Solomon's Temple
Solomon's Temple The Jerusalem temple was a place where God and human beings might meet. Solomon reflected the Hebrew vision of a transcendent God when he cried out, “The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27) The temple might reflect God’s glory. But ultimately the Jerusalem temple existed for the sake of God’s people, not for God. The temple served as the place of meeting between God and His covenant people. It was here the Jewish people offered the sacrifices that atoned for their sins; it was here they gathered to praise God during national religious festivals. It was here they humbled themselves in times of national or personal distress; here they sought God’s intervention and help. The temple was a visible reminder that God was present with them. As the only authentic place of sacrifice, the temple served as a witness to the great truth that man must approach God as God chooses. All roads do not ...
