Day 136: The Temple Furnishings

With loving detail the Temple is described. Nothing is too costly, nothing is too grand for this undertaking. Solomon spends lavishly on this symbol of greatness - God’s greatness, his greatness.

The reward of obedience
Psalm 128, 1 Kings 6:36
Solomon’s buildings
1 Kings 7:1-12
Temple furnishings
1 Kings 7:15-50, 2 Chronicles 4:1-22

The description of the building of the Temple is very similar to that of the Tabernacle, but on a much more lavish scale., Solomon pours out great quantities of richness onto the Temple, and on every building and palace that he constructs. This is how you announce your greatness as a ruler for ever.
Of course, none of it really will last for ever. I’m reminded of Shelley’s poem about Ozymandias -  great king whose statue is nothing but a ruin, and whose boasting inscription is nothing but hollow irony.
But I’m looking too far ahead. The Temple hasn’t become an idol yet. So far, it’s just a sign of God’s great blessing.