Christian living by example and resources

“And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, within and without. The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubim, and upon the palm trees. And he carved thereon cherubim and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.” 1 Kin. 6:29, 32, 35

In some of the older Bibles I have read, the books of Samuel and Kings were the four books of the Kings. 1 Kings was 3 Kings, but today it is generally understood to be 1 Kings. 1 Kin. 1-11 is about the reign of King Solomon. Our verses is in the part about the construction of the temple; it was constructed c. 960 BCE and destroyed c. 586 BCE. 1 Kin. 6:29-30 is about the walls and floor of the temple, vv. 31-32 is about the two doors of olive wood at the entrance to the shrine, and vv. 33-38 is about the construction taking seven years (from the fourth to the eleventh years of Solomon’s reign over Israel).

In our verses it talks about some of the decorations used. Carvings of different things were used to decorate many things. We find examples of this in the Bible, for example a bed in Prov. 7:16. Archaeology has shown us many of these decorations had spiritual and religious purposes. When we look at these images devoted to religious purposes there is two types. There is the ones used in idolatry. These can not do, teach, or profit the worshippers of the idols. (Hab. 2:18, 19) The other type is the images given to us by the Lord and his prophets. The Living God actually accomplishes things for his. The images given illustrate teachings which instruct and edify us.

Solomon was instructed to build the Temple through David by the Lord. (1 Chr. 22:6-19) God’s presence was felt throughout the entire temple. Each and everything had a purpose greater than just being a wall or door. We can see this very plainly by noticing the decorations used.

In 1 Kin 7:13-51 we see where Solomon employed a master craftsman in brass, Hiram of Troy, to work on King Solomon’s house and the Temple. Hiram constructed many things of brass. He used images of several living creatures in his designs: pomegranates v. 18, 42; lilies v. 22, 26; oxen v. 25, 29; lions v. 29, 36; cherubim v. 29, 36; and palm trees v. 36. This illustrates every item had a symbolic purpose.

1 Kin. 31-35 talks of the two doors made of olive wood. These are the doors between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. It has always been my habit to look for the little treasure no one else has ever found. I do not believe I am going to find it, but I do find some things many others have not noticed. At this entrance there is also a curtain. (2 Chr. 3:14) Why was this? Was it reminiscent of the inner veil of the tabernacle? Ex. 26:31-36) Or could it be this was directed by the Lord to be a symbol? When Jesus was crucified the veil was torn in two. (Matt. 27:51) In the Holy of Holies was the dwelling place of God. The curtain and doors were a barrier to anyone except the high priest coming into direct contact with the Lord. The veil is torn apart symbolizing the way to the presence of the Lord is open to all. But the doors are still there. Is it possible symbolically it is saying many will be blocked from coming into the presence of the Lord even though the way has been opened? From all I know, this is exactly what it is saying.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, thank you for a way to come into your presence. Instruct me in the things I should know to come to you. Help me to find the doors which open to you. I beg, please, have the doors open for me. I come to you and ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Memory verse:

“Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he allowed.” Rom. 14:22