The Building of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem

Dr. Antonio M Wilson

Introduction A respected theological author, Dr. Antonio M. Wilson has

undertaken archaeological research in tandem with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology. Dr. Antonio M. Wilson’s work focused on the Ophel City Wall complex of buildings that dates back to the 10th-6th centuries BC and encompasses the Solomon's Temple site. The Torah and Bible identify Solomon's Temple as the first center of Judaism in ancient Jerusalem, and it fulfilled a vital civic function until its Babylonian-led destruction in 586 BC. 

According to the Bible, King Solomon carried out the wishes of his father David in building a temple on the top of Mount Moriah. Supplied with abundant gold and silver, he oversaw this major construction project. 

Solomon’s Temple  The building required massive stone blocks, as well as

timber hewn in Lebanon’s forests that was first transported by sea and then carried over land from the port of Joppa. 

The temple required more than seven years to complete and was finally dedicated during the autumnal month of Tishri, during celebrations that signified the new year. Biblical tradition has it that the Ark of the Covenant that King David had left in a tent awaiting the temple’s completion was now unveiled, while Solomon ascended a specially prepared platform and lifted his hands in prayer. To those within the Judaic community, the one week feast of tabernacles that followed marked the start of a new era in the history of Israel.