God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding as vast as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations.
Solomon spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs numbered 1,005. He spoke about trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall. He also spoke about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Emissaries of all peoples, sent by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom.
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View this work of art, titled Building of Solomon’s Temple, by Giovanni Battista Ricci, connected to Sunday’s sermon passage.
As you look at this piece, take a few quiet moments to go through a three-step process. First, observe what you see in the image, from colors to composition to recognizable elements, without trying to understand what it is supposed to mean. Then read about the work, using these details to help you interpret the work of art. Ask God what he might be saying through the image, and listen for his insight in your thoughts, feelings, or prayers.
Commentary:
This beautifully detailed relief sculpture by Giovanni Battista Ricci can be found on the ceiling of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, far above those who use the chapel, with details out of view. The very existence of this artwork is a reminder that God desires beauty in all the details of his temple, a reflection of the vast array of his invisible glory that surrounds us in every moment of our lives.
In the foreground, Solomon is depicted in Roman armor and is seen collaborating with the artisan Hiram. All around them are artisans and skilled craftsmen working together to bring the temple to life.
Solomon was not only an ancestor but a type (or prefiguration) of Jesus, as the temple and its sacrificial system also foreshadowed Christ and his sacrifice. In this chapel dedicated to the Eucharist, there are five panels surrounding the central panel of the chalice and host that are dedicated to Solomon.
This work and its location are a beautiful reminder of the importance of communion and our weekly rhythm of remembering that God valued partnership with mankind so much he came and tabernacled among us (John 1:14). Each human being is part of the Body of Christ, taking into the temple of their body the symbol of Christ’s sacrifice week after week. It is a privilege and an act of lavish beauty to be free to gather together weekly and celebrate what he has done.
Art Source: Building of Solomon’s Temple, Giovanni Battista Ricci, 1623–27, Blessed Sacrament Chapel vault, St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome; Courtesy of the Fabbrica di San Pietro in Vaticano.
The magnificent temple that Solomon built has been replaced by the beautiful presence of God with his people through the gift of the Holy Spirit, given after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. Thank God for this miraculous gift, available at all times to those who trust Jesus as Savior.
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.