olomon's buildings. (1-12) Furniture of the temple. (13-47)
Vessels of gold. (48-51)
Verses 1-12: All Solomon's buildings, though beautiful, were intended
for use. Solomon began with the temple; he built for God first,
and then his other buildings. The surest foundations of lasting
prosperity are laid in early piety. He was thirteen years
building his house, yet he built the temple in little more than
seven years; not that he was more exact, but less eager in
building his own house, than in building God's. We ought to
prefer God's honour before our own ease and satisfaction.
Verses 13-47: The two brazen pillars in the porch of the temple, some
think, were to teach those that came to worship, to depend upon
God only, for strength and establishment in all their religious
exercises. "Jachin," God will fix this roving mind. It is good
that the heart be established with grace. "Boaz," In him is our
strength, who works in us both to will and to do. Spiritual
strength and stability are found at the door of God's temple,
where we must wait for the gifts of grace, in use of the means
of grace. Spiritual priests and spiritual sacrifices must be
washed in the laver of Christ's blood, and of regeneration. We
must wash often, for we daily contract pollution. There are full
means provided for our cleansing; so that if we have our lot for
ever among the unclean it will be our own fault. Let us bless
God for the fountain opened by the sacrifice of Christ for sin
and for uncleanness.
Verses 48-51: Christ is now the Temple and the Builder; the Altar and
the Sacrifice; the Light of our souls, and the Bread of life;
able to supply all the wants of all that have applied or shall
apply to him. Outward images cannot represent, words cannot
express, the heart cannot conceive, his preciousness or his
love. Let us come to him, and wash away our sins in his blood;
let us seek for the purifying grace of his Spirit; let us
maintain communion with the Father through his intercession, and
yield up ourselves and all we have to his service. Being
strengthened by him, we shall be accepted, useful, and happy.
olomon's buildings. (1-12) Furniture of the temple. (13-47)
Vessels of gold. (48-51)