No Hammers on the Job Site

In the past I have had the opportunity to learn how to work with my hands in various trades.  I spent a couple of summers when a youth pastor in Virginia learning to help a block layer and a roofer.  In later years I earned some extra income by becoming a laborer to a carpenter and then working alongside that carpenter learning the basics of that trade as well.  In my limited experience, there was one thing I learned about construction sites - they were noisy.  There was always the noise of a hammering sound or a compressor going all day long, except during lunchtime of course.  But job sites were seldom quiet and truthfully one carpenter I worked with said, “Don’t worry about making noise, because a quiet job site isn’t getting anything done.”

In 1 Kings 6 we find Solomon building the Temple which his father David had wanted to build.  God has told David that he could prepare the materials, but, because of the blood on his hands from the years of war, Solomon would have to actually do the building (1 Kings 5:3).  So David prepped the materials and gave instruction for Solomon to follow.

We here in the United States often judge a president by his first 100 days in office and make  huge deal about those days.  If we did that with Solomon, I believe we would have judged him a 100% success as he started the Temple build almost immediately after becoming king.  He clearly wanted his reign to be seen as an extension of his father’s faithful reign and wanted the Temple built as an honor to God Almighty. 

Almost immediately after the coronation, Solomon connects with the king of Tyre for the cedar wood (1 Kings 5:1-11) and for the stone cutters (1 Kings 5:13-18).  He wanted this Temple done and done right away.  Now mind you, this was a huge undertaking as tens of thousands were involved in this project and it was seen by many historians as one of wonders of the ancient world for its beauty and engineering.

But to me, a small seemingly insignificant statement brought wonder and blessed my heart the other day during my devotions.  In 2 Kings 6 as the description of the initial Temple building is given verse 6 stood out like a beacon:

And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

Now mind you I am far from the most experienced builder, but with what limited experience I have and having reminded myself of that carpenter’s words from years past, “Don’t worry about making noise, because a quiet job site isn’t getting anything done,” this thought amazing me.  But what does the no hammer policy show?

1. It shows preparation is important in any task.
2. It showed the respect for the task being done - the building of God’s house was taken seriously.
3. It shows the importance of proper clear communication between all involved.
4. It shows experienced people willing to surrender their talents for the Lord’s work.
5. It shows that God’s house deserves to be built correctly and not thrown together.
6. It shows the value of training, as these were experienced men who prepared beforehand.

When we think of God’s work being done, how much preparation do we put into the work?  How much prayer, communication with God, do we pray BEFORE the task begins?  Do we truly believe God deserves our best?  

2 Kings 6:7, “… so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.”  This may just have been a simple thing to some, but to me it shows clearly of honoring our God!