The Architecture of Solomon's Temple

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PASSAGE:  2Chronicles 4:11-22

COMMENT: Most people will not slow down to understand difficult passages like this. It deals with the architecture of Solomon’s Temple and uses unfamiliar words. But, for most of us, the passage is no more difficult than a description of a modern building by an architect. We would have to work to understand that as well. Be willing to look up some words and take time to understand the structure. Realize also that you will not be able to answer all your questions. However, your efforts will be rewarded. And your increased understanding of the Temple will prepare you to receive spiritual truths behind the physical structure. May the Lord help you in this special study.

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WHAT DOES IT SAY?

1.                   Huram ___________ the work that he was to make for king ____________ for the house of God.

2.                   The Temple had one sea and twelve _________ under it.

3.                   The vessels were so abundant, that the weight of the _________ could not be found.

4.                   The candlesticks with their ________ were made of pure _______.

5.                   The inner doors for the most _________ place and the doors of the house of the _________ were of gold.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1.                   Verses 12-13 gives a brief description of the two tall columns to be placed in front of the Temple. Study the verse and describe the columns to the best of your ability in your own words. Here are some definitions that might help. The pillars are the columns. A pommel is a round knob shape on the end of something (compare 1Kings 7:41-42). The chapiter is the capital or top part of a column. A wreath is a twisted band or ring of leaves, flowers, etc.

2.                   Pomegranates were used as decorations on the Temple pillars (v.13) and on the robe of the High Priest (Exodus 28:31-35). Pomegranates are one of the fruits brought from Canaan by the spies (Numbers 13:23) and are one of the promised fruits of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:8). Consider the following characteristics of the pomegranate and tell why you think it was used on the Temple pillars and the priestly robe. 1) It is a shapely fruit with a pleasant reddish color. 2) It is known for its sweet flavor. 3) The plant has pretty red flowers. 4) It has a very large number of seeds. 5) It has a bitter peel. 6) It is ripe at the time of the Feast of Trumpets, the Jewish New Year. 7) It has a crown on top of the fruit.

3.                   What is the oracle? The word, oracle, is related to the word oral as in reference to spoken words. What is the connection? For help, see the following verses: Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89; 1Kings 6:5, 16, 19-22; 2Kings 19:15.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

1.                   According to verses 16-17, the vessels of brass were formed in the clay ground. These vessels were of “bright brass” (v.16). This may refer to both the quality of the brass and to the care with which they were made and polished. Although they were only brass (and not silver or gold), they were used in the service of the house of the Lord. In scripture, men are compared to vessels. See Acts 9:15; 2Corinthians 4:7; 1Thessalonians 4:4; 2Timothy 2:20-21. How can the vessels in 2Chronicles 4:16-18 be compared to those who serve the Lord?

2.                   Many of the items in the Temple were made of gold (v.20-22). This gold was “pure gold” (v.20, 22) and “perfect gold” (v.21). Consider the following verses: Job 23:10; 1Corinthians 3:11-12; 1Peter 1:7; Revelation 3:18. What things are symbolized by gold? Just tell what you think.

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