Solomon’s Other Buildings
An enthusiastic builder, Solomon not only builds a magnificent temple for the Lord, but goes on to construct a grand personal palace and national administrative center (7:1-12). Yet vast wealth and skills are pure out in equipping the temple. A skilled Israelite foundry man is brought from Tyre to make massive bronze fixtures for the temple court and delicate gold within.
Key verse
So all the work that King Solomon had done for the house of the Lord was finished; and Solomon brought in the things which his father David had dedicated: the silver and the gold and the furnishings. He put them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord. 1 Kings 7:51
–> David’s dedication outlived him. David had devoted his last years to assembling building materials and collecting wealth for the temple (1 Chron. 29). His great gift to God outlives him.
Commitment to God is expressed in careful preparation for worship, not just attendance.
The pillars 7:15-22. The two 27 ft high pillars, some 6 ft around, were given names that mean “he shall uphold” (Jachin) and “may strength be in him” (Boaz). The symbolism of these impressive pillars which stood in front of the temple has been much debated. Perhaps, however, they were to serve as a reminder to Solomon and to his royal offspring of David’s final advice, recorded in 2:24. If Solomon would only be strong and obey the Lord, the Lord would surely keep His promise and uphold the David dynasty.
–> The pillars to me are like the two legs we humans have. Being able to stand up and walk around may not seem to be that big of a deal. But, it is. Unlike other creatures and unlike those who are too ill, too drugged/drunk, too down and out, too depressed etc. to stand up, if you have the strength and dignity to stand upright both in the literal and figurative sense, it is such a blessing! With a pair of strong legs, we can move around freely and go to places where we want to go. A dignified human being with sound body and mind is what God had in mind when he created us.