I am studying 1 & 2 Kings (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible), by Peter J. Leithart. I don't know any laypeople who are interested in the temple built by King Solomon, but they should be. Leithart argues that the history of Israel's temple demonstrates that God overshadows earthly rulers:
"Solomon’s residence in the temple complex stands as a scriptural figure indicating that all earthly rule, not only Israel’s, is overshadowed by heaven and a reminder that the gospel we preach is good."
Solomon's dedication of the temple marks the beginning of the theology describing Jerusalem as a the holy city where God dwells:
"The dedication of the temple is the beginning of this shift of attention from the ark to the temple and city. During the Mosaic period, the ark was the throne of Yahweh; during the Davidic/Solomonic period, the temple serves that purpose; but in the restoration, Jeremiah said, the whole city will serve as the throne of Yahweh."
God settles in the holy city of Jerusalem:
"First Kings 8 is the climax of the Solomonic narratives in 1–2 Kings and stands out as an event of world-historical importance. Yahweh, the creator of heaven and earth, settles in Jerusalem, in the nation of Israel, and the seven petitions at the center of the passage offer a rough preview of the trials that Israel will face."
Israel's life centered on the temple points to what believers experience from an encounter with the words and deeds of the Lord Jesus:
"Jews normally expected from the temple—an encounter with the presence of their God, festivity and food, forgiveness and cleansing, instruction in Torah—the disciples come to expect from Jesus himself." (Citing N.T. Wright 1996a, 435–37).
All quotes are from 1 & 2 Kings (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible), by Peter J. Leithart.
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