1. Rooted in history (1,2)

The temple was patterned after the tabernacle in the wilderness. The temple site was a place of atonement. David had purchased it from Araunah the Jebusite to offer a sacrifice to God when a plague devastated Jerusalem. It was the place of radical obedience, for there on Mt. Moriah, Abraham had offered Isaac.

2. The Most Holy Place (3-14)

Solomon used gold lavishly to honor God with his best. The Most Holy Place was to contain the ark of the covenant. The cherubim represented the angel guardian of the throne room of God.

3. Jakin and Boaz (15-17)

In front of the temple he placed two pillars named Jakin (he establishes) and Boaz (in him is strength). God alone could establish the temple as his dwelling place. In God alone, not in the beautiful buildings, is there strength.

Application: Lord, establish me in Jesus whose death atones for my sins. Cover my weakness with your strength.
One Word: A place of prayer and forgiveness