1 וַיְהִיH1961 בִשְׁמוֹנִיםH8084 שָׁנָהH8141 וְאַרְבַּעH702 מֵאוֹתH3967 שָׁנָהH8141 לְצֵאתH3318 בְּנֵֽיH1121 יִשְׂרָאֵלH3478 מֵאֶֽרֶץH776 מִצְרַיִםH4714 בַּשָּׁנָהH8141 הָרְבִיעִיתH7243 בְּחֹדֶשׁH2320 זִוH2099 הוּאH1931 הַחֹדֶשׁH2320 הַשֵּׁנִיH8145 לִמְלֹךְH4427 שְׁלֹמֹהH8010 עַלH5921 יִשְׂרָאֵלH3478 וַיִּבֶןH1129 הַבַּיִתH1004 לַיהוָֽהH3068
2 וְהַבַּיִתH1004 אֲשֶׁרH834 בָּנָהH1129 הַמֶּלֶךְH4428 שְׁלֹמֹהH8010 לַֽיהוָהH3068 שִׁשִּֽׁיםH8346 אַמָּהH520 אָרְכּוֹH753 וְעֶשְׂרִיםH6242 רָחְבּוֹH7341 וּשְׁלֹשִׁיםH7970 אַמָּהH520 קוֹמָתֽוֹH6967
3 וְהָאוּלָםH197 עַלH5921 פְּנֵיH6440 הֵיכַלH1964 הַבַּיִתH1004 עֶשְׂרִיםH6242 אַמָּהH520 אָרְכּוֹH753 עַלH5921 פְּנֵיH6440 רֹחַבH7341 הַבָּיִתH1004 עֶשֶׂרH6235 בָּאַמָּהH520 רָחְבּוֹH7341 עַלH5921 פְּנֵיH6440 הַבָּֽיִתH1004
4 וַיַּעַשׂH6213 לַבָּיִתH1004 חַלּוֹנֵיH2474 שְׁקֻפִיםH8261 אֲטֻמִֽיםH331
5 וַיִּבֶןH1129 עַלH5921 קִירH7023 הַבַּיִתH1004 יצועH3326 יָצִיעַH3326 סָבִיבH5439 אֶתH853 קִירוֹתH7023 הַבַּיִתH1004 סָבִיבH5439 לַֽהֵיכָלH1964 וְלַדְּבִירH1687 וַיַּעַשׂH6213 צְלָעוֹתH6763 סָבִֽיבH5439
6 היצועH3326 הַיָּצִיעַH3326 הַתַּחְתֹּנָהH8481 חָמֵשׁH2568 בָּאַמָּהH520 רָחְבָּהּH7341 וְהַתִּֽיכֹנָהH8484 שֵׁשׁH8337 בָּֽאַמָּהH520 רָחְבָּהּH7341 וְהַשְּׁלִישִׁיתH7992 שֶׁבַעH7651 בָּאַמָּהH520 רָחְבָּהּH7341 כִּיH3588 מִגְרָעוֹתH4052 נָתַןH5414 לַבַּיִתH1004 סָבִיבH5439 חוּצָהH2351 לְבִלְתִּיH1115 אֲחֹזH270 בְּקִֽירוֹתH7023 הַבָּֽיִתH1004
7 וְהַבַּיִתH1004 בְּהִבָּנֹתוֹH1129 אֶֽבֶןH68 שְׁלֵמָהH8003 מַסָּעH4551 נִבְנָהH1129 וּמַקָּבוֹתH4717 וְהַגַּרְזֶןH1631 כָּלH3605 כְּלִיH3627 בַרְזֶלH1270 לֹֽאH3808 נִשְׁמַעH8085 בַּבַּיִתH1004 בְּהִבָּנֹתֽוֹH1129
8 פֶּתַחH6607 הַצֵּלָעH6763 הַתִּיכֹנָהH8484 אֶלH413 כֶּתֶףH3802 הַבַּיִתH1004 הַיְמָנִיתH3233 וּבְלוּלִּיםH3883 יַֽעֲלוּH5927 עַלH5921 הַתִּיכֹנָהH8484 וּמִןH4480 הַתִּֽיכֹנָהH8484 אֶלH413 הַשְּׁלִשִֽׁיםH7992
9 וַיִּבֶןH1129 אֶתH853 הַבַּיִתH1004 וַיְכַלֵּהוּH3615 וַיִּסְפֹּןH5603 אֶתH853 הַבַּיִתH1004 גֵּבִיםH1356 וּשְׂדֵרֹתH7713 בָּאֲרָזִֽיםH729
10 וַיִּבֶןH1129 אֶתH853 היצועH3326 הַיָּצִיעַH3326 עַלH5921 כָּלH3605 הַבַּיִתH1004 חָמֵשׁH2568 אַמּוֹתH520 קֽוֹמָתוֹH6967 וַיֶּאֱחֹזH270 אֶתH853 הַבַּיִתH1004 בַּעֲצֵיH6086 אֲרָזִֽיםH730
11 וַֽיְהִיH1961 דְּבַרH1697 יְהוָהH3068 אֶלH413 שְׁלֹמֹהH8010 לֵאמֹֽרH559
12 הַבַּיִתH1004 הַזֶּהH2088 אֲשֶׁרH834 אַתָּהH859 בֹנֶהH1129 אִםH518 תֵּלֵךְH1980 בְּחֻקֹּתַיH2708 וְאֶתH853 מִשְׁפָּטַיH4941 תַּֽעֲשֶׂהH6213 וְשָׁמַרְתָּH8104 אֶתH853 כָּלH3605 מִצְוֺתַיH4687 לָלֶכֶתH1980 בָּהֶםH0 וַהֲקִמֹתִיH6965 אֶתH853 דְּבָרִיH1697 אִתָּךְH854 אֲשֶׁרH834 דִּבַּרְתִּיH1696 אֶלH413 דָּוִדH1732 אָבִֽיךָH1
13 וְשָׁכַנְתִּיH7931 בְּתוֹךְH8432 בְּנֵיH1121 יִשְׂרָאֵלH3478 וְלֹאH3808 אֶעֱזֹבH5800 אֶתH853 עַמִּיH5971 יִשְׂרָאֵֽלH3478
14 וַיִּבֶןH1129 שְׁלֹמֹהH8010 אֶתH853 הַבַּיִתH1004 וַיְכַלֵּֽהוּH3615
15 וַיִּבֶןH1129 אֶתH853 קִירוֹתH7023 הַבַּיִתH1004 מִבַּיְתָהH1004 בְּצַלְעוֹתH6763 אֲרָזִיםH730 מִקַּרְקַעH7172 הַבַּיִתH1004 עַדH5704 קִירוֹתH7023 הַסִּפֻּןH5604 צִפָּהH6823 עֵץH6086 מִבָּיִתH1004 וַיְצַףH6823 אֶתH853 קַרְקַעH7172 הַבַּיִתH1004 בְּצַלְעוֹתH6763 בְּרוֹשִֽׁיםH1265
16 וַיִּבֶןH1129 אֶתH853 עֶשְׂרִיםH6242 אַמָּהH520 מירכותיH3411 מִֽיַּרְכְּתֵיH3411 הַבַּיִתH1004 בְּצַלְעוֹתH6763 אֲרָזִיםH730 מִןH4480 הַקַּרְקַעH7172 עַדH5704 הַקִּירוֹתH7023 וַיִּבֶןH1129 לוֹH0 מִבַּיִתH1004 לִדְבִירH1687 לְקֹדֶשׁH6944 הַקֳּדָשִֽׁיםH6944
17 וְאַרְבָּעִיםH705 בָּאַמָּהH520 הָיָהH1961 הַבָּיִתH1004 הוּאH1931 הַהֵיכָלH1964 לִפְנָֽיH3942
18 וְאֶרֶזH730 אֶלH413 הַבַּיִתH1004 פְּנִימָהH6441 מִקְלַעַתH4734 פְּקָעִיםH6497 וּפְטוּרֵיH6358 צִצִּיםH6731 הַכֹּלH3605 אֶרֶזH730 אֵיןH369 אֶבֶןH68 נִרְאָֽהH7200
19 וּדְבִירH1687 בְּתוֹךְH8432 הַבַּיִתH1004 מִפְּנִימָהH6441 הֵכִיןH3559 לְתִתֵּןH5414 שָׁםH8033 אֶתH853 אֲרוֹןH727 בְּרִיתH1285 יְהוָֽהH3068
20 וְלִפְנֵיH6440 הַדְּבִירH1687 עֶשְׂרִיםH6242 אַמָּהH520 אֹרֶךְH753 וְעֶשְׂרִיםH6242 אַמָּהH520 רֹחַבH7341 וְעֶשְׂרִיםH6242 אַמָּהH520 קֽוֹמָתוֹH6967 וַיְצַפֵּהוּH6823 זָהָבH2091 סָגוּרH5462 וַיְצַףH6823 מִזְבֵּחַH4196 אָֽרֶזH730
21 וַיְצַףH6823 שְׁלֹמֹהH8010 אֶתH853 הַבַּיִתH1004 מִפְּנִימָהH6441 זָהָבH2091 סָגוּרH5462 וַיְעַבֵּרH5674 ברתיקותH7572 בְּרַתּוּקוֹתH7572 זָהָבH2091 לִפְנֵיH6440 הַדְּבִירH1687 וַיְצַפֵּהוּH6823 זָהָֽבH2091
22 וְאֶתH853 כָּלH3605 הַבַּיִתH1004 צִפָּהH6823 זָהָבH2091 עַדH5704 תֹּםH8552 כָּלH3605 הַבָּיִתH1004 וְכָלH3605 הַמִּזְבֵּחַH4196 אֲֽשֶׁרH834 לַדְּבִירH1687 צִפָּהH6823 זָהָֽבH2091
23 וַיַּעַשׂH6213 בַּדְּבִירH1687 שְׁנֵיH8147 כְרוּבִיםH3742 עֲצֵיH6086 שָׁמֶןH8081 עֶשֶׂרH6235 אַמּוֹתH520 קוֹמָתֽוֹH6967
24 וְחָמֵשׁH2568 אַמּוֹתH520 כְּנַףH3671 הַכְּרוּבH3742 הָֽאֶחָתH259 וְחָמֵשׁH2568 אַמּוֹתH520 כְּנַףH3671 הַכְּרוּבH3742 הַשֵּׁנִיתH8145 עֶשֶׂרH6235 אַמּוֹתH520 מִקְצוֹתH7098 כְּנָפָיוH3671 וְעַדH5704 קְצוֹתH7098 כְּנָפָֽיוH3671
25 וְעֶשֶׂרH6235 בָּֽאַמָּהH520 הַכְּרוּבH3742 הַשֵּׁנִיH8145 מִדָּהH4060 אַחַתH259 וְקֶצֶבH7095 אֶחָדH259 לִשְׁנֵיH8147 הַכְּרֻבִֽיםH3742
26 קוֹמַתH6967 הַכְּרוּבH3742 הָֽאֶחָדH259 עֶשֶׂרH6235 בָּֽאַמָּהH520 וְכֵןH3651 הַכְּרוּבH3742 הַשֵּׁנִֽיH8145
27 וַיִּתֵּןH5414 אֶתH853 הַכְּרוּבִיםH3742 בְּתוֹךְH8432 הַבַּיִתH1004 הַפְּנִימִיH6442 וַֽיִּפְרְשׂוּH6566 אֶתH853 כַּנְפֵיH3671 הַכְּרֻבִיםH3742 וַתִּגַּעH5060 כְּנַףH3671 הָֽאֶחָדH259 בַּקִּירH7023 וּכְנַףH3671 הַכְּרוּבH3742 הַשֵּׁנִיH8145 נֹגַעַתH5060 בַּקִּירH7023 הַשֵּׁנִיH8145 וְכַנְפֵיהֶםH3671 אֶלH413 תּוֹךְH8432 הַבַּיִתH1004 נֹגְעֹתH5060 כָּנָףH3671 אֶלH413 כָּנָֽףH3671
28 וַיְצַףH6823 אֶתH853 הַכְּרוּבִיםH3742 זָהָֽבH2091
29 וְאֵתH853 כָּלH3605 קִירוֹתH7023 הַבַּיִתH1004 מֵסַבH4524 קָלַעH7049 פִּתּוּחֵיH6603 מִקְלְעוֹתH4734 כְּרוּבִיםH3742 וְתִֽמֹרֹתH8561 וּפְטוּרֵיH6358 צִצִּיםH6731 מִלִּפְנִיםH6440 וְלַחִיצֽוֹןH2435
30 וְאֶתH853 קַרְקַעH7172 הַבַּיִתH1004 צִפָּהH6823 זָהָבH2091 לִפְנִימָהH6441 וְלַחִיצֽוֹןH2435
31 וְאֵתH853 פֶּתַחH6607 הַדְּבִירH1687 עָשָׂהH6213 דַּלְתוֹתH1817 עֲצֵיH6086 שָׁמֶןH8081 הָאַיִלH352 מְזוּזוֹתH4201 חֲמִשִֽׁיתH2549
32 וּשְׁתֵּיH8147 דַּלְתוֹתH1817 עֲצֵיH6086 שֶׁמֶןH8081 וְקָלַעH7049 עֲלֵיהֶםH5921 מִקְלְעוֹתH4734 כְּרוּבִיםH3742 וְתִמֹרוֹתH8561 וּפְטוּרֵיH6358 צִצִּיםH6731 וְצִפָּהH6823 זָהָבH2091 וַיָּרֶדH7286 עַלH5921 הַכְּרוּבִיםH3742 וְעַלH5921 הַתִּֽמֹרוֹתH8561 אֶתH853 הַזָּהָֽבH2091
33 וְכֵןH3651 עָשָׂהH6213 לְפֶתַחH6607 הַֽהֵיכָלH1964 מְזוּזוֹתH4201 עֲצֵיH6086 שָׁמֶןH8081 מֵאֵתH853 רְבִעִֽיתH7243
34 וּשְׁתֵּיH8147 דַלְתוֹתH1817 עֲצֵיH6086 בְרוֹשִׁיםH1265 שְׁנֵיH8147 צְלָעִיםH6763 הַדֶּלֶתH1817 הָֽאַחַתH259 גְּלִילִיםH1550 וּשְׁנֵיH8147 קְלָעִיםH7050 הַדֶּלֶתH1817 הַשֵּׁנִיתH8145 גְּלִילִֽיםH1550
35 וְקָלַעH7049 כְּרוּבִיםH3742 וְתִמֹרוֹתH8561 וּפְטֻרֵיH6358 צִצִּיםH6731 וְצִפָּהH6823 זָהָבH2091 מְיֻשָּׁרH3474 עַלH5921 הַמְּחֻקֶּֽהH2707
36 וַיִּבֶןH1129 אֶתH853 הֶחָצֵרH2691 הַפְּנִימִיתH6442 שְׁלֹשָׁהH7969 טוּרֵיH2905 גָזִיתH1496 וְטוּרH2905 כְּרֻתֹתH3773 אֲרָזִֽיםH730
37 בַּשָּׁנָהH8141 הָֽרְבִיעִיתH7243 יֻסַּדH3245 בֵּיתH1004 יְהוָהH3068 בְּיֶרַחH3391 זִֽוH2099
38 וּבַשָּׁנָהH8141 הָאַחַתH259 עֶשְׂרֵהH6240 בְּיֶרַחH3391 בּוּלH945 הוּאH1931 הַחֹדֶשׁH2320 הַשְּׁמִינִיH8066 כָּלָהH3615 הַבַּיִתH1004 לְכָלH3605 דְּבָרָיוH1697 וּלְכָלH3605 משפטוH4941 מִשְׁפָּטָיוH4941 וַיִּבְנֵהוּH1129 שֶׁבַעH7651 שָׁנִֽיםH8141
Matthew Henry - Complete Commentary 1 Here, I. The temple is called
the house of the Lord (
1Kgs 6:1), 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 (
1Chr 28:11,
1Chr 28:12), 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
worldly sanctuary, Hebre 9:1,
Hebre 9:10. This gave it its
beauty of holiness, that it was
the house of the Lord, which far transcended all its other beauties.
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
house of the Lord (
2Sam 12:20), 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,
Hebre 9:9. 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 (
1Chr 22:14), 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.
III. The materials are brought in, ready for their place (
1Kgs 6:7), so ready that there was
neither hammer nor ax heard in the house while it was in building. In all building Solomon prescribes it as a rule of prudence to
prepare the work in the field, and
afterwards build, Prov 24:27. 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
in the midst of the congregation (
Pss 74:4,
Pss 74:6); but it was built up in silence. Clamour and violence often hinder the work of God, but never further it.
IV. The dimensions are laid down (
1Kgs 6:2,
1Kgs 6:3) 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 (
Isa 54:1,
Isa 54:2), and now that they had grown richer they were the better able to enlarge it. Where God sows plentifully he expects to reap so.
V. An account of the windows (
1Kgs 6:4): They were
broad within, and narrow without, Marg. 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.
VI. The chambers are described (
1Kgs 6:5,
1Kgs 6:6), 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,
1Kgs 6:6. Let not the church's strength be impaired under pretence of adding to its beauty or convenience.
11 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,
the house he was now building, 1Kgs 6:12. None employ themselves for God without having his eye upon them.
I know thy works, 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 will perform my word with thee ) and to his kingdom: Israel shall be ever owned as my people; I will
dwell among them, and
not forsake them. 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
to walk in God's statutes. 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.
II. The work Solomon did for God:
So he built the house (
1Kgs 6:14),
so animated by the message God had sent him,
so 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
Ezra 4:24), 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.
15 Here, I. We have a particular account of the details of the building.
1. The wainscot of the temple. It was of cedar (
1Kgs 6:15), 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,
1Kgs 6:18.
2. The gilding. It was not like ours, washed over, but
the whole house, all the inside of the temple (
1Kgs 6:22), even the floor (
1Kgs 6:30), he
overlaid with gold, and the most holy place with
pure gold, 1Kgs 6:21. 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.
3. The oracle, or
speaking-place (for so the word signifies),
the holy of holies, 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
the ark of the covenant was to be set, 1Kgs 6:19. 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.
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,
1Kgs 6:23, etc. 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,
1Kgs 6:29. 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 (
see thou do it not ), but to show how great he is whom we are to worship.
5. The doors. The folding doors that led into the oracle were but a fifth part of the wall (
1Kgs 6:31), those into the temple were a fourth part (
1Kgs 6:33); but both were beautified with cherubim engraven on them,
1Kgs 6:32,
1Kgs 6:35.
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 (
1Kgs 6:36), 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.
7. The time spent in this building. It was but seven years and a half from the founding to the finishing of it,
1Kgs 6:38. 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.
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,
John 2:21. God himself prepared him his body,
Hebre 10:5.
In him dwelt the fulness of the Godhead, as the
Shechinah 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,
1Cor 3:16. Even the body is such by virtue of its union with the soul,
1Cor 6:19. 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
holy temple in the Lord (
Ephes 2:21), 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
a habitation of God, Ephes 2:19,
Ephes 2:22. 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
of pure gold, Revel 21:21. 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.