Hiram king of Tyre had been David’s friend. When he heard that Solomon was king, he sent envoys. Solomon said he intended to build the house God had promised David and asked for cedar from Lebanon. Hiram rejoiced, agreed to send timber by sea, and received food for his household from Solomon.
Solomon recruited laborers in Israel and sent them to Lebanon in shifts. Others quarried and dressed large stones for the foundations. The stones were prepared at the quarry, so no hammer, axe, or iron tool was heard at the building site. Solomon began the work in the fourth year of his reign.
The temple had a porch, a main hall, and an inner sanctuary where the ark would stand. Its walls, floor, and doors were overlaid with gold. Two great winged cherubim made of olivewood stood in the inner sanctuary. Side chambers, a bronze altar, basins, and other furnishings were made. Solomon completed the temple in seven years and brought in the silver, gold, and gifts David had dedicated.
Solomon gathered Israel’s elders and tribal leaders to bring the ark from the City of David. Priests and Levites carried the ark and the tent furnishings. Solomon and Israel sacrificed sheep and cattle beyond counting. The priests placed the ark beneath the wings of the cherubim in the inner sanctuary. Only the two stone tablets from Horeb were inside it.
When the priests came out, a cloud filled the temple. They could not stand to serve because God’s glory filled the house. Solomon said that God had said he would dwell in thick darkness and that he had built a place for God’s dwelling. He turned to bless the people and praised God for fulfilling his promise to David.
Solomon stood before the altar with his hands spread toward heaven. Heaven itself could not contain God, he said, yet he asked God to hear prayers directed toward this house. He prayed for people turning from sin, for those facing drought, famine, war, or exile, and for foreigners who came because they had heard God’s name.
After praying on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven, Solomon rose and blessed the assembly. He asked God to remain with the people and not forsake them. The king and all Israel offered sacrifices and kept the feast for seven days and seven more, fourteen days in all. When Solomon sent the people home, they went away joyful for all the good God had done for David and Israel.