Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Kings
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 6
Overview:
The
Building of
Solomon's
Temple.
(1-10) Promise given
concerning the
Temple.
(11-14) Particulars respecting the
Temple.
(15-38)
1-10 The
Temple is called the
House of the
Lord, because it was
directed and modelled
By him, and was to be employed in his
service. This gave it the beauty of
Holiness, that it was the
House of the
Lord, which was far
Beyond all other beauties. It
was to be the
Temple of the
God of peace, therefore
No Iron tool
must be heard; quietness and silence suit and help religious
exercises.
God's work should be done with much care and little
noise. Clamour and violence often hinder, but never further the
work of
God. Thus the
Kingdom of God in the
Heart of
Man grows
up in silence, Mr 5:27.
11-14 None employ themselves for
God, without having his
Eye
upon them. But
God plainly let
Solomon know that all the charge
for
Building this
Temple, would neither excuse from obedience to
the
Law of
God, nor shelter from his judgments, in case of
disobedience.
15-38 See what was typified
By this
Temple. 1.
Christ is the
true
Temple. In him dwells all the
Fulness of the
Godhead; in
him meet all
God's spiritual
Israel; through him we have access
with confidence to
God. 2. Every believer is a living
Temple, in
whom the
Spirit of
God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living
Temple is
built upon
Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due
time. 3. The
Gospel Church is the mystical
Temple. It grows to a
holy
Temple in the
Lord, enriched and beautified with the
Gifts
and graces of the
Spirit. This
Temple is built firm, upon a
Rock. 4.
Heaven is the
Everlasting Temple. There the
Church will
be fixed. All that shall be
Stones in that
Building, must, in
the present state of preparation, be fitted and made ready for
it. Let sinners come to
Jesus as the living Foundation, that
they may be built
On him, a part of this spiritual
House,
consecrated in body and soul to the
Glory of
God.