For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
1 Kings 7
I notice a lot of pomegranates, palm trees, lilies and the like worked into the design of the temple and its artifacts. Were these just for decorative purposes, or was there something more to them? A very brief Google search revealed that there is actually quite a bit about this topic out there.
The general idea has to do with the connection through the garden imagery to the Garden of Eden. It was there, in the beginning, that man once lived in the perfect presence of God. The temple has everything to do with God’s presence among His fallen people. It is also the representation of His plan and his promise to restore us to His perfect presence forever. So the garden imagery is a reminder of all of that – how it was at the beginning and will be again at the end. Also, when the people entered the temple, it was as if they were in the Garden again with God.
One other thought regarding this garden imagery. It was also in a garden that Jesus initiated His sacrifice for us with His arrest. Our separation from God began in a garden; our reconciliation to Him did likewise. Jesus was taken out of the garden to pay the penalty – certain death – for the sin that took place there. All so that He could make us God’s temple; the garden of His presence.
2 Chron. 4
This chapter in 2 Chronicles covers basically the same thing as 1 Kings 7. However, the Chronicler omits the details regarding Solomon’s own palace. Interesting. I think this goes back to the Chronicler’s purpose in creating this work. He was not simply trying to put together yet another historical record of Israel’s history. Instead, he was gathering and chronicling evidence of God’s promise to His people in order to encourage the returning exiles. Solomon’s palace had nothing to do with that promise. His temple did.