16:18). Solomon lives there with his family. The Lord Jesus is “Son over His house” (Hebrews 3:6), and as Son He is connected with sons. God said of Solomon that he would be a son to Him (2 Samuel 7:12-14; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In the church the Lord Jesus lives as Son together with those whom He has made sons of God.

Solomon’s house was probably a palace complex with several independent, but complementary buildings. There are public rooms and there is a private room. The house consists of cedar pillars, making it look like a forest. There is a hall of pillars and a hall of the throne. The hall of pillars can be seen as a kind of waiting room where people can wait until they can get to the king. Solomon is sitting in the hall of the throne. More in the middle of the complex is his house. There is also a separate house for his Egyptian wife.

The Lord Jesus will reign over the kingdom of peace from His house. The church is involved in His government. The Lord Jesus reigns also now in His realm over those who acknowledge His authority. All of professing Christianity today is His realm, but He has a real relationship only with those who are connected with Him through faith as the Son. They are the house in the narrow sense in which He lives (1 Kings 7:8), the dwelling behind the hall of the throne, the dwelling place of the royal family.

The materials with which the house is built (1 Kings 7:9-12) are the materials with which the temple is built. It is from stones taken from the rock, as the Lord Jesus says in Matthew 16 (Matthew 16:18). Every believer is a precious stone in the eyes of the Lord Jesus (1 Peter 2:5), because for every stone of all stones of which the church is composed, He has given His life. The foundation of 1 Kings 7:10 does not apply to Him as the foundation, for He is the cornerstone. Here is spoken of several large stones. That points to the apostles as the fundament, the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).

1 Kings 14:30

Introduction

The previous chapter describes the temple as a building. In this chapter we hear about the bronze and golden objects of the temple, preceded by a description of the buildings of Solomon for himself.

The Buildings for Solomon Himself

We have a break in the description of the temple, because first the house of Solomon is described. This is because there is a close connection between the temple and the house of Solomon. Both houses speak of the church. The temple is the picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. God dwells in the church as His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21-22). In the house of Solomon we see a picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Lord Jesus, which He calls “My church” (Matthew 16:18). Solomon lives there with his family. The Lord Jesus is “Son over His house” (Hebrews 3:6), and as Son He is connected with sons. God said of Solomon that he would be a son to Him (2 Samuel 7:12-14; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In the church the Lord Jesus lives as Son together with those whom He has made sons of God.

Solomon’s house was probably a palace complex with several independent, but complementary buildings. There are public rooms and there is a private room. The house consists of cedar pillars, making it look like a forest. There is a hall of pillars and a hall of the throne. The hall of pillars can be seen as a kind of waiting room where people can wait until they can get to the king. Solomon is sitting in the hall of the throne. More in the middle of the complex is his house. There is also a separate house for his Egyptian wife.

The Lord Jesus will reign over the kingdom of peace from His house. The church is involved in His government. The Lord Jesus reigns also now in His realm over those who acknowledge His authority. All of professing Christianity today is His realm, but He has a real relationship only with those who are connected with Him through faith as the Son. They are the house in the narrow sense in which He lives (1 Kings 7:8), the dwelling behind the hall of the throne, the dwelling place of the royal family.

The materials with which the house is built (1 Kings 7:9-12) are the materials with which the temple is built. It is from stones taken from the rock, as the Lord Jesus says in Matthew 16 (Matthew 16:18). Every believer is a precious stone in the eyes of the Lord Jesus (1 Peter 2:5), because for every stone of all stones of which the church is composed, He has given His life. The foundation of 1 Kings 7:10 does not apply to Him as the foundation, for He is the cornerstone. Here is spoken of several large stones. That points to the apostles as the fundament, the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).

1 Kings 14:31

Introduction

The previous chapter describes the temple as a building. In this chapter we hear about the bronze and golden objects of the temple, preceded by a description of the buildings of Solomon for himself.

The Buildings for Solomon Himself

We have a break in the description of the temple, because first the house of Solomon is described. This is because there is a close connection between the temple and the house of Solomon. Both houses speak of the church. The temple is the picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. God dwells in the church as His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21-22). In the house of Solomon we see a picture of the church as the dwelling place of the Lord Jesus, which He calls “My church” (Matthew 16:18). Solomon lives there with his family. The Lord Jesus is “Son over His house” (Hebrews 3:6), and as Son He is connected with sons. God said of Solomon that he would be a son to Him (2 Samuel 7:12-14; 1 Chronicles 17:13). In the church the Lord Jesus lives as Son together with those whom He has made sons of God.

Solomon’s house was probably a palace complex with several independent, but complementary buildings. There are public rooms and there is a private room. The house consists of cedar pillars, making it look like a forest. There is a hall of pillars and a hall of the throne. The hall of pillars can be seen as a kind of waiting room where people can wait until they can get to the king. Solomon is sitting in the hall of the throne. More in the middle of the complex is his house. There is also a separate house for his Egyptian wife.

The Lord Jesus will reign over the kingdom of peace from His house. The church is involved in His government. The Lord Jesus reigns also now in His realm over those who acknowledge His authority. All of professing Christianity today is His realm, but He has a real relationship only with those who are connected with Him through faith as the Son. They are the house in the narrow sense in which He lives (1 Kings 7:8), the dwelling behind the hall of the throne, the dwelling place of the royal family.

The materials with which the house is built (1 Kings 7:9-12) are the materials with which the temple is built. It is from stones taken from the rock, as the Lord Jesus says in Matthew 16 (Matthew 16:18). Every believer is a precious stone in the eyes of the Lord Jesus (1 Peter 2:5), because for every stone of all stones of which the church is composed, He has given His life. The foundation of 1 Kings 7:10 does not apply to Him as the foundation, for He is the cornerstone. Here is spoken of several large stones. That points to the apostles as the fundament, the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).