Now the word of the LORD came to Solomon, "Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel." – 1 Kings 6:11-13
While I am sure the quality of the Temple is important, there is a striking contrast between what God wants and what Solomon provides. Solomon provides an extravagant house with gold and cedar, statues and carvings, recessed frames and offsite stonework. However, the Lord wants people that walk in His ways. God will always choose obedience over cedar and gold.
