How many years elapsed from the departure out of Egypt to the commencement of the building of the Temple? N.B. This period is divided as follows: Forty years in the wilderness under Moses; seventeen under Joshua ; two hundred and ninety-nine under the Judges; eighty under Eli, Samuel, and Saul; forty under David; and four under Solomon.
What were the dimensions of the main building and of the porch? N. B. The porch was about 150 feet higher than the main body of the building, and no doubt suggested the plan of those additions in the front of modern churches which are usually surmounted by a steeple.
How were the rooms and chambers designed for the accommodation of the priests constructed? N. B. The wall of the house in going up was narrowed twice, a cubit at each time, and on the outside narrowings or rests, the beams of the chambers were laid perpendicular to the wall, and so were not wrought into it. These three tiers of chambers surrounded the house on every side except the front side, and it is supposed there was a gallery extending round the chambers as they did around the wall.
On what spot was this edifice erected ? 2 Chron. 3.1.
Where were the materials fitted and prepared, what was peculiar in their putting together, and how does this apply spiritually?
What cheering word came from God to Solomon while employed in this building?
Is it no uncommon thing for the Lord's servants while diligently busied in his service to meet with precious manifestations of the light of his countenance?
Was Solomon taught also by this word that even so pious a work as building a temple would not excuse either himself or the people from obedience to the law?
How was the interior of the house finished, and what spiritual truth is implied in this?
Was the general construction of the house similar to that of the tabernacle? N. B. The length and breadth of the main building of the Temple were just double to that of the Tabernacle; in other respects it was entirely similar, consisting of two apartments, the holy and most holy place; of which the latter is frequently in this history called the Oracle.
What were the dimensions of these two rooms, how were they overlaid, and how separated from each other? 2 Chron. 3. 14. N. B. This veil forming the partition between the "holy" and "most holy" place, was that, which was rent in twain at our Saviour's crucifixion. There were folding doors in addition to the veil.
What was put within the Oracle, and what is the description given of these objects? N.B. These Cherubims are usually considered as emblems of the angels delighting to contemplate the mysteries of redemption. But there is great reason to believe that they were designed as an emblem of the multitude of the redeemed, or the church of God. See an essay on this subject in an Explication of Ezekiels Vision, by the author of these Questions.
What is said of the construction of the inner court?
How long was the Temple in building? Does the splendor and costliness of this edifice afford an argument in favor of magnificent churches at the present day?
Is it important to the right understanding of numerous allusions in the Scripture to have a correct general view of the form and structure of the Temple?
Of what was the Temple a type? Ans. Of the church.
< Previous | Index | Next >