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King Solomon builds the Temple

Kind Solomon obeys King David and builds the temple.
Contributed by Sweet Publishing
Story also available on our translated websites: Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, German, French, Hindi, Simplified Chinese
1
God had not allowed King David to build a temple in Jerusalem as David was a man of war. However, David had prepared a plot of land in the city for his son Solomon to build the temple and gathered some of the building materials he would need. – Slide 1
2
Before he died David gave Solomon the plans and instructions for building the temple. ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work, for the Lord is with you,’ David told Solomon. ‘He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work is finished.’ – Slide 2
3
When Solomon became king he purchased expensive timber from King Hiram of Tyre. 30,000 workers were conscripted to work in shifts cutting trees in Lebanon. Large cedars and Juniper trees were then floated down the coast to Joppa. – Slide 3
4
They were then hauled overland to Jerusalem. – Slide 4
5
Solomon had 70,000 carriers and 80,000 stonecutters in the hills, managed by 3,300 foremen. They quarried large blocks of highgrade stone and chiseled them into shape before transporting them to the temple. In this way no hammer, chisel or iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built. – Slide 5
6
The temple was 90ft (27m) long, 30ft (9m) wide and 45 feet (14m) high. The interior walls were lined with cedar boards. On the walls around the temple were carvings of angels, palm trees and open flowers. – Slide 6
7
The inner sanctuary was overlaid inside with pure gold. The floors of the inner and outer room were also covered with gold. Gold was used to create the altar, the table for bread, the lampstands and other furnishings. – Slide 7
8
There was gold floral work, large golden cherubim, golden lamps and tongs; pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes and censers. The silver and gold furnishings that King David had dedicated were brought into the temple. – Slide 8
9
Top craftsmen who worked with bronze were hired from King Hiram to make two large pillars for the portico of the temple. A large wash basin stood on top of 12 bronze bulls. Ten movable stands and basins were also crafted in bronze. It took 7 years to complete the magnificent work on the temple. – Slide 9
10
The elders and a vast number of people were assembled at a holiday feast to watch as the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the temple. – Slide 10
11
It was put in the Most Holy Place beneath the wings of the cherubim. – Slide 11
12
When the priests withdrew from the Holy Place, the cloud of the glory of the Lord filled the temple and was so overwhelming the priests were unable perform their service. – Slide 12
13
Solomon blessed the people and praised God. ‘The Lord has kept his promise to David and I have built the temple for the Name of the Lord,’ he declared. – Slide 13
14
He stood before the altar with his arms spread then knelt and prayed, ‘May your eyes look at this temple night and day and hear our prayers. Hear from heaven, and when you hear, forgive. The king them told the congregation, ‘May the Lord be with us as he was with our ancestors and never leave or forsake us. May He turn our hearts to be fully obey His commands.’ 22,000 cattle and a 120,000 thousand sheep and goats were offered in sacrifice. – Slide 14
15
When Solomon had built the temple and his own palace God spoke to him. ‘I have consecrated this temple, by putting my Name there forever. If you obey me you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel. – Slide 15
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‘But if you, or your descendants, turn away from me and worship other gods I will cut them off from the Promised Land and this temple will become a heap of rubble.’ – Slide 16
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Slide 17