When Saul's erratic and unwise character ruined him as Israel's ruler, The Lord had David appointed king of Israel. King David is one of the most important figures in Bible history. Born in 1055 BC, he reigns as king of Israel for 40 years, dying at age 70 in 985 BC. David is a man with human faults -- whose first and foremost drive is to have a relationship with God. We get the glimpse of the beauty of his soul when we read the Psalms, most of which he wrote.

The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want ... (Psalm 23)
The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom should I fear ... (Psalm 27)
I lift my eyes to the mountains -- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth ... (Psalm 121)

 On the Temple site today is a large rock 58 feet by 51 feet called Rock Moriah. This is the site where Abraham earlier went up to offer Isaac and was part of the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (Araunah) which David purchased for 600 shekels of gold. David called the place "the House of the Lord God" and designated the Rock as the place for the burnt offering of Israel .... I Chronicles 21,22

The Altar that sat on top of the Rock was made of wood plated with brass and was 30 feet square and 15 feet high. Today on this spot stands a structure known as the Dome of the Rock. Under this golden dome is a rock which was at one time was the Altar of the Temple.

 

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