Solomon Builds the Temple of the LORD
King Solomon fulfills David's dream by constructing a magnificent temple for the LORD in Jerusalem. At its dedication, God's glory fills the house in a cloud.
1 Kings 5:1-18, 1 Kings 6:1-38, 1 Kings 7:13-51, 1 Kings 8:1-66
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The Story
In the four hundred and eightieth year after Israel's exodus from Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, the king began the work his father David could not complete—building a house for the LORD. David had been a man of war; Solomon, whose name means 'peace,' would build in peace. Solomon contracted with Hiram, king of Tyre, for cedar and cypress timber from Lebanon, and conscripted laborers—30,000 sent to Lebanon in shifts, plus 70,000 burden-bearers and 80,000 stonecutters. The temple's dimensions were precise: sixty cubits long, twenty wide, thirty high, overlaid within with pure gold. Great stones were prepared at the quarry, 'so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.' After seven years, the house was finished—a structure of breathtaking beauty with carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, all covered with gold. Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman, created two bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the molten sea resting on twelve bronze oxen, and all the vessels of service. When the temple stood complete, Solomon assembled all Israel for dedication. The priests brought the ark of the covenant into the Holy of Holies, beneath the overshadowing cherubim. When they emerged, 'the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house.' Solomon blessed the congregation and prayed a magnificent dedicatory prayer, acknowledging that 'heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded.' He besought God to hear prayers made toward this place, whether by Israel or by foreigners, asking forgiveness for sin and deliverance from enemies. God appeared to Solomon, promising, 'I have hallowed this house... mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.' The temple stood as the center of Israel's worship until Nebuchadnezzar's destruction, a symbol of God dwelling among His people.
The Beautiful Temple for God
Kids Version
When David was king, he really wanted to build a beautiful temple—a special house for God. But God said, 'You've been a soldier and fought many wars. Your son Solomon will build my temple instead.' So when Solomon became king, he started the biggest building project ever! Solomon asked King Hiram from a nearby country to send cedar trees from Lebanon—the best, strongest, most beautiful wood in the world. He hired 30,000 men to cut trees, 70,000 men to carry supplies, and 80,000 men to cut huge stones from the mountains. The stones were cut so perfectly at the quarry that when workers put them together at the temple site, they didn't even need hammers! The temple was quiet as it went up, piece by piece. It took seven years to build. The temple was absolutely magnificent! It was ninety feet long, thirty feet wide, and forty-five feet tall. Inside, everything was covered with pure gold—the walls, the ceiling, even the floor! Artists carved pictures of angels, palm trees, and flowers into the wood, then covered it all with gold. It sparkled and shone! The most special room was the Holy of Holies, where the ark of the covenant would go—the golden box that held the Ten Commandments. When everything was finally finished, Solomon invited all the people of Israel to come for a huge celebration. The priests carefully carried the ark into the Holy of Holies. Then something amazing happened! A cloud filled the whole temple—it was the glory of God! The cloud was so thick and bright that the priests had to stop what they were doing and step back. God's presence was so powerful! Solomon prayed a beautiful prayer and said, 'Not even the biggest heaven can contain you, God, but please be specially present in this temple.' God was pleased with Solomon's temple. It became the most important place in all of Israel!
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Scripture — 1 Kings 5:1-18 (KJV)
1And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.
2And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying,
3Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the LORD his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the LORD put them under the soles of his feet.
4But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.
5And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name. purpose: Heb. say
6Now therefore command thou that they hew me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with thy servants: and unto thee will I give hire for thy servants according to all that thou shalt appoint: for thou knowest that there is not among us any that can skill to hew timber like unto the Sidonians. appoint: Heb. say
7And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.
8And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. considered: Heb. heard
9My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive them: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household. appoint: Heb. send
10So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
11And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. measures: Heb. cors
12And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon; and they two made a league together.
13And king Solomon raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand men. levy: Heb. tribute of men
14And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home: and Adoniram was over the levy.
15And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
16Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.
17And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.
18And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house. stonesquares: or, Giblites
Memory Verse
“And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David.”
— 1 Kings 5:1 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Solomon Builds the Temple of the LORD” in the Bible?
King Solomon fulfills David's dream by constructing a magnificent temple for the LORD in Jerusalem. At its dedication, God's glory fills the house in a cloud. This story is found in 1 Kings 5:1-18, 1 Kings 6:1-38, 1 Kings 7:13-51, 1 Kings 8:1-66.
Where is “Solomon Builds the Temple of the LORD” found in the Bible?
“Solomon Builds the Temple of the LORD” is found in 1 Kings 5:1-18, 1 Kings 6:1-38, 1 Kings 7:13-51, 1 Kings 8:1-66, in the book of 1 Kings.
What can children learn from “Solomon Builds the Temple of the LORD”?
This story teaches children about Fulfillment of God's promises, Worship and God's presence, Wisdom and administration, God's glory, Prayer and dedication. King Solomon builds the most beautiful building in the world as a special house for God, and God's glory fills it like a shining cloud!