1 Kings 5-6; 2 Chronicles 2-3

Solomon asks Hiram, king of Tyre, for help to build the temple. Hiram was a friend of his father King David. Hiram is delighted about this and sends timber and artisans to build the temple. A massive public works project begins employing thousands of people.

The temple's frame outside was made of stone and the inside was lined with cedar planks. This was in turn overlaid with gold. Numerous cherubim adorned the walls and two particular ones were in the holy of Holies, in parallel to the inner sanctum of the tent.

All the stone work was done at the quarry so no chisels were used at the temple sight. This stands out to me as incredible. That means each individual piece was designed well in advanced off-sight. Why do this? I'm not sure, but it does remind me of several anecdotes where God wanted an altar made from uncut stones.

The temple's construction began in the 4th year of Solomon's reign and was finished in the 11th.

God again speaks to King Solomon. God is happy to reside in this new temple so long as Solomon follows God.