WE RETURN to history in our Old Testament study this week. Our readings describe the process and design of the Temple built by Solomon.

The raw materials and expertise were supplied by Hiram, king of Tyre — who, incidentally, introduced the worship of Melqart to Tyre. Melqart was the Ba`al that was worshiped by Jezebel, wife of Ahab, and whose priests were defeated by Elijah in the showdown on Mount Carmel. Melqart was the Phoenician name for the Greek demigod Heracles — Hercules. (But we digress.)

We read through the dimensions and design for the Temple, explain why the cherubim in the Temple were not angels the way most of us think, and comment on the Temple as a representation of God's holy mountain, Eden.