1 Kings 6:1
And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.
The verse fixes the beginning of the work to the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel came out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel. The work was begun in the second month, called Zif. The house that was begun stood at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, on the threshing floor of Ornan which David had prepared.
David had made extensive preparations, yet the task of building the Lord's house was assigned to Solomon, and he is the one who began it. He began it by faithfully carrying out God's directions. He did the work through the wisdom God gave him above earthly riches, honor, or long life, an understanding heart that made him the wisest king that ever sat upon the throne.
For many years his life was marked by devotion to God, uprightness, firm principle, and strict obedience to God's commands, while he directed every important enterprise and managed the business matters of the kingdom with the greatest wisdom. The building he constructed was the most magnificent building the world had ever seen, which could not be excelled for richness, beauty, and costly design. It became renowned among the nations for its greatness, richness, beauty, and costly design, and its splendor reflected the wisdom God had given Solomon.
His faithful work caused his fame to spread everywhere, and he was greatly blessed and honored of God, with all nations acknowledging and marveling at his superior knowledge, wisdom, excellence of character, and greatness of power. Many came from all parts of the world to behold his power and to be instructed how to conduct difficult matters. He also wrote many proverbs and composed many songs.
The temple was the permanent sanctuary that replaced the portable tabernacle after Israel settled in Canaan, larger than the tabernacle but keeping its proportions and furnishings. It served as the sanctuary until its destruction by the Romans in A.D. 70.