1 Kings 5
By Pastor David Groendyk

There is a good deal that could be said about the physical construction and supplies for the building of the temple. For instance, one commentator mentions that, although archaeologists have never unearthed this exact temple building, all of the descriptions in 1 Kings 5–8 of the supplies, the dimensions, the carvings and design, and even the process of building are quite similar to other construction projects during this time period. No doubt we are dealing with eyewitness accounts of this building project. However, those facts should not be the focus of this text. Ralph Davis spots three significant pieces of this chapter undergirding this gathering of supplies.

First, God’s promise is driving this building project. Littered throughout this early section of 1 Kings, and especially chapters 4 and 5, are references to God fulfilling promises that he had made to his people, even Abraham, a long time ago. Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand by the sea (4:20); there is an established, growing kingdom (4:21); God has given his chosen king wisdom to rule (4:29; 5:12); people of all nations are recognizing God’s chosen king’s wisdom (4:34); they have rest from all their enemies (5:4); there is peace between Solomon and a foreign ruler (5:12). Most importantly when it comes to the temple preparation is 1 Kings 5:5—the Lord has promised to David that his son would build the temple, and now it is happening. As Davis remarks, the real foundation of this temple is not stone but Yahweh’s own word. Without God’s promise, there would be no assurance that God would come to dwell with his people in this way; but because they do have God’s promise, it cannot fail.

Second, this building project subtly anticipates God’s global kingdom. This whole business with Hiram the king of Tyre is interesting. Tyre is a city on the northern-most border of Israel, perhaps actually part of the tribe of Asher at one point (see Joshua 19:29), but now simply Israel’s neighbor. King Hiram is only mentioned once before 1 Kings 5—in 2 Samuel 5:11 when he sent supplies to David to build David’s house. It seems like a pretty insubstantial relationship in 2 Samuel. However, in 1 Kings, the relationship appears to be much deeper. This foreign king had always loved David (v. 1), he blesses the Lord (v. 7), and he helps to build the temple (v. 8). Now, especially when we look back at 1 Kings 4:34, it gets a little clearer that God is putting into motion his plan to bless the entire world through God’s people.

Third, this building project flows out of God’s wisdom. The word ‘give’ is used in this chapter seven times—Solomon gives Hiram’s servants their wages (v. 6), Hiram’s servants give the trees to Solomon (v. 9), Hiram gives Solomon supplies (v. 10), and Solomon gives Hiram wheat and oil annually (v. 11). But all of this giving and exchanging culminates in verse 12—the Lord gives Solomon wisdom. Specifically, God is giving Solomon the wisdom to accomplish the building the temple. Davis remarks that this is not typically how we think of the Lord’s wisdom. We usually expect something bigger or more “spiritual,” but this is how Yahweh’s wisdom usually works. True wisdom is seldom flashy and easily belittled, but it is making a big difference and getting the job done. To quote Davis: “Churches frequently have to be reminded that the kingdom of God is not bricks and mortar, and yet this text shows us that bricks and mortar can testify to the wisdom of God.”

So much more could be said about this one temple building that existed thousands of years ago, and we will surely say more in the next few days. For now, even merely the preparation and planning for the temple show us God’s promises, God’s plan, and God’s wisdom.