Today I studied 1 Kings 4–6 and found myself drawn into the greatness of Solomon’s reign. Scripture tells us his wisdom and influence spread throughout “all the earth.” I pause: What did “the earth” mean to the people of that time? Likely not the entire globe as we understand it today, but rather the known world surrounding Israel—the lands they had encountered, traded with, and heard about. Even so, Solomon’s reputation was remarkable.
One thing that stood out to me was the listing of Solomon’s leaders and officers. Having just participated in a Solemn Assembly during General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I couldn’t help but notice a similarity. In both ancient and modern times, the Lord’s work is organized, and leaders are named and sustained — a quiet reminder that God is a God of order.
Solomon’s relationship with Hiram, king of Tyre, was another meaningful detail. Hiram had been a friend to David and rejoiced that Solomon now reigned. Because David had been a man of war, he was not able to build the temple. Solomon, in a time of peace, was given that sacred responsibility.
Through cooperation and covenant, Solomon and Hiram worked together. Hiram provided the cedar and skilled labor; Solomon provided payment and organization. The result was the beginning of something holy—a temple built to the Lord.
The description of the temple is breathtaking. Cedar and gold filled the structure, and notably, no iron tools were used at the building site. Everything was prepared beforehand. There is something deeply symbolic in that—quiet preparation, reverence, and intentionality in creating a sacred space. I can’t help but wish I could have seen it.
And yet, in many ways, we do see it.
Today, temples dot the earth—a phrase used by prophets ancient and modern—and I feel grateful to live in a time when that promise is being fulfilled before our eyes. While different in design and detail, they serve the same eternal purpose: to be houses of the Lord. One detail that particularly struck me was the baptismal font in Solomon’s temple, resting on the backs of twelve oxen. That image feels familiar because we see it in our temples today. The symbolism is powerful—representing the twelve tribes of Israel and the strength of the Savior in carrying forward the work of salvation.
When the temple was completed, the ark of the covenant was placed in the Holy of Holies, and the Lord’s presence filled the temple as a cloud. I wondered how that compares to our temples today. While we may not see a physical cloud, there is undeniably a Spirit that fills dedicated temples. It is present in the building, on the grounds, and within the hearts of those who enter. It surrounds and settles—much like a cloud might.
Perhaps the closest parallel is found at the altars of the temple, where eternal families are created. These are places where heaven and earth meet, where covenants bind us to God and to each other.
I feel deeply grateful to live in a time when temples are spread across the world, with more continually being announced and built. Might we hear of more temples to be built today? Their purpose is clear: to gather the Lord’s family and help us become more like Him.
I am a witness that as we attend the temple more frequently, we draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Our hearts soften, our perspective shifts, and our desire to become like Jesus Christ grows stronger.
No comments:
Post a Comment