This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Kings 6, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
A long time ago, many years after the people of Israel left Egypt, a king named Solomon became the leader of Israel. Solomon was a good king and he wanted to make a special house for God, called a temple. He started building it in the second month of the year.
The temple that Solomon built was very big. It was 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high. There was a special room in the temple where the priests could go to worship God, called the inner sanctuary. Solomon made this room extra special by covering it with pure gold!
The temple also had big doors that were carved with pictures of angels and flowers. There were carvings of angels and flowers all over the walls too. Solomon even made two giant statues of angels, called cherubim, that were 10 cubits tall!
The temple was built with really special stones that were cut in a quarry so that no loud noises were made while it was being built. Solomon wanted to make sure the temple was perfect for God.
When Solomon finished building the temple, God spoke to him and said, “If you obey my rules and keep my commandments, I will always be with you and your people.”
Solomon was very happy to build the temple for God, and he worked on it for seven whole years!
Biblical Lessons
- It is important to make special places for God and to show Him reverence.
- When we work hard to make something special for God, He will be pleased.
- Following God’s rules and commandments is important.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A comprehensive, evangelical overview of Christian doctrine with Scripture at every point.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
Christian Beliefs
A shorter, accessible overview of 20 basic Christian doctrines for everyday believers.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Preaching and Preachers
Classic lectures on the nature and power of biblical preaching.
View on Amazon
The Hospitality Commands
Shows from Scripture how vital hospitality is to Christian obedience and fellowship.
View on Amazon
Total Truth
Equips believers to see all of life through a biblical worldview and challenge secular thinking.
View on Amazon
The Glory of Christ
Calls believers to behold the glory of Christ as the great means of transformation.
View on Amazon
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
A Puritan classic on learning contentment in God in every circumstance.
View on Amazon
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment
Teaches believers how to distinguish truth from error using Scripture.
View on Amazon
This Momentary Marriage
Shows how marriage is designed to display the covenant love of Christ and His church.
View on Amazon