1 In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord.
2 The house that King Solomon built for the Lord was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.
3 The vestibule in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits long, equal to the width of the house, and its height was 120 cubits.
4 And for the house he made windows with recessed frames.
5 He also built a structure against the wall of the house, running around the walls of the house, both the nave and the inner sanctuary. And he made side chambers all around.
6 The lowest storey was five cubits broad, the middle one was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad. For around the outside of the house he made offsets on the wall in order that the supporting beams should not be inserted into the walls of the house.
7 When the house was built, it was with stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built.
8 The entrance for the lowest story was on the south side of the house, and one went up by stairs to the middle story, and from the middle story to the third.
9 So he built the House and finished it, and he made the ceiling of the House of beams and planks of cedar.
10 And he built the structure against the whole house, five cubits high, and it was joined to the house with timbers of cedar.
11 Now the word of the Lord came to Solomon, “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father.
12 “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in my statutes and obey my rules and keep all my commandments and walk in them, then I will establish my word with you, which I spoke to David your father.”
13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake my people Israel.
14 So Solomon built the house and finished it.
15 He lined the walls of the house on the inside with boards of cedar. From the floor of the house to the walls of the ceiling, he covered them on the inside with wood, and he covered the floor of the house with boards of cypress.
16 He built twenty cubits of the rear of the house with boards of cedar from the floor to the walls, and he built this within as an inner sanctuary, as the Most Holy Place.
17 The house, that is, the nave in front of the inner sanctuary, was forty cubits long.
18 The cedar within the house was carved in the form of gourds and open flowers. All was cedar; no stone was seen.
19 The inner sanctuary he prepared in the innermost part of the house, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
20 The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high, and he overlaid it with pure gold. He also overlaid an altar of cedar.
21 So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold, and he drew chains of gold across, in front of the inner sanctuary, and overlaid it with gold.
22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished. And the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.
23 In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olivewood, each ten cubits high.
24 And five cubits was the length of the wings of the cherubim.
25 The doors for the most holy place were made of olive wood; the lintel and the doorposts were five-sided.
26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was that of the other cherub.
27 He put the cherubim in the innermost part of the house. And the wings of the cherubim were spread out so that a wing of one touched the one wall, and a wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; their other wings touched each other in the middle of the house.
28 He also overlaid the cherubim with gold.
29 Around all the walls of the house he carved engraved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, in the inner and outer rooms.
30 And he covered the two doors of cypress wood with carvings of cherubim and palm trees, and he carved on them figures of cherubim and palm trees, and a shadow of flowers, and overlaid them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
31 For the entrance to the inner sanctuary he made doors of olive wood; the lintel and the doorposts were five-sided.
32 So he built the structure against the whole house, five cubits high, and it was joined to the house with timbers of cedar.
33 So also he made for the entrance to the nave four-sided doorposts of olive wood
34 There were two doors of cypress wood and the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.
35 He carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and he overlaid them with gold evenly applied on the carved work.
36 And he built the inner court with three courses of cut stone and one course of cedar beams.
37 In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv.
38 In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its parts, and according to all its specifications. He was seven years in building it.
The True Meaning of 1 Kings 6
This passage from the book of 1 Kings provides a detailed account of the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, which was commissioned by King Solomon. The author, believed to be the prophet Nathan or the scribe Ezra, offers a comprehensive record of the materials, dimensions, and architectural features of this magnificent structure.
The chapter begins by establishing the timeline, noting that the temple’s construction commenced in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign. This monumental undertaking was a fulfillment of the promise made by God to David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-13, where the Lord declares, “I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. We witness the meticulous planning and execution of the temple’s construction as the narrative unfolds. The passage delves into the specific measurements, materials, and techniques employed, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into this sacred project. The inclusion of these intricate details underscores the importance of the temple as a physical representation of God’s presence among his people, as described in Exodus 25:8, “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”
1 Kings 6:1-10
-
Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord in the fourth year of his reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, four hundred and eighty years after the Israelites came out of Egypt. The temple that King Solomon built for the Lord was sixty cubits long, twenty wide and thirty high. King Solomon begins the construction of the Temple of the Lord in these verses. The mention of the 480 years since the Israelites came out of Egypt is significant because it links the temple-building project to the foundational event of Israel’s liberation, establishing a continuity between their past and present. The dimensions of the temple are given to highlight the meticulous planning and grandeur of Solomon’s construction. This attention to detail and adherence to specific measurements reflect upon the importance of honoring God with excellence and precision in worship.
-
1 Kings 6:5-10: “The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple extended the width of the temple, that is twenty cubits, and projected ten cubits from the front of the temple. He made narrow clerestory windows in the temple. Against the walls of the main hall and inner sanctuary he built a structure around the building, in which there were side rooms. The lowest floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven. He made offset ledges around the outside of the temple so that nothing would be inserted into the temple walls.”
These verses describe the architectural details of the temple, with its portico, windows, side rooms, and floors of varying widths. Solomon’s design incorporated not only beauty but also functionality, ensuring that the temple had sufficient space for various purposes. The prohibition against anything protruding into the temple walls underscores the sanctity and respect for the sacred space. Solomon’s meticulous planning and execution of the temple construction reflect the reverence and dedication he had for the worship of God. When understanding these verses, consider the broader context of the construction of the temple and its significance in Israelite history. The temple was not merely a physical structure but a symbol of God’s presence among His people. The attention to detail in building the temple emphasizes the importance of honoring God with excellence and reverence. This narrative also points to the fulfillment of God’s promise to David regarding the construction of a temple (2 Samuel 7:13). The temple foreshadows the New Testament concept of believers as living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), highlighting the spiritual significance of the temple in the Old Testament.
1 Kings 6:11-13
Solomon’s ambitious project of building the grand Temple of the Lord culminates in 1 Kings 6:11-13. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Sentence in active voice: Let’s break down this verse into important sections to delve deeper into its meaning and significance.
-
Solomon received the word of the Lord, saying, “If you follow my decrees, observe my laws, keep all my commands, and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father.” God affirms the importance of obedience to His laws and commandments by communicating directly with Solomon in this part of the verse. The Lord makes it clear that the fulfillment of His promise to David is contingent upon Solomon’s commitment to following God’s decrees. This underscores the biblical theme of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s word in order to receive His blessings. It also reaffirms the covenantal relationship between God and His people, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the promises made by God.
-
“And I will dwell among the Israelites and will not abandon my people Israel.”
This proclamation from God reaffirms His presence among the Israelites and His commitment to never forsake His people. The construction of the Temple symbolizes a central place for God to reside among His chosen people, signifying His constant presence and protection over them. This verse echoes God’s promise in Exodus 29:45-46, where He expresses His desire to dwell among the Israelites and be their God. The concept of God dwelling among His people is central to the Old Testament narrative and foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of this promise through Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
- “So Solomon built the temple and completed it.”
The verse concludes with the fulfillment of Solomon’s monumental task of building the Temple of the Lord. This accomplishment represents not only Solomon’s obedience to God’s command but also his commitment to honoring the legacy of his father, David. The completion of the Temple marks a significant moment in Israel’s history as it establishes a permanent place for the worship of God and the practice of the Mosaic Law. It solidifies Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Israel and underscores the importance of proper worship and reverence for God. God and Solomon showcase the divine interaction in 1 Kings 6:11-13, emphasizing the significance of obedience, God’s presence among His people, and the completion of the Temple as a symbol of worship and faith. These themes resonate throughout the Bible, reinforcing the timeless message of fidelity to God’s word, His faithfulness to His people, and the importance of worshiping Him in spirit and truth.
1 Kings 6:14-18
Solomon built the temple and completed it in 1 Kings 6:14-18. He lined its interior walls with cedar boards, paneling them from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and covered the floor of the temple with planks of juniper. He partitioned off twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.”
This passage focuses on the construction of the temple by King Solomon. The temple was a significant and sacred place for the Israelites, as it was the dwelling place of God. The detailed description of the materials used and the structure of the temple highlights the grandeur and reverence with which it was built.
Solomon’s dedication to building the temple showcases his commitment to honoring God and fulfilling the plans set by his father, King David. Solomon demonstrated his understanding of the importance of worshipping and glorifying God in a proper and respectful manner by constructing the temple with such care and precision.
The use of cedar and juniper woods in the temple symbolizes strength, durability, and beauty. These materials were considered valuable and were often used in important and sacred structures. Solomon ensured the physical integrity of the building and adorned it with materials worthy of the God it was built to honor by using them in the construction of the temple.
The mention of the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, is significant as it was the holiest part of the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This inner sanctuary was only entered by the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement to make sacrifices for the sins of the people. The partitioning of this area with cedar boards signified the sacredness and separation of this space from the rest of the temple. This passage from 1 Kings 6 emphasizes the importance of reverence, dedication, and meticulousness in worship and service to God. It serves as a reminder for believers to approach their worship and service with awe and respect, giving their best to honor the Lord in all aspects of their lives.
Other relevant verses that parallel the significance of the temple and its construction include Exodus 25-27, where God gives detailed instructions to Moses for building the tabernacle, a precursor to the temple. This shows the continuity and importance of worshipping God in a specific and reverent manner throughout the Bible.
1 Kings 6:19-22
Solomon prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple he was building for the Lord, as described in 1 Kings 6:19-22. Let’s break down these verses into important sections for a more in-depth study.
-
“And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.”
Here, the “oracle” refers to the inner sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant would be placed. The Ark contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God. It was a symbol of God’s presence among His people and a reminder of His covenant with them. Solomon emphasized the central role of God in the temple by placing the Ark in the inner sanctuary. -
“And the wings of the cherubims were twenty cubits long: one wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.”
Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. The artisans intricately carved and placed them in the inner sanctuary, with their wings stretching across the room. This depiction of cherubim in the temple symbolizes the heavenly realm and the holiness of God’s dwelling place among His people. -
“And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size. The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.”
The symmetry and uniformity in the design of the cherubim represent the order and perfection of God’s presence in the temple. The precise measurements and details in the construction of the temple highlight the reverence and care with which Solomon built this place of worship. Solomon put meticulous preparation and attention to detail into building the temple in these verses. The inner sanctuary with the Ark of the Covenant and the cherubim reflected the sacredness and holiness of God’s dwelling place among His people. This dedication to constructing a magnificent temple for the Lord underscores the importance of honoring God with our best offerings and efforts.
The construction of the temple in 1 Kings 6 parallels the themes of worship, obedience, and reverence found throughout the Bible. It reminds us of the significance of setting apart spaces and times for God, as seen in the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 25) and later in the New Testament references to believers as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, just as Solomon built a physical temple to honor God (Romans 12:1). We continue the tradition of worship and dedication exemplified by Solomon in 1 Kings 6.
1 Kings 6:23-28
-
The verses in 1 Kings 6:23-28 describe the interior of the temple that King Solomon built for the Lord. Specifically, it talks about the inner sanctuary, which was the most holy place in the temple.
-
Commentary:
This section of the passage focuses on the intricate details of the temple’s interior, particularly the inner sanctuary. The mention of two cherubim, which were large angelic figures, is significant. These cherubim were made of olive wood and overlaid with gold, symbolizing the presence and majesty of God. The imagery of the cherubim has deep roots in biblical history, as they are often seen as guardians or attendants of God’s throne. Cherubim are described as being placed on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:18-22, emphasizing their role in protecting the sacred space.
Furthermore, the adorning of the inner sanctuary with carved figures of palm trees and open flowers further underscores the grandeur and beauty of the temple. These intricate decorations were not mere decorations but were laden with symbolic meaning. The palm trees were often associated with victory, righteousness, and abundance, while flowers symbolize beauty, growth, and renewal. Solomon aimed to create a space that reflected the splendor of God and His blessings upon His people by incorporating these motifs into the temple’s design. Solomon put meticulous attention to detail into building the temple, as highlighted in this passage. It illustrates the importance of honoring God with excellence and reverence in all that we do. We are called to offer our best to God in all aspects of our lives, whether it be in worship, service, or obedience, just as Solomon spared no expense in constructing a magnificent dwelling place for the Lord. This passage serves as a reminder that our actions and offerings are a reflection of our reverence for God and our commitment to glorifying Him in all that we do.
1 Kings 6:29-30
Solomon decorated the walls of the temple in Jerusalem by carving all the walls with figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers in the inner and outer rooms. The floor of the temple he overlaid with gold, in the inner and outer rooms.” This intricate and lavish decoration reflects the grandeur and beauty of the temple Solomon built to honor the Lord.
The depiction of cherubim is significant as they are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God. Cherubim are mentioned multiple times in the Bible, including in Genesis where they guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve’s expulsion. The cherubim are represented on the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus, symbolizing the presence of God among the Israelites. Solomon emphasized the sacredness of the space and the need for divine protection and guidance by carving cherubim on the walls of the temple.
The presence of palm trees and open flowers in the carvings also holds symbolism. Palm trees in the Bible are often associated with victory, righteousness, and prosperity. “The verse in Psalm 92:12 says, ‘The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree.’”” Flowers, on the other hand, are often symbolic of beauty, growth, and the ephemeral nature of life. Isaiah 40:8 states, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Solomon incorporated these elements into the temple’s decoration, creating a visually stunning place of worship and imbuing it with layers of meaning that reflected spiritual truths.
The use of gold to overlay the floors of the temple reflects the value and holiness of the space. Gold is often associated with purity, divinity, and royalty in the Bible. Gold was used for various elements in the tabernacle and temple, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the menorah. The use of gold in the temple symbolizes the idea of offering the best to God, acknowledging His supremacy and worthiness of the finest materials.
These verses remind us of the importance of honoring God with our best efforts and resources. We are called to offer our talents, time, and resources in service to God, just as Solomon spared no expense in adorning the temple. The detailed craftsmanship and symbolic elements in the temple’s decoration also point to our need to create environments that inspire reverence and draw us closer to the divine presence. The beauty and symbolism of the temple remind us of the richness of God’s love and the depth of His wisdom woven throughout the pages of Scripture as we immerse ourselves.
1 Kings 6:31-35
Verse 31 of 1 Kings 6 describes the inner sanctuary of Solomon’s temple, including the doors to the main hall, which were made of olive wood and carved with cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. The cherubim and palm trees were repeated on the walls of the temple. This intricate craftsmanship signifies the grandeur and beauty of the temple that Solomon built to house the Ark of the Covenant. The presence of cherubim is significant as they are often depicted as guarding the presence of God or serving as messengers. The symbols could symbolize the divine protection and guidance over the temple.
Moving on to verse 32, we see that the doors were also made of olive wood, and not only were they intricately carved with figures, but they were also overlaid with gold. This combination of materials – the durable olive wood and the precious gold – represents the richness and spiritual significance of the temple as a place set apart for the worship of God. Gold is often associated with divine glory and purity in the Bible, and its presence here further emphasizes the holiness of the temple. Carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers adorned the temple’s main hall and inner sanctuary in verse 33, following the same design pattern as the doors. The repetition of these motifs throughout the temple creates a cohesive and harmonious aesthetic, reinforcing the sacredness of the space. The presence of palm trees is particularly noteworthy as they symbolize righteousness, prosperity, and victory in the Bible (Psalm 92:12), indicating the flourishing and abundance that God’s presence brings to His people. Verse 34 reminds us of the importance of designing the temple with skill and wisdom. The mention of the craftsmen and artisans who worked on the temple underscores the value of using one’s God-given talents to honor Him. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals like Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus 31:1-11, who were filled with the Spirit of God to create beautiful works for the tabernacle. This serves as a reminder for us to offer our best efforts and skills in service to God, just as these craftsmen did in constructing the temple.
Finally, verse 35 closes by highlighting that both the doors and the walls of the temple were covered with gold leaf. The use of gold throughout the temple symbolizes the purity, value, and glory of the space dedicated to the worship of the Almighty God. This emphasis on the lavish and meticulous decoration of the temple reinforces the idea that God deserves our best in worship and devotion. We, as believers, are called to offer our whole selves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1), just as we adorn the temple with the finest materials.
1 Kings 6:36-38
The verses in 1 Kings 6:36-38 close out the detailed description of the construction of the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem during the reign of King Solomon. Let’s delve into the significance of these verses by breaking them down.
Verse 36 states, “And he built the inner court with three rows of hewn stone and a row of cedar beams.” This verse highlights the meticulous attention to detail that was given to the construction of the inner court of the temple. The use of hewn stone and cedar beams signifies the grandeur and permanence of the structure. The inner court was a sacred space within the temple, reserved for priests and other designated individuals to perform specific rituals and ceremonies. This emphasis on the inner court underscores the importance of maintaining reverence and sanctity in places of worship. Verse 37 reads, “They laid the foundation of the house of the Lord in the fourth year, in the month of Ziv.”” This specific mention of the timeline – the fourth year of Solomon’s reign and the month of Ziv – serves to chronicle the historical context of the temple’s construction. It demonstrates the commitment and diligence of King Solomon in fulfilling the task of building a house for the Lord. This act of laying the foundation symbolizes the establishment of a solid and unwavering foundation for the worship of God, emphasizing the importance of a firm spiritual foundation in the lives of believers.
Finally, verse 38 concludes, “And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its parts and according to all its specifications. He was seven years in building it.” This verse marks the completion of the temple, after seven years of construction. The temple was not a hastily constructed building but was meticulously built according to the divine specifications given to Solomon. The detailed description of the completion of the temple underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in carrying out God’s plans.
These verses in 1 Kings 6:36-38 provide a detailed account of the construction of the temple under the reign of Solomon, emphasizing the importance of reverence, commitment, and obedience in the worship of God. Additionally, the completion of the temple serves as a symbol of God’s presence among His people and His desire for a relationship with them.
The temple itself holds a significant place in the Bible as a place of worship and sacrifice. Jesus refers to His body as the temple in the New Testament (John 2:19-21), symbolizing His role as the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. This connection underscores the continuity of God’s plan for salvation throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
After 1 Kings 6
The Lord had commanded Solomon to build a temple in Jerusalem, and the young king set to work with great diligence. The construction progressed steadily, with skilled craftsmen shaping the stones and carpenters assembling the intricate wooden structures. The temple’s interior was adorned with gold, creating a dazzling and awe-inspiring space for the people to worship. The reverend knew that the true test would come when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the temple’s inner sanctuary as the final touches were being made. For it was there, in the Holy of Holies, that the presence of the Almighty would dwell. The reverend could only imagine the profound moment when the glory of the Lord would fill the temple, signifying His acceptance of this sacred place. With bated breath, the people awaited the day when the temple would be dedicated and the Lord’s name would be exalted forevermore.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.