mh_parser/vol_split/11 - 1Kings/Chapter 6.xml

<div2 id="iKi.vii" n="vii" next="iKi.viii" prev="iKi.vi" progress="53.07%" title="Chapter VI">
<h2 id="iKi.vii-p0.1">F I R S T   K I N G S</h2>
<h3 id="iKi.vii-p0.2">CHAP. VI.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iKi.vii-p1">Great and long preparation had been making for the
building of the temple, and here, at length, comes an account of
the building of it; a noble piece of work it was, one of the
wonders of the world, and taking in its spiritual significancy, one
of the glories of the church. Here is, I. The time when it was
built (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.1" parsed="|1Kgs|6|1|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:1">ver. 1</scripRef>), and how long
it was in the building, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.37-1Kgs.6.38" parsed="|1Kgs|6|37|6|38" passage="1Ki 6:37,38">ver. 37,
38</scripRef>. II. The silence with which it was build, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.7" parsed="|1Kgs|6|7|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:7">ver. 7</scripRef>. III. The dimensions of it,
<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.2-1Kgs.6.3" parsed="|1Kgs|6|2|6|3" passage="1Ki 6:2,3">ver. 2, 3</scripRef>. IV. The message
God sent to Solomon, when it was in the building, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.11-1Kgs.6.13" parsed="|1Kgs|6|11|6|13" passage="1Ki 6:11-13">ver. 11-13</scripRef>. V. The particulars:
windows (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.4" parsed="|1Kgs|6|4|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:4">ver. 4</scripRef>), chambers
(<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.5-1Kgs.6.6 Bible:1Kgs.6.8-1Kgs.6.10" parsed="|1Kgs|6|5|6|6;|1Kgs|6|8|6|10" passage="1Ki 6:5,6,8-10">ver. 5, 6, 8-10</scripRef>),
the walls and flooring (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.15-1Kgs.6.18" parsed="|1Kgs|6|15|6|18" passage="1Ki 6:15-18">ver.
15-18</scripRef>), the oracle (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.19-1Kgs.6.22" parsed="|1Kgs|6|19|6|22" passage="1Ki 6:19-22">ver.
19-22</scripRef>), the cherubim (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.10" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.23-1Kgs.6.30" parsed="|1Kgs|6|23|6|30" passage="1Ki 6:23-30">ver. 23-30</scripRef>), the doors (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.11" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.31-1Kgs.6.35" parsed="|1Kgs|6|31|6|35" passage="1Ki 6:31-35">ver. 31-35</scripRef>), and the inner court,
<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p1.12" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.36" parsed="|1Kgs|6|36|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:36">ver. 36</scripRef>. Many learned men
have well bestowed their pains in expounding the description here
given of the temple according to the rules of architecture, and
solving the difficulties which, upon search, they find in it; but
in that matter, having nothing new to offer, we will not be
particular or curious; it was then well understood, and every man's
eyes that saw this glorious structure furnished him with the best
critical exposition of this chapter.</p>
<scripCom id="iKi.vii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6" parsed="|1Kgs|6|0|0|0" passage="1Ki 6" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iKi.vii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.1-1Kgs.6.10" parsed="|1Kgs|6|1|6|10" passage="1Ki 6:1-10" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Kgs.6.1-1Kgs.6.10">
<h4 id="iKi.vii-p1.15">The Building of the Temple. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.vii-p1.16">b. c.</span> 1011.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iKi.vii-p2">1 And it came to pass in the four hundred and
eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the
land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel,
in the month Zif, which <i>is</i> the second month, that he began
to build the house of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.vii-p2.1">Lord</span>.
  2 And the house which king Solomon built for the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.vii-p2.2">Lord</span>, the length thereof <i>was</i>
threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty <i>cubits,</i>
and the height thereof thirty cubits.   3 And the porch before
the temple of the house, twenty cubits <i>was</i> the length
thereof, according to the breadth of the house; <i>and</i> ten
cubits <i>was</i> the breadth thereof before the house.   4
And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.   5 And
against the wall of the house he built chambers round about,
<i>against</i> the walls of the house round about, <i>both</i> of
the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:
  6 The nethermost chamber <i>was</i> five cubits broad, and
the middle <i>was</i> six cubits broad, and the third <i>was</i>
seven cubits broad: for without <i>in the wall</i> of the house he
made narrowed rests round about, that <i>the beams</i> should not
be fastened in the walls of the house.   7 And the house, when
it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was
brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe
<i>nor</i> any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in
building.   8 The door for the middle chamber <i>was</i> in
the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs
into the middle <i>chamber,</i> and out of the middle into the
third.   9 So he built the house, and finished it; and covered
the house with beams and boards of cedar.   10 And <i>then</i>
he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they
rested on the house <i>with</i> timber of cedar.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p3">Here, I. The temple is called <i>the house
of the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.1" parsed="|1Kgs|6|1|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:1"><i>v.</i>
1</scripRef>), because it was, 1. Directed and modelled by him.
Infinite Wisdom was the architect, and gave David the plan or
pattern by the Spirit, not by word of mouth only, but, for the
greater certainty and exactness, in writing (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.28.11-1Chr.28.12" parsed="|1Chr|28|11|28|12" passage="1Ch 28:11,12">1 Chron. xxviii. 11, 12</scripRef>), as he had given
to Moses in the mouth a draught of the tabernacle. 2. Dedicated and
devoted to him and to his honour, to be employed in his service, so
his as never any other house was, for he manifested his glory in it
(so as never in any other) in a way agreeable to that dispensation;
for, when there were carnal ordinances, there was a <i>worldly
sanctuary,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.1 Bible:Heb.9.10" parsed="|Heb|9|1|0|0;|Heb|9|10|0|0" passage="Heb 9:1,10">Heb. ix. 1,
10</scripRef>. This gave it its <i>beauty of holiness,</i> that it
was <i>the house of the Lord,</i> which far transcended all its
other beauties.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p4">II. The time when it began to be built is
exactly set down. 1. It was just 480 years after the bringing of
the children of Israel out of Egypt. Allowing forty years to Moses,
seventeen to Joshua, 299 to the Judges, forty to Eli, forty to
Samuel and Saul, forty to David, and four to Solomon before he
began the work, we have just the sum of 480. So long it was after
that holy state was founded before that holy house was built,
which, in less than 430 years, was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar. It was
thus deferred because Israel had, by their sins, rendered
themselves unworthy of this honour, and because God would show how
little he values external pomp and splendour in his service: he was
in no haste for a temple. David's tent, which was clean and
convenient, though it was neither stately nor rich, nor, for aught
that appears, ever consecrated, is called the <i>house of the
Lord</i> (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.12.20" parsed="|2Sam|12|20|0|0" passage="2Sa 12:20">2 Sam. xii. 20</scripRef>),
and served as well as Solomon's temple; yet, when God gave Solomon
great wealth, he put it into his heart thus to employ it, and
graciously accepted him, chiefly because it was to be a shadow of
good things to come, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.9" parsed="|Heb|9|9|0|0" passage="Heb 9:9">Heb. ix.
9</scripRef>. 2. It was in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, the
first three years being taken up in settling the affairs of his
kingdom, that he might not find any embarrassment from them in this
work. It is not time lost which is spent in composing ourselves for
the work of God, and disentangling ourselves from every thing which
might distract or divert us. During this time he was adding to the
preparations which his father had made (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.22.14" parsed="|1Chr|22|14|0|0" passage="1Ch 22:14">1 Chron. xxii. 14</scripRef>), hewing the stone,
squaring the timber, and getting every thing ready, so that he is
not to be blamed for slackness in deferring it so long. We are
truly serving God when we are preparing for his service and
furnishing ourselves for it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p5">III. The materials are brought in, ready
for their place (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.7" parsed="|1Kgs|6|7|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>), so ready that there was <i>neither hammer nor ax
heard in the house while it was in building.</i> In all building
Solomon prescribes it as a rule of prudence to <i>prepare the work
in the field,</i> and <i>afterwards build,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Prov.24.27" parsed="|Prov|24|27|0|0" passage="Pr 24:27">Prov. xxiv. 27</scripRef>. But here, it seems, the
preparation was more than ordinarily full and exact, to such a
degree that, when the several parts came to be put together, there
was nothing defective to be added, nothing amiss to be amended. It
was to be the temple of God of peace, and therefore no iron tool
must be heard in it. Quietness and silence both become and befriend
religious exercises: God's work should be done with as much care
and as little noise as may be. The temple was thrown down with axes
and hammers, and those that threw it down roared <i>in the midst of
the congregation</i> (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.74.4 Bible:Ps.74.6" parsed="|Ps|74|4|0|0;|Ps|74|6|0|0" passage="Ps 74:4,6">Ps. lxxiv. 4,
6</scripRef>); but it was built up in silence. Clamour and violence
often hinder the work of God, but never further it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p6">IV. The dimensions are laid down (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.2-1Kgs.6.3" parsed="|1Kgs|6|2|6|3" passage="1Ki 6:2,3"><i>v.</i> 2, 3</scripRef>) according to the
rules of proportion. Some observe that the length and breadth were
just double to that of the tabernacle. Now that Israel had grown
more numerous the place of their meeting needed to be enlarged
(<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.54.1-Isa.54.2" parsed="|Isa|54|1|54|2" passage="Isa 54:1,2">Isa. liv. 1, 2</scripRef>), and now
that they had grown richer they were the better able to enlarge it.
Where God sows plentifully he expects to reap so.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p7">V. An account of the windows (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.4" parsed="|1Kgs|6|4|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>): They were <i>broad
within, and narrow without, Marg.</i> Such should the eyes of our
mind be, reflecting nearer on ourselves than on other people,
looking much within, to judge ourselves, but little without, to
censure our brethren. The narrowness of the lights intimated the
darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the gospel
day.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p8">VI. The chambers are described (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.5-1Kgs.6.6" parsed="|1Kgs|6|5|6|6" passage="1Ki 6:5,6"><i>v.</i> 5, 6</scripRef>), which served as
vestries, in which the utensils of the tabernacle were carefully
laid up, and where the priests dressed and undressed themselves and
left the clothes in which they ministered: probably in some of
these chambers they feasted upon the holy things. Solomon was not
so intent upon the magnificence of the house as to neglect the
conveniences that were requisite for the offices thereof, that
every thing might be done decently and in order. Care was taken
that the beams should not be fastened in the walls to weaken them,
<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.6" parsed="|1Kgs|6|6|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. Let not the
church's strength be impaired under pretence of adding to its
beauty or convenience.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iKi.vii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.11-1Kgs.6.14" parsed="|1Kgs|6|11|6|14" passage="1Ki 6:11-14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Kgs.6.11-1Kgs.6.14">
<p class="passage" id="iKi.vii-p9">11 And the word of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.vii-p9.1">Lord</span> came to Solomon, saying,   12
<i>Concerning</i> this house which thou art in building, if thou
wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my
commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with
thee, which I spake unto David thy father:   13 And I will
dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people
Israel.   14 So Solomon built the house, and finished it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p10">Here is, I. The word God sent to Solomon,
when he was engaged in building the temple. God let him know that
he took notice of what he was doing, <i>the house he was now
building,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.12" parsed="|1Kgs|6|12|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>.
None employ themselves for God without having his eye upon them.
"<i>I know thy works,</i> thy good works." He assured him that if
he would proceed and persevere in obedience to the divine law, and
keep in the way of duty and the true worship of God, the divine
loving-kindness should be drawn out both to himself <i>(I will
perform my word with thee</i>) and to his kingdom: "Israel shall be
ever owned as my people; I will <i>dwell among them,</i> and <i>not
forsake them.</i>" This word God sent him probably by a prophet, 1.
That by the promise he might be encouraged and comforted in his
work. Perhaps sometimes the great care, expense, and fatigue of it,
made him ready to wish he had never begun it; but this would help
him through the difficulties of it, that the promised establishment
of his family and kingdom would abundantly recompense all his
pains. An eye to the promise will carry us cheerfully through our
work; and those who wish well to the public will think nothing too
much that they can do to secure and perpetuate to it the tokens of
God's presence. 2. That, by the condition annexed, he might be
awakened to consider that though he built the temple ever so strong
the glory of it would soon depart, unless he and his people
continued <i>to walk in God's statutes.</i> God plainly let him
know that all this charge which he and his people were at, in
erecting this temple, would neither excuse them from obedience to
the law of God nor shelter them from his judgments in case of
disobedience. Keeping God's commandments is better, and more
pleasing to him, than building churches.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p11">II. The work Solomon did for God: <i>So he
built the house</i> (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.14" parsed="|1Kgs|6|14|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>), <i>so</i> animated by the message God had sent him,
<i>so</i> admonished not to expect that God should own his building
unless he were obedient to his laws: "Lord, I proceed upon these
terms, being firmly resolved to walk in thy statutes." The
strictness of God's government will never drive a good man from his
service, but quicken him in it. Solomon built and finished, he went
on with the work, and God went along with him till it was
completed. It is spoken both to God's praise and his: he grew not
weary of the work, met not with any obstructions (as <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezra.4.24" parsed="|Ezra|4|24|0|0" passage="Ezr 4:24">Ezra iv. 24</scripRef>), did not out-build his
property, nor do it by halves, but, having begun to build, was both
able and willing to finish; for he was a wise builder.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iKi.vii-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.15-1Kgs.6.38" parsed="|1Kgs|6|15|6|38" passage="1Ki 6:15-38" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Kgs.6.15-1Kgs.6.38">
<p class="passage" id="iKi.vii-p12">15 And he built the walls of the house within
with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of
the ceiling: <i>and</i> he covered <i>them</i> on the inside with
wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.  
16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the
floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built <i>them</i>
for it within, <i>even</i> for the oracle, <i>even</i> for the most
holy <i>place.</i>   17 And the house, that <i>is,</i> the
temple before it, was forty cubits <i>long.</i>   18 And the
cedar of the house within <i>was</i> carved with knops and open
flowers: all <i>was</i> cedar; there was no stone seen.   19
And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the
ark of the covenant of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.vii-p12.1">Lord</span>.
  20 And the oracle in the forepart <i>was</i> twenty cubits
in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the
height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and <i>so</i>
covered the altar <i>which was of</i> cedar.   21 So Solomon
overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition
by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with
gold.   22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he
had finished all the house: also the whole altar that <i>was</i> by
the oracle he overlaid with gold.   23 And within the oracle
he made two cherubims <i>of</i> olive tree, <i>each</i> ten cubits
high.   24 And five cubits <i>was</i> the one wing of the
cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the
uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other
<i>were</i> ten cubits.   25 And the other cherub <i>was</i>
ten cubits: both the cherubims <i>were</i> of one measure and one
size.   26 The height of the one cherub <i>was</i> ten cubits,
and so <i>was it</i> of the other cherub.   27 And he set the
cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the
wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the
<i>one</i> wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other
wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the
house.   28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.   29
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved
figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and
without.   30 And the floor of the house he overlaid with
gold, within and without.   31 And for the entering of the
oracle he made doors <i>of</i> olive tree: the lintel <i>and</i>
side posts <i>were</i> a fifth part <i>of the wall.</i>   32
The two doors also <i>were of</i> olive tree; and he carved upon
them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and
overlaid <i>them</i> with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims,
and upon the palm trees.   33 So also made he for the door of
the temple posts <i>of</i> olive tree, a fourth part <i>of the
wall.</i>   34 And the two doors <i>were of</i> fir tree: the
two leaves of the one door <i>were</i> folding, and the two leaves
of the other door <i>were</i> folding.   35 And he carved
<i>thereon</i> cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and
covered <i>them</i> with gold fitted upon the carved work.  
36 And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and
a row of cedar beams.   37 In the fourth year was the
foundation of the house of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iKi.vii-p12.2">Lord</span>
laid, in the month Zif:   38 And in the eleventh year, in the
month Bul, which <i>is</i> the eighth month, was the house finished
throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion
of it. So was he seven years in building it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p13">Here, I. We have a particular account of
the details of the building.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p14">1. The wainscot of the temple. It was of
cedar (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.15" parsed="|1Kgs|6|15|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>), which
was strong and durable, and of a very sweet smell. The wainscot was
curiously carved with knops (like eggs or apples) and flowers, no
doubt as the fashion then was, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.18" parsed="|1Kgs|6|18|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p15">2. The gilding. It was not like ours,
washed over, but <i>the whole house,</i> all the inside of the
temple (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.22" parsed="|1Kgs|6|22|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>), even
the floor (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.30" parsed="|1Kgs|6|30|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>),
he <i>overlaid with gold,</i> and the most holy place with <i>pure
gold,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.21" parsed="|1Kgs|6|21|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>.
Solomon would spare no expense necessary to make it every way
sumptuous. Gold was under foot there, as it should be in all the
living temples: the abundance of it lessened its worth.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p16">3. The oracle, or <i>speaking-place</i>
(for so the word signifies), <i>the holy of holies,</i> so called
because thence God spoke to Moses, and perhaps to the high priest,
when he consulted with the breast-plate of judgment. In this place
<i>the ark of the covenant was to be set,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.19" parsed="|1Kgs|6|19|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. Solomon made every thing new,
and more magnificent than it had been, except the ark, which was
still the same that Moses made, with its mercy-seat and cherubim;
that was the token of God's presence, which is always the same with
his people whether they meet in tent or temple, and changes not
with their condition.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p17">4. The cherubim. Besides those at the ends
of the mercy-seat, which covered the ark, (1.) Solomon set up two
more, very large ones, images of young men (as some think), with
wings made of olive-wood, and all overlaid with gold, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.23-1Kgs.6.28" parsed="|1Kgs|6|23|6|28" passage="1Ki 6:23-28"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>, &amp;c. This most
holy place was much larger than that in the tabernacle, and
therefore the ark would have seemed lost in it, and the dead wall
would have been unsightly, if it had not been thus adorned. (2.) He
carved cherubim upon all the walls of the house, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.29" parsed="|1Kgs|6|29|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. The heathen set up images of
their gods and worshipped them; but these were designed to
represent the servants and attendants of the God of Israel, the
holy angels, not to be themselves worshipped (<i>see thou do it
not</i>), but to show how great he is whom we are to worship.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p18">5. The doors. The folding doors that led
into the oracle were but a fifth part of the wall (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.31" parsed="|1Kgs|6|31|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>), those into the temple
were a fourth part (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.33" parsed="|1Kgs|6|33|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:33"><i>v.</i>
33</scripRef>); but both were beautified with cherubim engraven on
them, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.32 Bible:1Kgs.6.35" parsed="|1Kgs|6|32|0|0;|1Kgs|6|35|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:32,35"><i>v.</i> 32,
35</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p19">6. The inner court, in which the brazen
altar was at which the priests ministered. This was separated from
the court where the people were by a low wall, three rows of hewn
stone tipped with a cornice of cedar (<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.36" parsed="|1Kgs|6|36|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:36"><i>v.</i> 36</scripRef>), that over it the people might
see what was done and hear what the priests said to them; for, even
under that dispensation, they were not kept wholly either in the
dark or at a distance.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p20">7. The time spent in this building. It was
but seven years and a half from the founding to the finishing of
it, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.38" parsed="|1Kgs|6|38|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:38"><i>v.</i> 38</scripRef>.
Considering the vastness and elegance of the building, and the many
appurtenances to it which were necessary to fit it for use, it was
soon done. Solomon was in earnest in it, had money enough, had
nothing to divert him from it, and many hands made quick work. He
finished it (as the margin reads it) with all the appurtenances
thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof, not only built the
place, but set forward the work for which it was built.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iKi.vii-p21">II. Let us now see what was typified by
this temple. 1. Christ is the true temple; he himself spoke of the
temple of his body, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:John.2.21" parsed="|John|2|21|0|0" passage="Joh 2:21">John ii.
21</scripRef>. God himself prepared him his body, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.10.5" parsed="|Heb|10|5|0|0" passage="Heb 10:5">Heb. x. 5</scripRef>. <i>In him dwelt the
fulness of the Godhead,</i> as the <i>Shechinah</i> in the temple.
In him meet all God's spiritual Israel. Through him we have access
with confidence to God. All the angels of God, those blessed
cherubim, have a charge to worship him. 2. Every believer is a
living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.3.16" parsed="|1Cor|3|16|0|0" passage="1Co 3:16">1 Cor. iii. 16</scripRef>. Even the body is such by
virtue of its union with the soul, <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.6.19" parsed="|1Cor|6|19|0|0" passage="1Co 6:19">1
Cor. vi. 19</scripRef>. We are not only wonderfully made by the
divine providence, but more wonderfully made anew by the divine
grace. This living temple is built upon Christ as its foundation
and will be perfected in due time. 3. The gospel church is the
mystical temple; it grows to a <i>holy temple in the Lord</i>
(<scripRef id="iKi.vii-p21.5" osisRef="Bible:Eph.2.21" parsed="|Eph|2|21|0|0" passage="Eph 2:21">Eph. ii. 21</scripRef>), enriched and
beautified with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, as Solomon's
temple with gold and precious stones. Only Jews built the
tabernacle, but Gentiles joined with them in building the temple.
Even strangers and foreigners are built up <i>a habitation of
God,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p21.6" osisRef="Bible:Eph.2.19 Bible:Eph.2.22" parsed="|Eph|2|19|0|0;|Eph|2|22|0|0" passage="Eph 2:19,22">Eph. ii. 19,
22</scripRef>. The temple was divided into the holy place and the
most holy, the courts of it into the outer and inner; so there are
the visible and the invisible church. The door into the temple was
wider than that into the oracle. Many enter into profession that
come short of salvation. This temple is built firm, upon a rock,
not to be taken down as the tabernacle of the Old Testament was.
The temple was long in preparing, but was built at last. The
top-stone of the gospel church will, at length, be brought forth
with shoutings, and it is a pity that there should be the clashing
of axes and hammers in the building of it. Angels are ministering
spirits, attending the church on all sides and all the members of
it. 4. Heaven is the everlasting temple. There the church will be
fixed, and no longer movable. The streets of the new Jerusalem, in
allusion to the flooring of the temple, are said to be <i>of pure
gold,</i> <scripRef id="iKi.vii-p21.7" osisRef="Bible:Rev.21.21" parsed="|Rev|21|21|0|0" passage="Re 21:21">Rev. xxi. 21</scripRef>. The
cherubim there always attend the throne of glory. The temple was
uniform, and in heaven there is the perfection of beauty and
harmony. In Solomon's temple there was no noise of axes and
hammers. Every thing is quiet and serene in heaven; all that shall
be stones in that building must in the present sate of probation
and preparation be fitted and made ready for it, must be hewn and
squared by divine grace, and so made meet for a place there.</p>
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