Like the objects of the Tabernacle, the furniture and utensils of the great temple built by Solomon were replete with sacred analogies.

The temple Solomon built for God, as well as the second temple, were meant to replace the Tabernacle. Basically, they were built following the same guidelines the Lord gave to Moses in regards to the tent that would accompany the people of Israel in the desert. They had virtually the same basic ceremonial furnishings and artefacts, and they all had the same meaning.

Here are some of the key elements of the temples of Jerusalem and their meanings:

The altar of sacrifice—As you entered the outer courtyard of the temple, past the walls, there was a great altar where animals were sacrificed to God. They symbolised sin and they were sacrificed in atonement for it. Only perfect animals could be sacrificed, and they were usually the best among the cattle. When burned, they produced a smoke that went up to heaven as a “pleasing aroma” to the Lord (Exodus 29:25), meaning that the faithful was free from sin—and that pleased God.

The “brazen sea”— Also called “the Sea of cast bronze” (1 Kings 7:23-40), it was a large reservoir of water that stood beside the altar of sacrifice. With the same symbolism of the old sink of the Tabernacle, it was where sin was washed away (represented by blood and any other residue that remained in the hands and feet of the priests), meaning purification. The round vessel stood upon twelve cast bronze oxen, which stood in four groups facing the four cardinal points. There were also ten movable basins, which were placed in the outer courtyard, five on each side of the temple.

The two pillars—By the vestibule of the temple, there were two brass pillars named Jachin and Boaz, which were designed by Huram Abiff—sent by the king of Tyre—and the architects and craftsmen that would work in the construction of temple (1 Kings 7:13-22). According to some believers, the renowned bronze craftsman, Abiff, meant to honour the kings David and Solomon with the two pillars. To the Jews, the two pillars have a strong spiritual meaning: Jachin symbolises wisdom and Boaz intelligence (attributes that made Solomon famous in the known world at that time).

The table of showbread—Like the Tabernacle, the great temple also had its table of showbread, in the same position—to the right of those who entered the Holy Place. With twelve unleavened bread stacked in two columns of six, the table of the proposition symbolised the food that comes from God, as well as the spiritual food which is His Word. We now know that it was one of the several symbols depicting Jesus Christ, who referred to Himself as “the bread of life” (John 6:35)—although, at the time, the temple builders did not know that.

The menorahs—In the Tabernacle, there was only one menorah, which was a large candlestick with seven oil lamps. In the great temple of Solomon, the number increased to ten, in two columns of five on each side of the holy place (1 Kings 7:49). Besides being used to illuminate the place, they also symbolised the presence of God. Moreover, the oil that kept the lamps burning symbolised God’s anointing upon our lives. And the light symbolised the Word itself, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

The incense altar—Incense was burned on the altar that was in the inner sanctuary (1 Kings 7:49), and the smell of spices and other perfumes would fill the room. It symbolised the prayers of the saints rising to God, which again leads us to the figure of the pleasing aroma that went up to the Lord. There, the priests presented the prayers of the people, for they were mediators between the people and God. Today, thanks to Christ’s supreme sacrifice, we speak directly to the Father.

The veil—There only thing that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was a veil, a large curtain with two cherubim embroidered on it. Only the high priest could enter and talk to God directly. The symbolism of the veil is very strong: although it was a fragile material, fear and respect for God were what really prevented other priests from entering the place. It also prevented people from seeing what was happening inside. Ordinary priests and the people could not go in. But through the high priest, everyone had indirect access to the Father. A fragile obstacle that can easily be transposed if we only pray (Mark 15:38).

The Ark of the Covenant—The Ark of the Covenant, after being kept in the Tabernacle for many years, was transferred to the Holy of Holies, in Solomon’s great temple. A sacred object touched only by the priests and not by ordinary people, it contained other sacred objects that were extremely significant: the tablets of the Ten Commandments that Moses carved as per God’s guidance (the Word), a bit of manna that was given to the people in the desert (God’s provision), and Aaron’s rod that blossomed (the recognition of God’s authority given to someone). Resting upon the Ark was the Mercy Seat, or Propitiation cover, with two cherubim facing each other with their wings outstretched. And God would speak to the high priest from between the golden angels (Exodus 25:10-22).

By Marcelo Cypriano
Universal Ark