1 Kings 4-6

As I read this passage, I am awed by the grandiose plans Solomon has fo rthe temple of God. Not that God is not worthy, it is just the magnitude of his effort that is astounding in comparison the the size if Israel and the level of technology at the time. To have that many people working on the temple meant that all the others had to pay such a higher tax to pay for the workers sustenance. Yet Solomon was so confident. It made me wonder how big my temple plans were metaphorically. What exactly is the size of my efforts to please and serve God? As I reflect on this, it appears that it is quite small. I wonder what the average Israelite was feeling during the building of the temple. Were they feeling joy at the emerging of such an edifice, even if it was in a far off city? Were they feeling burdened under the thumb of the tax collector? Did God prosper the work in their fields to make up for the tax?

When discussing the deign of the doors, there is some confusion over whether the doors are one-fifth of the wall or whether the jambs have five sides. The Hebrew version I looked up clearly used the word for five not fifth. It probably has no importance. But I tend to get hung up on wierd things. So here is a design of a five sided jamb.









As you can see, this design offers incredible strength against outside force. All of the force wedges the bifold tighter into the jamb. Also, by creating a three-piece union between the panels, you get the same effect. The force on the hinges is on the sheer strength of the screws rather than the much weaker pullout strength. It's actually a fascinating design. Although it makes no difference regarding the majesty of God.

The symbolism mustn't be overlooked at such a structure. It is said that he windows were narrow on the outside and wide on the inside symbolizing the need to be more intrspective than judgemental or does it mean that our greater focus should be on the things of God than the things of the world. You decide.I just know it would be awe inspiring to see such a building covered in gold on the inside.

So what is my temple coated with? Hmmm. Back to the drawing board.