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.
And the house which king Solomon built for the Lord, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.
And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:
The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.
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.
The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third.
So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying,
Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.
So Solomon built the house, and finished it.
And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.
And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.
And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.
And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.
And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.
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.
And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.
And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without.
And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall.
The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.
So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall.
And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.
And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.
In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the Lord laid, in the month Zif:
And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.
I Kings 6 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. This chapter details the commencement and progress of this monumental project, offering insights into its historical context, architectural significance, and spiritual implications. Understanding I Kings 6 is crucial for grasping the importance of the temple in Israelite life and its enduring relevance for believers today.
Chronological Significance (I Kings 6:1)
I Kings 6:1 opens with a precise chronological marker, stating that Solomon began building the temple "in the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel." This statement is invaluable for establishing key dates in Israel's history. Scholars generally agree that Solomon reigned from 971 to 931 BC, placing the fourth year of his reign around 966 BC. Consequently, working backward 480 years, we arrive at approximately 1446 BC as the date of the Exodus. This provides a valuable anchor point for understanding the timeline of events in the Old Testament.
Solomon's Mandate and the Temple's Significance
The construction of the temple was the defining accomplishment of Solomon's reign. It represented the culmination of God's promise to dwell among His people in a permanent structure. From this point forward, the attitudes of Israel and Judah's kings toward the temple, and by extension, toward the Lord and His covenant, became the standard by which they were evaluated in God's eyes. Each king would be measured against David, to see if he could possibly be the messianic king.
The temple served as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. It was more than just a building; it was a symbol of God's presence and covenant faithfulness. The temple's fate was intertwined with the spiritual health of the nation.
Architectural Details and Craftsmanship (I Kings 6:2-10, 6:23-38)
While not enormous in square footage, Solomon's temple was breathtaking in its design and opulence. I Kings 6:2-10, 6:23-38 provide detailed descriptions of its dimensions, materials, and construction techniques. The temple featured dressed stones, cedar wood, and extensive use of gold. A large portico extended in front of the temple, creating a grand entrance.
The construction also included side chambers for storage, built in three stories along the temple's walls. Remarkably, the stones used in the temple were prepared at the quarry, ensuring that "no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built" (I Kings 6:7). This speaks to the extraordinary skill and precision involved in the construction process, mirroring the divine provision of skilled workers for the tabernacle's construction (Exodus 31:1-11).
Inside the temple, in the inner sanctuary, two cherubim made of olive wood and overlaid with gold stood guard over the ark of the covenant (I Kings 6:23, 28). Their wings stretched out, creating a majestic presence above the ark (I Kings 6:24-27). Even the floor of the temple was overlaid with gold (I Kings 6:30), highlighting the unparalleled splendor dedicated to God.
The temple's construction took seven years, concluding in the eleventh year of Solomon's reign (I Kings 6:38).
God's Promise and Israel's Obedience (I Kings 6:11-13)
Amidst the construction details, God speaks directly to Solomon, reiterating His promise to dwell among His people and not forsake them (I Kings 6:11-13). However, this promise was contingent upon Israel's obedience, with Solomon leading the way. God emphasized that He was more concerned with their hearts and their faithfulness to Him than with the magnificent building they were constructing. Sadly, as history reveals, Solomon and the people would eventually stray from the Lord.
The Inner Sanctuary and the Ark of the Covenant (I Kings 6:14-20)
The description of the temple's interior focuses on the holy place and the inner sanctuary, the most holy place (I Kings 6:14-20). The most holy place, a perfect cube of thirty feet, housed the ark of the LORD's covenant (I Kings 6:19). The ark, considered God's throne, was positioned beneath the cherubim, above the mercy seat (see I Samuel 4:4; Isaiah 37:16). Solomon overlaid the most holy place with pure gold, a staggering amount estimated at "forty-five thousand pounds" (2 Chronicles 3:8). The entire temple interior was also lavishly adorned with gold, reflecting the immense value and honor attributed to God.
The Significance for Today
I Kings 6 offers valuable lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God desires to dwell among His people and that our obedience is more important than outward displays of religiosity. The temple's construction underscores the importance of dedicating our best efforts and resources to God's service. The temple, ultimately, pointed to Jesus Christ, the ultimate temple where God dwells fully with humanity. While we no longer have a physical temple, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), called to live lives that reflect God's glory and presence. The splendor of Solomon's temple serves as a reminder of the majesty of God and the surpassing worth of knowing Him.
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.
And the house which king Solomon built for the Lord, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.
And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:
The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.
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.
The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third.
So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying,
Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:
And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.
So Solomon built the house, and finished it.
And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.
And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.
And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.
And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
And the oracle in the forepart was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and so covered the altar which was of cedar.
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.
And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.
And five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.
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.
And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.
And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without.
And for the entering of the oracle he made doors of olive tree: the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall.
The two doors also were of olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.
So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall.
And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.
And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.
In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the Lord laid, in the month Zif:
And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.
I Kings 6 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. This chapter details the commencement and progress of this monumental project, offering insights into its historical context, architectural significance, and spiritual implications. Understanding I Kings 6 is crucial for grasping the importance of the temple in Israelite life and its enduring relevance for believers today.
Chronological Significance (I Kings 6:1)
I Kings 6:1 opens with a precise chronological marker, stating that Solomon began building the temple "in the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel." This statement is invaluable for establishing key dates in Israel's history. Scholars generally agree that Solomon reigned from 971 to 931 BC, placing the fourth year of his reign around 966 BC. Consequently, working backward 480 years, we arrive at approximately 1446 BC as the date of the Exodus. This provides a valuable anchor point for understanding the timeline of events in the Old Testament.
Solomon's Mandate and the Temple's Significance
The construction of the temple was the defining accomplishment of Solomon's reign. It represented the culmination of God's promise to dwell among His people in a permanent structure. From this point forward, the attitudes of Israel and Judah's kings toward the temple, and by extension, toward the Lord and His covenant, became the standard by which they were evaluated in God's eyes. Each king would be measured against David, to see if he could possibly be the messianic king.
The temple served as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. It was more than just a building; it was a symbol of God's presence and covenant faithfulness. The temple's fate was intertwined with the spiritual health of the nation.
Architectural Details and Craftsmanship (I Kings 6:2-10, 6:23-38)
While not enormous in square footage, Solomon's temple was breathtaking in its design and opulence. I Kings 6:2-10, 6:23-38 provide detailed descriptions of its dimensions, materials, and construction techniques. The temple featured dressed stones, cedar wood, and extensive use of gold. A large portico extended in front of the temple, creating a grand entrance.
The construction also included side chambers for storage, built in three stories along the temple's walls. Remarkably, the stones used in the temple were prepared at the quarry, ensuring that "no hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built" (I Kings 6:7). This speaks to the extraordinary skill and precision involved in the construction process, mirroring the divine provision of skilled workers for the tabernacle's construction (Exodus 31:1-11).
Inside the temple, in the inner sanctuary, two cherubim made of olive wood and overlaid with gold stood guard over the ark of the covenant (I Kings 6:23, 28). Their wings stretched out, creating a majestic presence above the ark (I Kings 6:24-27). Even the floor of the temple was overlaid with gold (I Kings 6:30), highlighting the unparalleled splendor dedicated to God.
The temple's construction took seven years, concluding in the eleventh year of Solomon's reign (I Kings 6:38).
God's Promise and Israel's Obedience (I Kings 6:11-13)
Amidst the construction details, God speaks directly to Solomon, reiterating His promise to dwell among His people and not forsake them (I Kings 6:11-13). However, this promise was contingent upon Israel's obedience, with Solomon leading the way. God emphasized that He was more concerned with their hearts and their faithfulness to Him than with the magnificent building they were constructing. Sadly, as history reveals, Solomon and the people would eventually stray from the Lord.
The Inner Sanctuary and the Ark of the Covenant (I Kings 6:14-20)
The description of the temple's interior focuses on the holy place and the inner sanctuary, the most holy place (I Kings 6:14-20). The most holy place, a perfect cube of thirty feet, housed the ark of the LORD's covenant (I Kings 6:19). The ark, considered God's throne, was positioned beneath the cherubim, above the mercy seat (see I Samuel 4:4; Isaiah 37:16). Solomon overlaid the most holy place with pure gold, a staggering amount estimated at "forty-five thousand pounds" (2 Chronicles 3:8). The entire temple interior was also lavishly adorned with gold, reflecting the immense value and honor attributed to God.
The Significance for Today
I Kings 6 offers valuable lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God desires to dwell among His people and that our obedience is more important than outward displays of religiosity. The temple's construction underscores the importance of dedicating our best efforts and resources to God's service. The temple, ultimately, pointed to Jesus Christ, the ultimate temple where God dwells fully with humanity. While we no longer have a physical temple, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), called to live lives that reflect God's glory and presence. The splendor of Solomon's temple serves as a reminder of the majesty of God and the surpassing worth of knowing Him.