1 Kings 6:6

The bottom floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven cubits. He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls.

Study Bible

The bottom floor was five cubits wide
The construction of Solomon's Temple was a significant event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The bottom floor being five cubits wide reflects the architectural design and function of the temple. A cubit, approximately 18 inches, was a common unit of measurement in ancient times. The use of specific measurements indicates the precision and care in the temple's construction, emphasizing its sacredness. The number five often symbolizes grace in biblical numerology, suggesting the foundation of God's grace in the temple's structure.

The middle floor six cubits
The middle floor being six cubits wide shows a progression in the temple's design, with each level increasing in width. The number six is often associated with humanity, as man was created on the sixth day. This could symbolize the temple's role as a place where God and man meet. The increasing width may also reflect the temple's growing capacity to accommodate the needs of worship and service, highlighting the temple's function as a center of spiritual life for Israel.

And the third floor seven cubits
The third floor's width of seven cubits is significant, as the number seven often represents completeness or perfection in the Bible. This could symbolize the temple's role in completing the spiritual journey of worshippers, bringing them closer to God. The progression from five to seven cubits may also reflect the journey from grace to spiritual perfection, aligning with the temple's purpose as a place of divine encounter and transformation.

He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple
The offset ledges were an architectural feature designed to support the upper floors without penetrating the temple walls. This design choice reflects a respect for the sanctity of the temple's structure, ensuring that the integrity of the walls was maintained. It also demonstrates the advanced engineering skills of the builders, who were able to create a stable and functional design that honored the temple's sacred purpose.

So that nothing would be inserted into its walls
This phrase emphasizes the holiness and inviolability of the temple's walls. By ensuring that nothing was inserted into the walls, the builders maintained the purity and sanctity of the temple. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual purity required of those who worship God, aligning with the biblical theme of holiness. The temple's construction without intrusion into its walls may also symbolize the unchanging and eternal nature of God's presence and covenant with His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was tasked with building the temple, a significant project that symbolized God's presence among His people.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where God's presence dwelt, serving as a central place of worship for the Israelites.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was constructed, considered the spiritual and political center of Israel.

4. The Builders
Skilled laborers and craftsmen who were involved in the construction of the temple, following specific instructions and measurements.

5. The Ledges
Architectural features designed to support the structure without penetrating the sacred walls, reflecting the care and reverence in the temple's construction.

Teaching Points

Attention to Detail in Worship
The specific measurements and construction methods highlight the importance of precision and care in our worship and service to God.

Reverence for God's Presence
The temple's construction reflects the holiness of God and the reverence required when approaching Him.

Spiritual Foundations
Just as the temple had a strong physical foundation, our spiritual lives require a solid foundation in Christ and His teachings.

Unity in Purpose
The collaboration of builders and craftsmen in constructing the temple serves as a model for unity and cooperation within the body of Christ.

Respect for Sacred Spaces
The design of the temple, with its offset ledges, teaches us to respect and preserve the sanctity of places dedicated to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed construction of the temple in 1 Kings 6:6 reflect the character of God, and how can this understanding influence our approach to worship today?

2. In what ways can the concept of "offset ledges" be applied to maintaining the integrity of our spiritual lives and communities?

3. How does the construction of the temple in Solomon's time connect to the idea of believers being a spiritual temple in the New Testament?

4. What lessons can we learn from the unity and cooperation of the builders in the temple's construction, and how can these lessons be applied in our church communities?

5. How can we ensure that our personal and communal worship spaces remain sacred and dedicated to God's glory, in light of the temple's construction principles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple. The detailed instructions given to Moses parallel the care taken in building the temple.

2 Chronicles 3-4
These chapters provide another account of the temple's construction, offering additional details and emphasizing its significance.

Ephesians 2:19-22
This passage speaks of believers as a spiritual temple, drawing a parallel between the physical temple and the spiritual community of the church.