Solomon Builds The Temple

Solomon Builds the Temple

Q: What did Solomon get from the Lebanon mountains to build the Temple?

• a. goats
• b. timber
• c. gold

David loved God and wanted to build a special Temple for him. He even drew up plans for it, but David wasn’t allowed to build the Temple for God. David gave the plans to his son, Solomon, and King Solomon had the privilege of building the Temple for God.

Hiram of Tyre, one of David’s loyal friends, heard that Solomon was now king and sent ambassadors to congratulate him. Solomon told the ambassadors about his plans to build the Temple. This was an important project, so Solomon wanted the best wood and stone and the best craftsmen. Solomon wanted Hiram to supply cedar and cypress timber and workers to cut down the trees. Hiram told Solomon that the timber would come from the Lebanon mountains and be floated along the coast to him.

The Temple was rectangular and had three areas. First there was an area like a grand porch. Then there was an area where the people worshiped God. Last there was a place called the Holy of Holies. The Temple was built of wood and stone with lots of gold overlaid inside. You can read more about it in 1 Kings 5–7 or 2 Chronicles 2–4.

Building the magnificent Temple was a lot of work. It took seven years to complete it, but Solomon made sure it was completed before he built his own palace. The king knew it was important to finish a project, especially one done for the Lord.

For You

Do you finish what you start, or do you give up and leave projects half done? It’s important to be realistic about what you can do, and then do it to the best of your ability. This is especially important when you’re doing something for the Lord.

Answer: b

My servants will bring the logs from the Lebanon mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and make them into rafts and float them along the coast to whatever place you choose.   1 Kings 5:9

(The Whole Story: 1 Kings 5)