I Kings 6:1-7:12
Dear RTB’ers,
It was easier to imagine the Tabernacle in the wilderness and to see artists’ renderings than to picture the design of Solomon’s Temple. Images that I have found online help, especially their depictions of the three main sections – the Most Holy Place (also referred to as the “inner sanctuary, I Kings 6:16,17,19,20 and more); the “house” (or nave, I Kings 6:17); and an outer area, as suggested by the “entrance to the nave” wording in I Kings 6:33. But those “side chambers” are more difficult to picture: And he made side chambers all around. The lowest story was five cubits broad, the middle one was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad. For around the outside of the house he made offsets on the wall in order that the supporting beams should not be inserted into the walls of the house. (vv. 5b-6) If any of you can find an artist’s depiction of those side chambers, please send us the link.
And the materials… Stone; cedar, cypress, and olive wood – and GOLD!!! Lots of GOLD!! Are there any other materials mentioned?? All of this construction was to reflect some measure, even a small measure of God’s glory. It must have been a sight to see…!!
Blessings.
For possible renderings of the Temple and its side chambers, try this page from the Biblical Archeological Society or this illustration from the English Standard Version Bible.