THE FIRST TEMPLE PERIOD
AND THE LONG DAVIDIC DYNASTY

The First Temple of Jerusalem  

The First Temple of Jerusalem, built in the 10th century BCE by King Solomon, son of David, is a key reference point in Israelite history. It was destroyed four centuries later, at the same time as the Davidic dynasty ended.

The Temple is described in great detail in the Bible. It measured 30 metres long by 10 wide and 15 high, and was divided into three main sections. The innermost room a sanctuary known as the "Holy of Holies"; house the Ark of the Covenant containing the Tablets bearing the Law that Moses is said to have received on Mount Sinai.

Nothing of this splendid structure, with its rooms covered in carved cedar and gold, has come to light as yet in archaeological digs.

A tiny ivory pomegranate, which probably decorated the tip of a sceptre used by the priests during ritual ceremonies, was once believed to be associated with the Temple. For new information regarding the ivory pomegranate, please visit the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

The façade of the model shrine illustrated below is reminiscent of the entrance to Solomon's temple, which the Bible says was also flanked by two columns, named Jachin and Boaz.

Model shrine. Collection of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization

In the days of the Kingdom of Judah, there was a temple at Arad, southwest of Jerusalem. As the remains today show, it was divided into a courtyard with an altar for sacrifices, a broad room and a "Holy of Holies", or inner sanctuary. This division into three parts is similar to the biblical account of the Temple, of which no trace has been found.

Bowl with sacred inscription. Collection Israel Antiquities Authority, exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization