Sunday
May 8
1. KING DAVID’S NOBLE DESIRE
a. While King David was contemplating his magnificent palace, what thought became foremost in his plans? 2 Samuel 7:2.
b. What message did God send to King David? 1 Chronicles 22:8–10; 28:5, 6. In what sense was David given the privilege of contributing to the building of the Temple?
“David had felt deeply his own unworthiness in gathering the material for the house of God, and the expression of loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah and devoted themselves to His service, filled him with joy. But it was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people. He, not man, must be glorified. It was He who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king’s efforts would have been vain, and the temple would never have been erected.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 753.
Monday
May 9
2. WISE PLANS FOR THE BUILDING
a. What place was chosen for the building of the Temple? 2 Chronicles 3:1 (compare Genesis 22:2); Isaiah 8:18; 28:16.
“The spot on which the temple was built had long been regarded as a consecrated place. It was here that Abraham, the father of the faithful, had revealed his willingness to sacrifice his only son in obedience to the command of Jehovah. Here God had renewed with Abraham the covenant of blessing, which included the glorious Messianic promise to the human race of deliverance through the sacrifice of the Son of the Most High. (See Genesis 22:9, 16-18.) Here it was that when David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to stay the avenging sword of the destroying angel, God had answered him by fire from heaven. (See 1 Chronicles 21.) And now once more the worshipers of Jehovah were here to meet their God and renew their vows of allegiance to Him.”—Prophets and Kings, p. 37.
b. What help did King Solomon receive from Hiram king of Tyre? 1 Kings 5:1–9.
c. Approximately how many men were involved in building the Temple? 1 Kings 5:15, 16. How long did it take to complete the work? 1 Kings 6:1, 38.
d. How and where were the stones prepared for the building? 1 Kings 6:7.
What lesson should we learn from the fact that the house of God was built with the utmost reverence?
“Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252.
Tuesday
May 10
3. A LESSON IN REVERENCE
a. Summarize and discuss Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple. 2 Chronicles 6:21–23. What is unique about the God of heaven?
“The prayer offered by Solomon at the dedication of the temple breathed sentiments of loftiest piety blended with deepest humility. . . .
“[Solomon told the people that] the God of heaven is not like the gods of the heathen, who are confined to temples built for them, but that the true God would meet with His people by His Spirit when they should assemble at the house dedicated to His worship. The Lord visits His people in their homes, or wherever they may be, and cheers them by special revelations of His goodness. And in every place God’s children have the privilege of worshiping their heavenly Father.”—The Review and Herald, November 30, 1905.
b. What happened when Solomon ended his prayer? 2 Chronicles 7:1–3.
“It is impossible to describe the beauty and splendor of this sanctuary. . . .
“While the courts of the temple resounded with praise, the cloud of God’s glory took possession of the house, as it had formerly filled the wilderness-tabernacle.”—Ibid., November 9, 1905.
c. How are we to show reverence in the presence of God? Habakkuk 2:20 (compare Genesis 28:16, 17; Matthew 18:20). What examples should we take into deep consideration? Exodus 3:4, 5; Joshua 5:13–15.
“The house of God is often desecrated, and the Sabbath violated by Sabbath-believers’ children. In some cases they are even allowed to run about the house, play, talk, and manifest their evil tempers in the very meetings where the saints should worship God in the beauty of holiness. And the place that should be holy, and where a holy stillness should reign, and where there should be perfect order, neatness, and humility, is made to be a perfect Babylon, ‘confusion.’ This is enough to bring God’s displeasure and shut His presence from our assemblies.”—Child Guidance, p. 540.
Wednesday
May 11
4. CHRIST IN THE SANCTUARY
a. Who is represented by the cornerstone of the sanctuary building? Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42.
“When the temple of Solomon was erected, the immense stones for the walls and the foundation were entirely prepared at the quarry; after they were brought to the place of building, not an instrument was to be used upon them; the workmen had only to place them in position. For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and peculiar shape had been brought; but the workmen could find no place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annoyance to them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the corner, they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it. Should they make an unwise choice for this important place, the safety of the entire building would be endangered. They must find a stone capable of resisting the influence of the sun, of frost, and of tempest. Several stones had at different times been chosen, but under the pressure of immense weights they had crumbled to pieces. Others could not bear the test of the sudden atmospheric changes. But at last attention was called to the stone so long rejected. It had been exposed to the air, to sun and storm, without revealing the slightest crack. The builders examined this stone. It had borne every test but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they decided to accept it for the cornerstone. The trial was made. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to be an exact fit.”—The Desire of Ages, pp. 597, 598.
b. The world longs for peace and safety (1 Thessalonians 5:3). Where, only, can peace and safety be found? John 14:27; Ephesians 2:13, 14.
“In infinite wisdom, God chose the foundation stone, and laid it Himself. He called it ‘a sure foundation.’ The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs; it can endure them all. With perfect safety they may build upon it. Christ is a ‘tried stone.’ Those who trust in Him, He never disappoints. . . . In Christ the guilty heart has found relief. He is the sure foundation. All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security.”—Ibid., pp. 598, 599.
Thursday
May 12
5. BUILDING THE TEMPLE OF CHARACTER
a. Since the temple was to symbolize God’s church on earth, and since we are called to take part in the work of edifying His house, with what materials should we build? 1 Corinthians 3:12; Ephesians 2:20–22.
“He who would grow into a beautiful building for the Lord must cultivate every power of the being. It is only by the right use of the talents that the character can develop harmoniously. Thus we bring to the foundation that which is represented in the Word as gold, silver, precious stones—material that will stand the test of God’s purifying fires. In our character building Christ is our example.”—Child Guidance, p. 166.
b. Where can we see God’s ways in the plan of salvation? Psalm 77:13. Why does the Spirit of Prophecy emphasize the importance of studying the sanctuary service?
“The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God.”—The Great Controversy, p. 488.
Friday
May 13
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
a. What was one of King David’s most ardent desires? Why didn’t the Lord allow him to carry out his building plan?
b. What was the name of the mountain selected for the Temple in Jerusalem, and for what reason was that place chosen for the building?
c. How did the builders show great reverence in their work? What are other Bible examples of reverence?
d. Summarize Solomon’s dedicatory prayer.
e. Specify the materials with which we, as builders, should help build the house of God, the church.