1 Kings: Walk Before Me FaithfullySample

We have already referred to 2 Samuel 7, where God promises King David a dynasty. This begins to be fulfilled with Solomon. The other half of that promise concerns a temple, or house, for God, which David had been told his son would build. That promise is now finally addressed (vv. 3–5) as Solomon sets about building a magnificent temple for the Lord in Jerusalem. 

No expense is to be spared. David’s old ally Hiram, King of Tyre, ‘was greatly pleased’ to contribute (v. 7) and praises ‘the Lord’ for Solomon’s wisdom. Here is a pagan worshipping Yahweh – a small glimpse of fulfilment of the Abrahamic promise that through Abraham’s descendants all the nations of the world will be blessed. 

Hiram’s response (vv. 7–12) is bracketed by references to Solomon’s wisdom. Again we see that wisdom is not an intellectual capacity, but is seen in practical work that glorifies God. Bezalel, the builder of the tabernacle in Exodus 31:1–5, was filled with God’s spirit for that task. In the same way, Solomon’s divine gift of wisdom is essential for the building of the temple. ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain’ (Psalm 127:1). 

How can a person show wisdom in practical work, such as building? To what extent can wisdom be discerned as people use natural gifts and skills – for example, music, hospitality or even their profession – for the service of God? 

There is a discordant note, however, in the temple-building programme, for Solomon uses forced labour. Is Solomon inflicting some sort of slavery on his own people? Has he fallen into thinking that the end (a temple to praise God) justifies the means (forced labour)? 

The key to the temple is that it is the place in which God will choose to dwell (Deuteronomy 12:5). Ultimately this temple is superseded by a living temple, raised on the third day (John 2:19) and into which believers in Jesus are built as living stones (1 Peter 2:4–5).

Reflection

What steps do you take to ensure that the Lord is ‘building’ in the tasks and projects you undertake?