1 Kings 6:2 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

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² And the house ^H1004 which king ^H4428 Solomon ^H8010 built ^H1129 for the LORD, ^H3068 the length ^H753 thereof was threescore ^H8346 cubits, ^H520 and the breadth ^H7341 thereof twenty ^H6242 cubits, and the height ^H6967 thereof thirty ^H7970 cubits. ^H520

Cross Reference

Ezekiel 40:1-41 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

In the five ^H2568 and twentieth ^H6242 year ^H8141 of our captivity, ^H1546 in the beginning ^H7218 of the year, ^H8141 in the tenth ^H6218 day of the month, ^H2320 in the fourteenth ^H702 ^H6240 year ^H8141 after ^H310 that the city ^H5892 was smitten, ^H5221 in the selfsame ^H6106 day ^H3117 the hand ^H3027 of the LORD ^H3068 was upon me, and brought ^H935 me thither. In the visions ^H4759 of God ^H430 brought ^H935 he me into the land ^H776 of Israel, ^H3478 and set ^H5117 me upon a very ^H3966 high ^H1364 mountain, ^H2022 by which was as the frame ^H4011 of a city ^H5892 on the south. ^H5045 And he brought ^H935 me thither, and, behold, there was a man, ^H376 whose appearance ^H4758 was like the appearance ^H4758 of brass, ^H5178 with a line ^H6616 of flax ^H6593 in his hand, ^H3027 and a measuring ^H4060 reed; ^H7070 and he stood ^H5975 in the gate. ^H8179 And the man ^H376 said ^H1696 unto me, Son ^H1121 of man, ^H120 behold ^H7200 with thine eyes, ^H5869 and hear ^H8085 with thine ears, ^H241 and set ^H7760 thine heart ^H3820 upon all that I shall shew ^H7200 thee; for to the intent ^H4616 that I might shew ^H7200 them unto thee art thou brought ^H935 hither: declare ^H5046 all that thou seest ^H7200 to the house ^H1004 of Israel. ^H3478 And behold a wall ^H2346 on the outside ^H2351 of the house ^H1004 round about, ^H5439 and in the man's ^H376 hand ^H3027 a measuring ^H4060 reed ^H7070 of six ^H8337 cubits ^H520 long by the cubit ^H520 and an hand breadth: ^H2948 so he measured ^H4058 the breadth ^H7341 of the building, ^H1146 one ^H259 reed; ^H7070 and the height, ^H6967 one ^H259 reed. ^H7070 Then came ^H935 he unto the gate ^H8179 which looketh ^H6440 toward ^H1870 the east, ^H6921 and went up ^H5927 the stairs ^H4609 thereof, and measured ^H4058 the threshold ^H5592 of the gate, ^H8179 which was one ^H259 reed ^H7070 broad; ^H7341 and the other ^H259 threshold ^H5592 of the gate, which was one ^H259 reed ^H7070 broad. ^H7341 And every little chamber ^H8372 was one ^H259 reed ^H7070 long, ^H753 and one ^H259 reed ^H7070 broad; ^H7341 and between the little chambers ^H8372 were five ^H2568 cubits; ^H520 and the threshold ^H5592 of the gate ^H8179 by ^H681 the porch ^H197 of the gate ^H8179 within ^H1004 was one ^H259 reed. ^H7070 He measured ^H4058 also the porch ^H197 of the gate ^H8179 within, ^H1004 one ^H259 reed. ^H7070 Then measured ^H4058 he the porch ^H197 of the gate, ^H8179 eight ^H8083 cubits; ^H520 and the posts ^H352 thereof, two ^H8147 cubits; ^H520 and the porch ^H197 of the gate ^H8179 was inward. ^H1004 And the little chambers ^H8372 of the gate ^H8179 eastward ^H1870 ^H6921 were three ^H7969 on this side, ^H6311 and three ^H7969 on that side; ^H6311 they three ^H7969 were of one ^H259 measure: ^H4060 and the posts ^H352 had one ^H259 measure ^H4060 on this side and on that side. And he measured ^H4058 the breadth ^H7341 of the entry ^H6607 of the gate, ^H8179 ten ^H6235 cubits; ^H520 and the length ^H753 of the gate, ^H8179 thirteen ^H7969 ^H6240 cubits. ^H520 The space ^H1366 also before ^H6440 the little chambers ^H8372 was one ^H259 cubit ^H520 on this side, and the space ^H1366 was one cubit ^H520 on that side: and the little chambers ^H8372 were six ^H8337 cubits ^H520 on this side, and six ^H8337 cubits ^H520 on that side. He measured ^H4058 then the gate ^H8179 from the roof ^H1406 of one little chamber ^H8372 to the roof ^H1406 of another: the breadth ^H7341 was five ^H2568 and twenty ^H6242 cubits, ^H520 door ^H6607 against door. ^H6607 He made ^H6213 also posts ^H352 of threescore ^H8346 cubits, ^H520 even unto the post ^H352 of the court ^H2691 round about ^H5439 the gate. ^H8179 And from the face ^H6440 of the gate ^H8179 of the entrance ^H2978 unto the face ^H6440 of the porch ^H197 of the inner ^H6442 gate ^H8179 were fifty ^H2572 cubits. ^H520 And there were narrow ^H331 windows ^H2474 to the little chambers, ^H8372 and to their posts ^H352 within ^H6441 the gate ^H8179 round about, ^H5439 and likewise to the arches: ^H361 and windows ^H2474 were round about ^H5439 inward: ^H6441 and upon each post ^H352 were palm trees. ^H8561 Then brought ^H935 he me into the outward ^H2435 court, ^H2691 and, lo, there were chambers, ^H3957 and a pavement ^H7531 made ^H6213 for the court ^H2691 round about: ^H5439 thirty ^H7970 chambers ^H3957 were upon the pavement. ^H7531 And the pavement ^H7531 by the side ^H3802 of the gates ^H8179 over against ^H5980 the length ^H753 of the gates ^H8179 was the lower ^H8481 pavement. ^H7531 Then he measured ^H4058 the breadth ^H7341 from the forefront ^H6440 of the lower ^H8481 gate ^H8179 unto the forefront ^H6440 of the inner ^H6442 court ^H2691 without, ^H2351 an hundred ^H3967 cubits ^H520 eastward ^H6921 and northward. ^H6828 And the gate ^H8179 of the outward ^H2435 court ^H2691 that looked ^H6440 toward ^H1870 the north, ^H6828 he measured ^H4058 the length ^H753 thereof, and the breadth ^H7341 thereof. And the little chambers ^H8372 thereof were three ^H7969 on this side and three ^H7969 on that side; and the posts ^H352 thereof and the arches ^H361 thereof were after the measure ^H4060 of the first ^H7223 gate: ^H8179 the length ^H753 thereof was fifty ^H2572 cubits, ^H520 and the breadth ^H7341 five ^H2568 and twenty ^H6242 cubits. ^H520 And their windows, ^H2474 and their arches, ^H361 and their palm trees, ^H8561 were after the measure ^H4060 of the gate ^H8179 that looketh ^H6440 toward ^H1870 the east; ^H6921 and they went up ^H5927 unto it by seven ^H7651 steps; ^H4609 and the arches ^H361 thereof were before ^H6440 them. And the gate ^H8179 of the inner ^H6442 court ^H2691 was over against the gate ^H8179 toward the north, ^H6828 and toward the east; ^H6921 and he measured ^H4058 from gate ^H8179 to gate ^H8179 an hundred ^H3967 cubits. ^H520 After that he brought ^H3212 me toward ^H1870 the south, ^H1864 and behold a gate ^H8179 toward ^H1870 the south: ^H1864 and he measured ^H4058 the posts ^H352 thereof and the arches ^H361 thereof according to these measures. ^H4060 And there were windows ^H2474 in it and in the arches ^H361 thereof round about, ^H5439 like those windows: ^H2474 the length ^H753 was fifty ^H2572 cubits, ^H520 and the breadth ^H7341 five ^H2568 and twenty ^H6242 cubits. ^H520 And there were seven ^H7651 steps ^H4609 to go up ^H5930 to it, and the arches ^H361 thereof were before ^H6440 them: and it had palm trees, ^H8561 one ^H259 on this side, and another ^H259 on that side, upon the posts ^H352 thereof. And there was a gate ^H8179 in the inner ^H6442 court ^H2691 toward ^H1870 the south: ^H1864 and he measured ^H4058 from gate ^H8179 to gate ^H8179 toward ^H1870 the south ^H1864 an hundred ^H3967 cubits. ^H520 And he brought ^H935 me to the inner ^H6442 court ^H2691 by the south ^H1864 gate: ^H8179 and he measured ^H4058 the south ^H1864 gate ^H8179 according to these measures; ^H4060 And the little chambers ^H8372 thereof, and the posts ^H352 thereof, and the arches ^H361 thereof, according to these measures: ^H4060 and there were windows ^H2474 in it and in the arches ^H361 thereof round about: ^H5439 it was fifty ^H2572 cubits ^H520 long, ^H753 and five ^H2568 and twenty ^H6242 cubits ^H520 broad. ^H7341 And the arches ^H361 round about ^H5439 were five ^H2568 and twenty ^H6242 cubits ^H520 long, ^H753 and five ^H2568 cubits ^H520 broad. ^H7341 And the arches ^H361 thereof were toward the utter ^H2435 court; ^H2691 and palm trees ^H8561 were upon the posts ^H352 thereof: and the going up ^H4608 to it had eight ^H8083 steps. ^H4609 And he brought ^H935 me into the inner ^H6442 court ^H2691 toward ^H1870 the east: ^H6921 and he measured ^H4058 the gate ^H8179 according to these measures. ^H4060 And the little chambers ^H8372 thereof, and the posts ^H352 thereof, and the arches ^H361 thereof, were according to these measures: ^H4060 and there were windows ^H2474 therein and in the arches ^H361 thereof round about: ^H5439 it was fifty ^H2572 cubits ^H520 long, ^H753 and five ^H2568 and twenty ^H6242 cubits ^H520 broad. ^H7341 And the arches ^H361 thereof were toward the outward ^H2435 court; ^H2691 and palm trees ^H8561 were upon the posts ^H352 thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up ^H4608 to it had eight ^H8083 steps. ^H4609 And he brought ^H935 me to the north ^H6828 gate, ^H8179 and measured ^H4058 it according to these measures; ^H4060 The little chambers ^H8372 thereof, the posts ^H352 thereof, and the arches ^H361 thereof, and the windows ^H2474 to it round about: ^H5439 the length ^H753 was fifty ^H2572 cubits, ^H520 and the breadth ^H7341 five ^H2568 and twenty ^H6242 cubits. ^H520 And the posts ^H352 thereof were toward the utter ^H2435 court; ^H2691 and palm trees ^H8561 were upon the posts ^H352 thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up ^H4608 to it had eight ^H8083 steps. ^H4609 And the chambers ^H3957 and the entries ^H6607 thereof were by the posts ^H352 of the gates, ^H8179 where they washed ^H1740 the burnt offering. ^H5930 And in the porch ^H197 of the gate ^H8179 were two ^H8147 tables ^H7979 on this side, and two tables ^H7979 on that side, to slay ^H7819 thereon the burnt offering ^H5930 and the sin offering ^H2403 and the trespass offering. ^H817 And at the side ^H3802 without, ^H2351 as one goeth up ^H5927 to the entry ^H6607 of the north ^H6828 gate, ^H8179 were two ^H8147 tables; ^H7979 and on the other ^H312 side, ^H3802 which was at the porch ^H197 of the gate, ^H8179 were two ^H8147 tables. ^H7979 Four ^H702 tables ^H7979 were on this side, and four ^H702 tables ^H7979 on that side, by the side ^H3802 of the gate; ^H8179 eight ^H8083 tables, ^H7979 whereupon they slew ^H7819 their sacrifices.

Ezekiel 41:1-15 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

Afterward he brought ^H935 me to the temple, ^H1964 and measured ^H4058 the posts, ^H352 six ^H8337 cubits ^H520 broad ^H7341 on the one side, ^H6311 and six ^H8337 cubits ^H520 broad ^H7341 on the other side, ^H6311 which was the breadth ^H7341 of the tabernacle. ^H168 And the breadth ^H7341 of the door ^H6607 was ten ^H6235 cubits; ^H520 and the sides ^H3802 of the door ^H6607 were five ^H2568 cubits ^H520 on the one side, and five ^H2568 cubits ^H520 on the other side: and he measured ^H4058 the length ^H753 thereof, forty ^H705 cubits: ^H520 and the breadth, ^H7341 twenty ^H6242 cubits. ^H520 Then went ^H935 he inward, ^H6441 and measured ^H4058 the post ^H352 of the door, ^H6607 two ^H8147 cubits; ^H520 and the door, ^H6607 six ^H8337 cubits; ^H520 and the breadth ^H7341 of the door, ^H6607 seven ^H7651 cubits. ^H520 So he measured ^H4058 the length ^H753 thereof, twenty ^H6242 cubits; ^H520 and the breadth, ^H7341 twenty ^H6242 cubits, ^H520 before ^H6440 the temple: ^H1964 and he said ^H559 unto me, This is the most ^H6944 holy ^H6944 place. After he measured ^H4058 the wall ^H7023 of the house, ^H1004 six ^H8337 cubits; ^H520 and the breadth ^H7341 of every side chamber, ^H6763 four ^H702 cubits, ^H520 round about ^H5439 the house ^H1004 on every side. ^H5439 And the side ^H6763 chambers ^H6763 were three, ^H7969 one over another, ^H6763 and thirty ^H7970 in order; ^H6471 and they entered ^H935 into the wall ^H7023 which was of the house ^H1004 for the side chambers ^H6763 round about, ^H5439 that they might have hold, ^H270 but they had not hold ^H270 in the wall ^H7023 of the house. ^H1004 And there was an enlarging, ^H7337 and a winding about ^H5437 still upward ^H4605 to the side chambers: ^H6763 for the winding about ^H4141 of the house ^H1004 went still upward ^H4605 round about ^H5439 the house: ^H1004 therefore the breadth ^H7341 of the house ^H1004 was still upward, ^H4605 and so increased ^H5927 from the lowest ^H8481 chamber to the highest ^H5945 by the midst. ^H8484 I saw ^H7200 also the height ^H1363 of the house ^H1004 round about: ^H5439 the foundations ^H4328 of the side chambers ^H6763 were a full ^H4393 reed ^H7070 of six ^H8337 great ^H679 cubits. ^H520 The thickness ^H7341 of the wall, ^H7023 which was for the side chamber ^H6763 without, ^H2351 was five ^H2568 cubits: ^H520 and that which was left ^H3240 was the place ^H1004 of the side chambers ^H6763 that were within. ^H1004 And between the chambers ^H3957 was the wideness ^H7341 of twenty ^H6242 cubits ^H520 round about ^H5439 the house ^H1004 on every side. ^H5439 And the doors ^H6607 of the side chambers ^H6763 were toward the place that was left, ^H3240 one ^H259 door ^H6607 toward ^H1870 the north, ^H6828 and another ^H259 door ^H6607 toward the south: ^H1864 and the breadth ^H7341 of the place ^H4725 that was left ^H3240 was five ^H2568 cubits ^H520 round about. ^H5439 Now the building ^H1146 that was before ^H6440 the separate place ^H1508 at the end ^H6285 toward ^H1870 the west ^H3220 was seventy ^H7657 cubits ^H520 broad; ^H7341 and the wall ^H7023 of the building ^H1146 was five ^H2568 cubits ^H520 thick ^H7341 round about, ^H5439 and the length ^H753 thereof ninety ^H8673 cubits. ^H520 So he measured ^H4058 the house, ^H1004 an hundred ^H3967 cubits ^H520 long; ^H753 and the separate place, ^H1508 and the building, ^H1140 with the walls ^H7023 thereof, an hundred ^H3967 cubits ^H520 long; ^H753 Also the breadth ^H7341 of the face ^H6440 of the house, ^H1004 and of the separate place ^H1508 toward the east, ^H6921 an hundred ^H3967 cubits. ^H520 And he measured ^H4058 the length ^H753 of the building ^H1146 over against ^H6440 the separate place ^H1508 which was behind ^H310 it, and the galleries ^H862 thereof on the one side and on the other side, an hundred ^H3967 cubits, ^H520 with the inner ^H6442 temple, ^H1964 and the porches ^H197 of the court; ^H2691

Ezra 6:3-4 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

In the first ^H2298 year ^H8140 of Cyrus ^H3567 the king ^H4430 the same Cyrus ^H3567 the king ^H4430 made ^H7761 a decree ^H2942 concerning the house ^H1005 of God ^H426 at Jerusalem, ^H3390 Let the house ^H1005 be builded, ^H1124 the place ^H870 where they offered ^H1684 sacrifices, ^H1685 and let the foundations ^H787 thereof be strongly laid; ^H5446 the height ^H7314 thereof threescore ^H8361 cubits, ^H521 and the breadth ^H6613 thereof threescore ^H8361 cubits; ^H521 With three ^H8532 rows ^H5073 of great ^H1560 stones, ^H69 and a row ^H5073 of new ^H2323 timber: ^H636 and let the expenses ^H5313 be given ^H3052 out of ^H4481 the king's ^H4430 house: ^H1005

Revelation 21:16-17 STRONG

KJV ASV YLT DARBY WEB BBE

And ^G2532 the city ^G4172 lieth ^G2749 foursquare, ^G5068 and ^G2532 the length ^G3372 ^G846 is ^G2076 as large ^G5118 as ^G3745 ^G2532 the breadth: ^G4114 and ^G2532 he measured ^G3354 the city ^G4172 with the reed, ^G2563 ^G1909 twelve ^G1427 thousand ^G5505 furlongs. ^G4712 The length ^G3372 and ^G2532 the breadth ^G4114 and ^G2532 the height ^G5311 of it ^G846 are ^G2076 equal. ^G2470 And ^G2532 he measured ^G3354 the wall ^G5038 thereof, ^G846 an hundred ^G1540 and forty ^G5062 and four ^G5064 cubits, ^G4083 according to the measure ^G3358 of a man, ^G444 that is, ^G3603 of the angel. ^G32

Commentary on 1 Kings 6 Matthew Henry Commentary

John Gill Keil & Delitzsch Robert Jamieson: Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Chapter 6

Great and long preparation had been making for the building of the temple, and here, at length, comes an account of the building of it; a noble piece of work it was, one of the wonders of the world, and taking in its spiritual significancy, one of the glories of the church. Here is,

I. The time when it was built (v. 1), and how long it was in the building (v. 37, 38).
II. The silence with which it was build (v. 7).
III. The dimensions of it (v. 2, 3).
IV. The message God sent to Solomon, when it was in the building (v. 11-13).
V. The particulars: windows (v. 4), chambers (v. 5, 6, 8-10), the walls and flooring (v. 15-18), the oracle (v. 19-22), the cherubim (v. 23-30), the doors (v. 31-35), and the inner court (v. 36).

Many learned men have well bestowed their pains in expounding the description here given of the temple according to the rules of architecture, and solving the difficulties which, upon search, they find in it; but in that matter, having nothing new to offer, we will not be particular or curious; it was then well understood, and every man's eyes that saw this glorious structure furnished him with the best critical exposition of this chapter.

1Ki 6:1-10

Here,

I. The temple is called the house of the Lord (v. 1), because it was,
- 1. Directed and modelled by him. Infinite Wisdom was the architect, and gave David the plan or pattern by the Spirit, not by word of mouth only, but, for the greater certainty and exactness, in writing (1 Chr. 28:11, 12), as he had given to Moses in the mouth a draught of the tabernacle.
- 2. Dedicated and devoted to him and to his honour, to be employed in his service, so his as never any other house was, for he manifested his glory in it (so as never in any other) in a way agreeable to that dispensation; for, when there were carnal ordinances, there was a worldly sanctuary, Heb. 9:1, 10. This gave it its beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which far transcended all its other beauties.
II. The time when it began to be built is exactly set down.
- 1. It was just 480 years after the bringing of the children of Israel out of Egypt. Allowing forty years to Moses, seventeen to Joshua, 299 to the Judges, forty to Eli, forty to Samuel and Saul, forty to David, and four to Solomon before he began the work, we have just the sum of 480. So long it was after that holy state was founded before that holy house was built, which, in less than 430 years, was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar. It was thus deferred because Israel had, by their sins, rendered themselves unworthy of this honour, and because God would show how little he values external pomp and splendour in his service: he was in no haste for a temple. David's tent, which was clean and convenient, though it was neither stately nor rich, nor, for aught that appears, ever consecrated, is called the house of the Lord (2 Sa. 12:20), and served as well as Solomon's temple; yet, when God gave Solomon great wealth, he put it into his heart thus to employ it, and graciously accepted him, chiefly because it was to be a shadow of good things to come, Heb. 9:9.
- 2. It was in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, the first three years being taken up in settling the affairs of his kingdom, that he might not find any embarrassment from them in this work. It is not time lost which is spent in composing ourselves for the work of God, and disentangling ourselves from every thing which might distract or divert us. During this time he was adding to the preparations which his father had made (1 Chr. 22:14), hewing the stone, squaring the timber, and getting every thing ready, so that he is not to be blamed for slackness in deferring it so long. We are truly serving God when we are preparing for his service and furnishing ourselves for it.
III. The materials are brought in, ready for their place (v. 7), so ready that there was neither hammer nor ax heard in the house while it was in building. In all building Solomon prescribes it as a rule of prudence to prepare the work in the field, and afterwards build, Prov. 24:27. But here, it seems, the preparation was more than ordinarily full and exact, to such a degree that, when the several parts came to be put together, there was nothing defective to be added, nothing amiss to be amended. It was to be the temple of God of peace, and therefore no iron tool must be heard in it. Quietness and silence both become and befriend religious exercises: God's work should be done with as much care and as little noise as may be. The temple was thrown down with axes and hammers, and those that threw it down roared in the midst of the congregation (Ps. 74:4, 6); but it was built up in silence. Clamour and violence often hinder the work of God, but never further it.
IV. The dimensions are laid down (v. 2, 3) according to the rules of proportion. Some observe that the length and breadth were just double to that of the tabernacle. Now that Israel had grown more numerous the place of their meeting needed to be enlarged (Isa. 54:1, 2), and now that they had grown richer they were the better able to enlarge it. Where God sows plentifully he expects to reap so.
V. An account of the windows (v. 4): They were broad within, and narrow without, Marg. Such should the eyes of our mind be, reflecting nearer on ourselves than on other people, looking much within, to judge ourselves, but little without, to censure our brethren. The narrowness of the lights intimated the darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the gospel day.
VI. The chambers are described (v. 5, 6), which served as vestries, in which the utensils of the tabernacle were carefully laid up, and where the priests dressed and undressed themselves and left the clothes in which they ministered: probably in some of these chambers they feasted upon the holy things. Solomon was not so intent upon the magnificence of the house as to neglect the conveniences that were requisite for the offices thereof, that every thing might be done decently and in order. Care was taken that the beams should not be fastened in the walls to weaken them, v. 6. Let not the church's strength be impaired under pretence of adding to its beauty or convenience.

1Ki 6:11-14

Here is,

I. The word God sent to Solomon, when he was engaged in building the temple. God let him know that he took notice of what he was doing, the house he was now building, v. 12. None employ themselves for God without having his eye upon them. "I know thy works, thy good works.' He assured him that if he would proceed and persevere in obedience to the divine law, and keep in the way of duty and the true worship of God, the divine loving-kindness should be drawn out both to himself (I will perform my word with thee) and to his kingdom: "Israel shall be ever owned as my people; I will dwell among them, and not forsake them.' This word God sent him probably by a prophet,
- 1. That by the promise he might be encouraged and comforted in his work. Perhaps sometimes the great care, expense, and fatigue of it, made him ready to wish he had never begun it; but this would help him through the difficulties of it, that the promised establishment of his family and kingdom would abundantly recompense all his pains. An eye to the promise will carry us cheerfully through our work; and those who wish well to the public will think nothing too much that they can do to secure and perpetuate to it the tokens of God's presence.
- 2. That, by the condition annexed, he might be awakened to consider that though he built the temple ever so strong the glory of it would soon depart, unless he and his people continued to walk in God's statutes. God plainly let him know that all this charge which he and his people were at, in erecting this temple, would neither excuse them from obedience to the law of God nor shelter them from his judgments in case of disobedience. Keeping God's commandments is better, and more pleasing to him, than building churches.
II. The work Solomon did for God: So he built the house (v. 14), so animated by the message God had sent him, so admonished not to expect that God should own his building unless he were obedient to his laws: "Lord, I proceed upon these terms, being firmly resolved to walk in thy statutes.' The strictness of God's government will never drive a good man from his service, but quicken him in it. Solomon built and finished, he went on with the work, and God went along with him till it was completed. It is spoken both to God's praise and his: he grew not weary of the work, met not with any obstructions (as Ezra 4:24), did not out-build his property, nor do it by halves, but, having begun to build, was both able and willing to finish; for he was a wise builder.

1Ki 6:15-38

Here,

I. We have a particular account of the details of the building.
- 1. The wainscot of the temple. It was of cedar (v. 15), which was strong and durable, and of a very sweet smell. The wainscot was curiously carved with knops (like eggs or apples) and flowers, no doubt as the fashion then was, v. 18.
- 2. The gilding. It was not like ours, washed over, but the whole house, all the inside of the temple (v. 22), even the floor (v. 30), he overlaid with gold, and the most holy place with pure gold, v. 21. Solomon would spare no expense necessary to make it every way sumptuous. Gold was under foot there, as it should be in all the living temples: the abundance of it lessened its worth.
- 3. The oracle, or speaking-place (for so the word signifies), the holy of holies, so called because thence God spoke to Moses, and perhaps to the high priest, when he consulted with the breast-plate of judgment. In this place the ark of the covenant was to be set, v. 19. Solomon made every thing new, and more magnificent than it had been, except the ark, which was still the same that Moses made, with its mercy-seat and cherubim; that was the token of God's presence, which is always the same with his people whether they meet in tent or temple, and changes not with their condition.
- 4. The cherubim. Besides those at the ends of the mercy-seat, which covered the ark,
  - (1.) Solomon set up two more, very large ones, images of young men (as some think), with wings made of olive-wood, and all overlaid with gold, v. 23, etc. This most holy place was much larger than that in the tabernacle, and therefore the ark would have seemed lost in it, and the dead wall would have been unsightly, if it had not been thus adorned.
  - (2.) He carved cherubim upon all the walls of the house, v. 29. The heathen set up images of their gods and worshipped them; but these were designed to represent the servants and attendants of the God of Israel, the holy angels, not to be themselves worshipped (see thou do it not), but to show how great he is whom we are to worship.
- 5. The doors. The folding doors that led into the oracle were but a fifth part of the wall (v. 31), those into the temple were a fourth part (v. 33); but both were beautified with cherubim engraven on them, v. 32, 35.
- 6. The inner court, in which the brazen altar was at which the priests ministered. This was separated from the court where the people were by a low wall, three rows of hewn stone tipped with a cornice of cedar (v. 36), that over it the people might see what was done and hear what the priests said to them; for, even under that dispensation, they were not kept wholly either in the dark or at a distance.
- 7. The time spent in this building. It was but seven years and a half from the founding to the finishing of it, v. 38. Considering the vastness and elegance of the building, and the many appurtenances to it which were necessary to fit it for use, it was soon done. Solomon was in earnest in it, had money enough, had nothing to divert him from it, and many hands made quick work. He finished it (as the margin reads it) with all the appurtenances thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof, not only built the place, but set forward the work for which it was built.
II. Let us now see what was typified by this temple.
- 1. Christ is the true temple; he himself spoke of the temple of his body, Jn. 2:21. God himself prepared him his body, Heb. 10:5. In him dwelt the fulness of the Godhead, as the Shechinah in the temple. In him meet all God's spiritual Israel. Through him we have access with confidence to God. All the angels of God, those blessed cherubim, have a charge to worship him.
- 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1 Co. 3:16. Even the body is such by virtue of its union with the soul, 1 Co. 6:19. We are not only wonderfully made by the divine providence, but more wonderfully made anew by the divine grace. This living temple is built upon Christ as its foundation and will be perfected in due time.
- 3. The gospel church is the mystical temple; it grows to a holy temple in the Lord (Eph. 2:21), enriched and beautified with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, as Solomon's temple with gold and precious stones. Only Jews built the tabernacle, but Gentiles joined with them in building the temple. Even strangers and foreigners are built up a habitation of God, Eph. 2:19, 22. The temple was divided into the holy place and the most holy, the courts of it into the outer and inner; so there are the visible and the invisible church. The door into the temple was wider than that into the oracle. Many enter into profession that come short of salvation. This temple is built firm, upon a rock, not to be taken down as the tabernacle of the Old Testament was. The temple was long in preparing, but was built at last. The top-stone of the gospel church will, at length, be brought forth with shoutings, and it is a pity that there should be the clashing of axes and hammers in the building of it. Angels are ministering spirits, attending the church on all sides and all the members of it.
- 4. Heaven is the everlasting temple. There the church will be fixed, and no longer movable. The streets of the new Jerusalem, in allusion to the flooring of the temple, are said to be of pure gold, Rev. 21:21. The cherubim there always attend the throne of glory. The temple was uniform, and in heaven there is the perfection of beauty and harmony. In Solomon's temple there was no noise of axes and hammers. Every thing is quiet and serene in heaven; all that shall be stones in that building must in the present sate of probation and preparation be fitted and made ready for it, must be hewn and squared by divine grace, and so made meet for a place there.

Worthy.Bible » STRONG » 1 Kings » Chapter 6 » Verse 2

1 Kings 6:2 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

Cross Reference

Ezekiel 40:1-41 STRONG

Ezekiel 41:1-15 STRONG

Ezra 6:3-4 STRONG

Revelation 21:16-17 STRONG

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Kings 6

Commentary on 1 Kings 6 Matthew Henry Commentary

Chapter 6