Era 6 · The First Kings1 Chronicles
Investigation: The Temple before Solomon
Ark, tabernacle, altar and plan in Chronicles
| Stage | Where | Chronicles |
|---|---|---|
| Ark neglected | Kiriath-jearim | 13:3, "we enquired not at it in the days of Saul" |
| Ark moved, Uzza dies | Chidon's threshing floor; Obed-edom's house | 13:9–14 |
| Ark in David's tent | City of David | 15–16 |
| Tabernacle and bronze altar | High place at Gibeon | 16:39; 21:29 |
| Altar on Ornan's floor | The future temple site | 21:26–22:1 |
| Materials and workers | Jerusalem | 22:2–5, 14–16 |
| Pattern given | In writing, from God | 28:11–19 |
| Offerings | All Israel | 29:1–9 |
No archaeological remains of the tabernacle, David's tent, Ornan's threshing floor or the First Temple have been securely identified; the Temple Mount is not excavated. Comparable temples ('Ain Dara, Tell Tayinat, Tel Motza) show the architectural type. Reconstructions on the site are labeled as reconstructions.
What the evidence shows
- Chronicles attributes the temple's planning and personnel to David.
- Ornan's threshing floor has been identified archaeologically.
Continue the journey
Connected elsewhere in ScriptureThe Temple Built on Mount Moriah2 Chronicles 3:1: Mount Moriah.More from this lesson
Why this matters to the rest of Scripture
- Mount Moriah.
- David's vow to find a place for the LORD.