◄ 1 Kings 6 ►
Berean Standard Bible Par ▾ 

Temple Construction Begins
(2 Chronicles 3:1–2)

1In the four hundred and eightietha year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv,b the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD.

2The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.c 3The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple was twenty cubitsd long, extending across the width of the temple and projecting out ten cubitse in front of the temple.

4He also had narrow windows framed high in the temple.

The Chambers

5Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms. 6The bottom floor was five cubits wide,f the middle floor six cubits,g and the third floor seven cubits.h He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls.

7The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.

8The entrance to the bottomi floor was on the south side of the temple. A stairway led up to the middle level, and from there to the third floor.

9So Solomon built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar. 10He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar.

God’s Promise to Solomon

11Then the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying: 12“As for this temple you are building, if you walk in My statutes, carry out My ordinances, and keep all My commandments by walking in them, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father David. 13And I will dwell among the Israelites and will not abandon My people Israel.”

The Temple’s Interior
(2 Chronicles 3:5–9)

14So Solomon built the temple and finished it. 15He lined the interior walls with cedar paneling from the floor of the temple to the ceiling, and he covered the floor with cypressj boards.

16He partitioned off the 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.k 17And the main hall in front of this room was forty cubits long.l

18The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.

19Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there. 20The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.m

21So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chainsn across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold. 22So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

The Cherubim
(2 Chronicles 3:10–13)

23In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. 24One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. 25The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, 26and the height of each cherub was ten cubits.

27And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched. 28He also overlaid the cherubim with gold.

29Then he carved the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer sanctuaries, with carved engravings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. 30And he overlaid the temple floor with gold in both the inner and outer sanctuaries.

The Doors

31For the entrance to the inner sanctuary, Solomon constructed doors of olive wood with five-sided doorposts. 32The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.

33In the same way he made four-sided doorposts of olive wood for the sanctuary entrance. 34The two doors were made of cypress wood, and each had two folding panels. 35He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and he overlaid them with gold hammered evenly over the carvings.

The Courtyard

36Solomon built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and one row of trimmed cedar beams.

37The foundation of the house of the LORD was laid in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, in the month of Ziv. 38In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul,o the eighth month, the temple was finished in every detail and according to every specification. So he built the temple in seven years.

Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible.

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1 Kings 6 Summary
Temple Construction Begins

Verses 1–3 – Date and Foundation
Solomon begins temple construction 480 years after the Exodus, in his fourth year, month of Ziv (April/May). The structure’s core rectangle measures 60 cubits long, 20 wide, and 30 high, with a porch 20 cubits long and 10 wide.

Verses 4–10 – Side Chambers and Silent Stones
Narrow, recessed windows light the sanctuary. Three accounts of side rooms wrap the north, west, and south walls—five, six, and seven cubits wide respectively—resting on ledges so no beams pierce the holy walls. Stones are fully dressed at the quarry; the site rings with reverent silence.

Verses 11–13 – Conditional Promise
The LORD reminds Solomon that obedience, not architecture, secures His presence: “I will dwell among the Israelites and will not forsake My people Israel” (v. 13) if the king walks in His statutes.

Verses 14–18 – Cedar Paneling and Hidden Stone
Interior walls and ceilings are paneled with cedar, carved with gourds and open flowers. No stone is visible; all is warm wood, symbolically distancing worshipers from cold earthly rock.

Verses 19–22 – Most Holy Place and Gold
A 20–cubits-cubed inner room is prepared for the Ark. Solomon overlays this sanctuary, its altar, and adjoining elements with pure gold, “extending gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary” (v. 21).

Verses 23–30 – Cherubim and Garden Imagery
Two olive-wood cherubim, each 10 cubits tall with 5–cubits wings, stand wingtip-to-wingtip. Walls and doors display cherubim, palm trees, and flowers, all overlaid with gold—even the floor.

Verses 31–35 – Doors of Olive and Cypress
Four-fold doors bar the Most Holy Place; two of olive wood, two of cypress for the outer entry, all carved with the same motifs and gilded.

Verses 36–38 – Courtyard and Completion
An inner court is bounded by three courses of hewn stone and a cedar beam course. Work begins in Ziv year 4 and finishes in Bul (October/November) year 11—seven years in all.

1 Kings 6 captures a remarkable milestone in Israel's history, the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. This chapter provides detailed insights into the impressive architectural design, the materials used, and the significance of the Temple. Furthermore, it underscores God's faithfulness, as He provides Solomon with instructions and the promise of His continual presence.

Historical and Dating Details

• The 480-year note anchors Israel’s national memory, stretching back to Exodus 12:40. Paul cites the same span in Acts 13:17–20, affirming continuity.

• Solomon’s fourth year (966 BC) fits well with synchronisms in Egyptian and Assyrian records. The month Ziv (1 Kings 6:1) parallels the present-day April/May, helpful for agricultural scheduling of cedar transport (1 Kings 5:6–11).

Architectural Overview

• Cubit conversion: at 18 inches (45 cm), the main hall Isaiah 90 × 30 × 45 ft (27 × 9 × 13.5 m). The porch adds a 30 × 15 ft (9 × 4.5 m) front.

• Side chambers total 90 rooms (3 levels × 30 cubits length), likely storing utensils and offerings (cf. Nehemiah 10:38).

• Recessed windows prevented rain while allowing sunlight, echoing ark construction in Genesis 6:16.

Materials and Craftsmanship

• Cedar from Lebanon (1 Kings 5:6) resists rot and insect damage. Timber floated to Joppa, hauled up to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16).

• “No hammer or chisel was heard” (v. 7) anticipates Isaiah 30:15—quiet confidence before God.

• Over 23 tons of gold (1 Chronicles 22:14) create a brilliant interior, foreshadowing the “street of pure gold” in Revelation 21:21.

Sacred Spaces: Holy Place and Most Holy Place

• Two-room progression mirrors the tabernacle (Exodus 26). Priests enter the Holy Place daily; only the high priest sees the Most Holy Place yearly (Leviticus 16).

• The 20-cubits cube matches the New Jerusalem’s perfect cube (Revelation 21:16), hinting at full access yet to come.

Artistic Carvings and Symbolism

• Cherubim guard Eden’s gate (Genesis 3:24); their presence here portrays restored fellowship.

• Palm trees evoke oasis life (Psalm 92:12) and festival joy (Leviticus 23:40).

• Flowers recall the almond blossoms on the lampstand (Exodus 25:33), pointing to perpetual life.

Divine Word to Solomon

God’s promise (vv. 11-13) ties presence to obedience. Later prophets repeat the warning: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6). Jesus echoes this in Matthew 12:6, surpassing the temple itself.

Construction Chronology and Labor

• Seven years suggest completeness (Genesis 2:2).

• Workforce: 30,000 conscripts, 70,000 burden-bearers, 80,000 stonecutters, 3,600 overseers (2 Chronicles 2:17-18).

• Hiram of Tyre supplies skilled artisans, symbolizing Gentile cooperation in God’s house (cf. Isaiah 56:6-7).

Archaeological Insights

• Direct excavation under the modern Temple Mount is politically closed, but Phoenician palatial remains at Megiddo and Samaria show similar ashlar masonry and cedar beam roofing.

• 9th-century “Proto-Aeolic” capitals from Jerusalem’s City of David match temple-era craftsmanship.

• Large quarry north of the city—with cut blocks matching Solomon’s “dressed stones” (v. 7)—has been found and toured today.

Connections to Other Scriptures

• 2 Chronicles 3 parallels 1 Kings 6 almost verbatim, adding the exact gold weight for nails (50 shekels each).

• Psalm 132:13-14 celebrates God choosing Zion, grounding temple theology in worship.

• Haggai 2:9 foretells a greater glory filling a later temple, fulfilled ultimately in Christ (John 2:19-21).

• Hebrews 9 reviews both tabernacle and temple to show how Jesus entered “a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands.”

Lessons for Today

• Excellence in skill and beauty honors God; believers’ bodies are called “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

• Obedience sustains fellowship—magnificent structures cannot compensate for disloyal hearts.

• Cooperative service—Israelite, Tyrian, and Gentile labor—foreshadows the global church working together for God’s glory.

Connections to Additional Scriptures
Exodus 25:8-9
Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you.
This passage connects to the idea of God dwelling among His people and the importance of following His design.

1 Corinthians 3:16
Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
This New Testament verse highlights the concept of believers as the temple of God, emphasizing the need for holiness.
Teaching Points
The Timing and Significance
In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv (the second month), he began to build the house of the LORD (1 Kings 6:1).
The construction of the Temple marks a significant moment in Israel's history, symbolizing a new era of worship and national identity.

The Dimensions and Design
The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high (1 Kings 6:2).
The detailed dimensions and design reflect God's order and precision, emphasizing the importance of following divine instructions.

The Inner Sanctuary
He prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there (1 Kings 6:19).
The inner sanctuary, or the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred space, representing God's presence and the heart of Israel's worship.

The Promise of God’s Presence
As for this temple you are building, if you walk in My statutes, execute My judgments, and keep all My commandments by walking in them, then I will fulfill My promise to you, which I made to your father David (1 Kings 6:12).
God's promise to dwell among His people is conditional upon their obedience and faithfulness.
Practical Applications
Reverence in Worship
Just as the Temple was built with care and reverence, our worship should reflect a deep respect for God's holiness.

Obedience to God’s Instructions
Following God's commands leads to His presence and blessings in our lives, just as it did for Solomon.

Building a Spiritual Temple
Consider how you are building your life as a spiritual temple for God, ensuring it is a place where He is honored and glorified.
People
1. Solomon
Solomon is the central figure in 1 Kings 6. He is the king of Israel and the son of David, tasked with building the temple for the LORD. The chapter details his efforts and the specifications for the temple's construction. Solomon's role as the builder of the temple is significant, as it fulfills the promise made to David that his son would build a house for God's name.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
While not a human person, the LORD is a central figure in the narrative. The temple is being constructed as a dwelling place for the LORD's name, and His instructions and presence are implicit throughout the chapter. The Hebrew name for the LORD, Yahweh, signifies His covenant relationship with Israel.

The chapter does not explicitly mention other individuals by name, such as workers or artisans, although it is understood that many people were involved in the construction process. The focus remains on Solomon's leadership and the divine purpose of the temple.
Places
1. Jerusalem
This is the city where Solomon built the temple. Jerusalem holds significant importance as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness.

2. Lebanon
While not directly mentioned in 1 Kings 6, Lebanon is implied through the use of cedar wood, which was sourced from the forests of Lebanon. The Hebrew root for Lebanon is "לְבָנוֹן" (Levanon), known for its majestic cedar trees.
Events
1. Solomon Begins Building the Temple
"In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv (the second month), he began to build the house of the LORD." (1 Kings 6:1). The Hebrew term for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) signifies a dwelling place, emphasizing the temple as God's dwelling among His people.

2. Dimensions and Structure of the Temple
The chapter provides detailed measurements and descriptions of the temple's structure. "The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high." (1 Kings 6:2). The use of "cubits" (אַמָּה, 'ammah) reflects an ancient unit of measurement.

3. Construction of the Temple's Interior
Solomon constructs the temple's interior with precision, including the use of cedar and gold. "He paneled the walls of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling, and he covered the floor of the temple with planks of juniper." (1 Kings 6:15).

4. The Most Holy Place
The inner sanctuary, or the Most Holy Place, is described. "He prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there." (1 Kings 6:19). The Hebrew term for "sanctuary" (דְּבִיר, debir) indicates a sacred space.

5. Cherubim in the Inner Sanctuary
Solomon places two cherubim in the inner sanctuary. "In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood." (1 Kings 6:23). The cherubim symbolize divine presence and protection.

6. Ornamentation and Gold Overlay
The temple is richly adorned. "He overlaid the whole interior with gold and hung gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which he overlaid with gold." (1 Kings 6:21). Gold (זָהָב, zahav) signifies purity and divinity.

7. Completion of the Temple
The chapter concludes with the completion of the temple. "In the eleventh year, in the month of Bul (the eighth month), the house was completed in all its details and according to all its specifications. So he spent seven years building it." (1 Kings 6:38). The completion marks a significant moment in Israel's history, symbolizing God's covenant and presence with His people.
Topics
1. Construction of the Temple Begins
The chapter opens with the commencement of the construction of the Temple in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, which is described as 480 years after the Israelites came out of Egypt. This marks a significant moment in Israel's history, as the Temple becomes the central place of worship. The Hebrew term for "Temple" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), meaning "house," signifying the dwelling place of God among His people.

2. Dimensions and Specifications of the Temple
Detailed measurements and specifications of the Temple are provided, emphasizing its grandeur and sacredness. The Temple's length, width, and height are meticulously described, reflecting the importance of precision in the construction of a holy place. The use of the Hebrew word "אַמָּה" (ammah) for "cubit" highlights the ancient measurement system.

3. Materials Used in Construction
The chapter details the materials used, such as cedar and cypress wood, and gold overlay, indicating the opulence and sanctity of the Temple. The choice of materials underscores the dedication to creating a dwelling worthy of God's presence. The Hebrew word "זָהָב" (zahav) for "gold" is frequently mentioned, symbolizing purity and divinity.

4. Interior Design and Ornamentation
The interior of the Temple is described with intricate designs, including carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. This artistic detail reflects the beauty and holiness of the space. The Hebrew term "כְּרוּבִים" (keruvim) for "cherubim" signifies the angelic beings that symbolize God's presence and protection.

5. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)
The construction of the inner sanctuary, or the Most Holy Place, is highlighted, where the Ark of the Covenant would reside. This area is the most sacred part of the Temple, representing the direct presence of God. The Hebrew phrase "דְּבִיר" (devir) is used for the "inner sanctuary," emphasizing its sanctity.

6. God’s Promise to Solomon
God’s promise to Solomon is reiterated, assuring him that if he follows God's statutes and commands, God will fulfill His promise to David and dwell among the Israelites. This covenantal assurance is central to the chapter, highlighting the conditional nature of God's presence based on obedience. The Hebrew word "בְּרִית" (berit) for "covenant" underscores the solemn agreement between God and His people.

7. Completion of the Temple
The chapter concludes with the completion of the Temple after seven years of construction, signifying the fulfillment of a divine mandate. The number seven, "שֶׁבַע" (sheva) in Hebrew, often represents completeness and perfection in the biblical context, underscoring the Temple's significance as a completed work of divine architecture.
Themes
1. Obedience to God's Commandments
In 1 Kings 6, Solomon's construction of the temple is a direct act of obedience to God's commandments given to his father, David. The chapter emphasizes the importance of following divine instructions precisely, as seen in the detailed description of the temple's dimensions and materials. This theme underscores the Hebrew concept of "שָׁמַע" (shama), meaning to hear or obey, highlighting the necessity of adhering to God's will.

2. Divine Presence and Holiness
The temple is designed as a dwelling place for God's presence among His people. The meticulous attention to detail and the use of precious materials reflect the holiness and sanctity of the space. The Hebrew word "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), meaning holiness, is central to understanding the temple's purpose as a sacred place set apart for God.

3. Covenant Faithfulness
The construction of the temple is a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David. In 1 Kings 6:12-13, God reiterates His promise to dwell among the Israelites if they remain faithful to His statutes. This theme highlights the Hebrew concept of "בְּרִית" (berit), meaning covenant, emphasizing the mutual commitment between God and His people.

4. Symbolism of Perfection and Completeness
The temple's dimensions and the use of specific numbers, such as the number seven, symbolize perfection and completeness. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of "שֶׁבַע" (sheva), which often signifies completeness or divine perfection, as seen in the seven years it took to build the temple (1 Kings 6:38).

5. God's Sovereignty and Provision
The successful completion of the temple construction demonstrates God's sovereignty and provision. Despite the complexity and grandeur of the project, Solomon is able to complete it because of God's guidance and provision of resources. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew word "יָד" (yad), meaning hand, often used metaphorically to denote God's power and provision.

6. Worship and Sacrifice
The temple serves as the central place for worship and sacrifice, essential aspects of Israelite religious life. The detailed description of the inner sanctuary and the altar highlights the importance of worship and the sacrificial system in maintaining a relationship with God. The Hebrew word "זֶבַח" (zevach), meaning sacrifice, is integral to understanding the temple's role in facilitating atonement and worship.

7. Continuity of God's Plan
The building of the temple represents the continuity of God's plan from the time of the Exodus to the establishment of a permanent place of worship in Jerusalem. This theme is connected to the Hebrew concept of "תָּמִיד" (tamid), meaning continual or perpetual, reflecting the ongoing nature of God's relationship with His people and His unfolding plan for redemption.
Answering Tough Questions
1. How reliable is the 480-year timeline in 1 Kings 6:1 when it conflicts with other Old Testament chronologies?

2. Given the temple’s grandeur in 1 Kings 6:2–10, how do we reconcile this with the relatively modest archaeological evidence of Solomon’s era?

3. In 1 Kings 6:14–18, how plausible is it to have such elaborate cedar and gold paneling without any significant historical or external documentation?

4. Considering 1 Kings 6:27–28, does the description of massive cherubim overlaid with gold align with known artistic and technological capabilities of the time?

5. If 1 Kings 6 is accurate, why do some extrabiblical sources from neighboring civilizations not mention a structure of such importance and scale?

Bible Study Discussion Questions

1. How does the detailed description of the Temple's construction reflect on God's nature?

2. What does the obedience of Solomon in following God's exact instructions tell us about our own obedience to God's word?

3. How does the promise God made to Solomon relate to God's promises to us today?

4. How can the symbol of the Temple apply to our lives as "temples of the Holy Spirit"?

5. How does the detailed craftsmanship involved in building the Temple inspire us to use our skills for God's glory?

6. The Temple construction took seven years. What does this teach us about patience and dedication in our spiritual pursuits?

7. How do the materials used in the Temple's construction (gold, cedar, and cypress) symbolize aspects of God and His Kingdom?

8. What is the significance of the inner sanctuary (Most Holy Place) in the Temple? How does this apply to the modern believer's life?

9. What do the two cherubim in the Most Holy Place signify?

10. Discuss the significance of the Temple being built without the sound of hammers, chisels, or any other iron tools at the building site (v7). What does this suggest about our approach to worship?

11. How might you personally respond to God's command, as Solomon did, in your current situation?

12. In what ways can we create a 'temple' or sacred space in our hearts for God today?

13. How does God's promise to dwell amongst His people inspire you?

14. In what ways can we apply the principles of patience, skill, and dedication seen in the Temple's building to our personal lives?

15. How does the elaboration on the Temple's beauty inspire your thoughts about Heaven?

16. Solomon spared no expense in building the Temple. How does this challenge our own commitment and sacrifice to God?

17. How might the seven years it took to build the Temple parallel significant periods in our spiritual growth?

18. What can modern churches learn from the construction and dedication of Solomon's Temple?

19. How does the communal effort in building the Temple reflect the importance of community in our spiritual journey?

20. If you were to compare your life with the construction of the Temple, in what stage would you consider yourself to be and why?



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