Temple of Solomon

By the Editors of the Madain Project

The Temple of Solomon or the First Temple, according to the Bible, was the first Jewish Holy Temple in ancient Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount esplanade, before its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar II after the Siege of Jerusalem of 587 BCE. According to the biblical sources, the temple was constructed under King Solomon in the tenth century BCE.

Overview

Generically called the "Beit HaMikdash" (literally meaning the "holy house"), Hebrew Bible states the temple was constructed under Solomon, king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah and that during the Kingdom of Judah, the temple was dedicated to Yahweh. Temple worship included ritual sacrifice and ritual cleanings. It is said to have housed the Ark of the Covenant. Because of the religious sensitivities involved, and the politically volatile situation in Jerusalem, only limited archaeological surveys of the Temple Mount have been conducted.

Due to the absence of excavation or exploration activity because of the sanctity of the site, no direct archaeological evidence has been found for the existence of Solomon's Temple. However, a number of artefacts from the surrounding areas, mostly from outside of the current Haram al-Sharif complex. The only excavation activity inside the Herodian period enclosure comprises of the earth excavated during the construction of the modern Masjid al-Marwan. This earth or soil deposits were sifted by the Temple Mount Sifting Project, and numerous artifacts dating from the 8th to 7th centuries BCE were discovered.

Brief History

circa 957 CE

Construction by King Solomon
Solomon's Temple, also known as the First Temple, was constructed in Jerusalem during the 10th century BCE, under the reign of King Solomon. The Biblical account, primarily found in 1 Kings 6-7, provides detailed descriptions of its design and the materials used. The temple was built on Mount Moriah, the site traditionally believed to be where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac. Its construction was marked by the use of grand materials—cedar wood from Lebanon, gold, silver, and precious stones—reflecting the wealth and power of Solomon's kingdom. The temple was designed as a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant, and its layout followed the traditional structure of ancient temples, with an inner sanctuary (the Holy of Holies) housing the Ark, and an outer courtyard for worshippers.

Destruction by Nebuchadnezzar
While archaeological evidence directly linking the First Temple to its Biblical description remains elusive, the existence of Solomon’s Temple is widely supported by historical texts and ancient accounts. The temple was destroyed in 586 BCE by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar II during the conquest of Jerusalem, an event recorded in both the Bible (2 Kings 25) and by Babylonian sources. The destruction marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon. Despite the lack of physical evidence from the Temple itself, other archaeological findings, such as the existence of a large ancient structure on the Temple Mount and inscriptions from the period, support the historical context of Solomon's reign and the Temple's significance.

Architecture

circa 957 CE

Solomon's Temple, as described in the biblical texts of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, was a grand structure built in Jerusalem during the 10th century BCE, designed to house the Ark of the Covenant. The temple's layout consisted of three main sections: the ulam (porch), the heikal (sanctuary), and the debir (Holy of Holies). The sanctuary contained sacred items, including a golden altar, a table for the showbread, and a candelabrum, while the Holy of Holies was a small, highly decorated room housing the Ark, flanked by two cherubim. The entire building, along with surrounding chambers for storage, was made of lavish materials, including cedar, gold, and olive wood, reflecting its sacred purpose and Solomon's wealth.

Archaeological evidence provides some context for the temple's design, suggesting it was influenced by Phoenician architectural styles. Excavations at sites like Khirbet Qeiyafa have revealed small shrines with similar decorative motifs, hinting at the temple's aesthetic. The temple complex also included important ritual features, such as the Brazen Sea, a large basin for priestly purification, and numerous lavers. While direct archaeological proof of the temple's existence remains elusive, the detailed descriptions in biblical texts, combined with these findings, continue to support the historical and cultural significance of Solomon's Temple in ancient Israelite worship.

Location

circa 957 CE

The exact location of the Temple is unknown: it is believed to have been situated upon the hill which forms the site of the 1st century Second Temple and present-day Temple Mount, where the Dome of the Rock is situated. The only source of information on the First Temple is the Tanakh. The Bible describes Hiram I of Tyre who furnished architects, workmen and cedar timbers for the temple of his ally Solomon at Jerusalem. He also co-operated with Solomon in mounting an expedition on the Red Sea.

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Notes

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References

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