Chapter Summary

Work on the temple begun. Dimensions and materials.

Discussion Questions for 1 Kings, Chapter 6

1. Find a chronological guide to the Old Testament and explain how verse 1 fits into this. Given that specific dates are rare in the Bible, why do you think the date in verse 1 is given? How does this show us the importance of the temple?
2. Why do you think so many details are given in this chapter? What does it teach us and how is this relevant today?
3. What does verse 7 show us about the respect they had for the house of God? How can believers today have this kind of respect for God and worship of God?
4. God says in verses 11-13 he will dwell with them and fulfill the promise to David (2 Samuel 7), but only if Solomon obeys. Why wouldn't God simply bless them regardless of obedience? How is this important for our relationship with God today?
5. What do we learn about leadership from the fact that Solomon has to obey in order for all Israel to obey? Do you see this as true with leaders today? Explain why or why not. What kind of practices could Christian leaders enact based on this verse?
6. Verse 16 describes the Most Holy place (or Holy of Holies), which is distinct from the temple generally, and distinct from the world outside the temple. Why does God differentiate different levels of holiness? What do we learn about his character and how does this shape how we interact with him?
7. How does understanding that the temple was God's dwelling place help us understand why the descriptions of the house are so specific? Why would people have been interested in this and why should be believers today be interested in it?
8. Are verses 11-13 true of believers today? Is obedience still a condition for God dwelling with his people? Explain why or why not.
9. Explain how God's dwelling in the temple relates to God's presence with us today, using John 1:14 as a comparison. How would you explain how this relates to the gospel?
10. How might you explain the purpose of this chapter in the context of the book of Kings to an unbeliever?

Key Words/Phrase

Finished, v. 14.

Characters

God, Solomon.

Strong Verse(s)

12