The Temple Is Built

Four hundred eighty years after Israel left Egypt, Solomon began to build the house of the Lord. It was long, wide, and high, with a porch in front and rooms around the sides. The stones were made ready at the quarry, so no hammer or ax was heard in the house while it was built.

God's word came to Solomon. If he walked in God's statutes and kept His commandments, God would keep His promise to David. God said He would live among the children of Israel and not forsake them.

Solomon lined the walls with cedar, so no stone was seen. He made an inner room, the most holy place, for the ark of the covenant. He covered it with pure gold. Two large cherubim of olive wood stood there with their wings touching. The walls and doors were carved with cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. It took seven years to finish.