About 1 Kings

1 Kings records Solomon's glorious reign and the tragic division of the kingdom, along with the ministry of Elijah.

Author: Jeremiah (traditionally)Written: c. 560-540 BCReading time: ~5 minVerses: 38
WisdomTempleDivisionApostasyProphetsJudgment

King James Version

1 Kings 6

38 verses with commentary

Solomon Builds the Temple

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. began: Heb. built

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solo...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(1) **In the fourth year.**—This date, given with marked precision, forms a most important epoch in the history of Israel, on which, indeed, much of the received chronology is based. In the LXX., 440 is read for 480, possibly by an interchange of two similar Hebrew letters, or, perhaps, by reckoning from the completion of Exodus at the death of Moses instead of its beginning. The Vulgate agrees wi...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-22. Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel--**Although the Philistines had completely succumbed to the army of David, yet the appearance of any gigantic champions among them revived their courage and stirred them up to renewed inroads on the Hebrew territory. Four successive contests they provoked during the latter period of David's reign, in the first of which the king ran so...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **The length.**—By comparison with Exodus 26:16-23, we find that the Temple itself was in all its proportions an exact copy of the Tabernacle, each dimension being doubled, and the whole, therefore, in cubical contents, eight times the size. It was, therefore—whatever measure we take for the cubit—a small building. Taking the usual calculation of eighteen inches for the cubit, the whole would ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-22. Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel--**Although the Philistines had completely succumbed to the army of David, yet the appearance of any gigantic champions among them revived their courage and stirred them up to renewed inroads on the Hebrew territory. Four successive contests they provoked during the latter period of David's reign, in the first of which the king ran so...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelli...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **The porch **was thirty feet wide and fifteen feet deep. The height is not here given; but in the present text of 2Chronicles 3:4 (followed by some MSS. of the LXX., and by Josephus) it is made 120 cubits, or 180 feet. This height is hardly in accordance with anything else known on ancient architecture. It is, however, not at all unlike the western tower of a Gothic church.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-22. Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel--**Although the Philistines had completely succumbed to the army of David, yet the appearance of any gigantic champions among them revived their courage and stirred them up to renewed inroads on the Hebrew territory. Four successive contests they provoked during the latter period of David's reign, in the first of which the king ran so...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

And for the house he made windows of narrow lights. of: or, broad within, and narrow without: or, skewed and closed

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for un...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **Windows of narrow lights.**—The marginal reading, “windows broad within and narrow without”—splayed as in ordinary Gothic architecture—is supported by very good authorities; but the most probable meaning is “windows with fixed beams”—that is, with fixed lattices, like jalousies, useful for ventilation, but immovable, so that no one could look out or in.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-22. Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel--**Although the Philistines had completely succumbed to the army of David, yet the appearance of any gigantic champions among them revived their courage and stirred them up to renewed inroads on the Hebrew territory. Four successive contests they provoked during the latter period of David's reign, in the first of which the king ran so...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

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: against the wall: or, upon, or, joining to the wall built chambers: Heb. built floors made chambers: Heb. made ribs

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwell...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5-10) The general meaning of these verses is clear, though some of the words are doubtful. Round three sides of the Temple was built a kind of aisle, opening, however, outwards and not into the Temple, having three storeys of low chambers (each only five cubits high), so arranged that the beams of their roofs were supported on rests on the outside of the wall (each rest being a cubit wide), leavi...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-22. Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel--**Although the Philistines had completely succumbed to the army of David, yet the appearance of any gigantic champions among them revived their courage and stirred them up to renewed inroads on the Hebrew territory. Four successive contests they provoked during the latter period of David's reign, in the first of which the king ran so...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

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. narrowed: Heb. narrowings, or, rebatements

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's w...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**15-22. Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel--**Although the Philistines had completely succumbed to the army of David, yet the appearance of any gigantic champions among them revived their courage and stirred them up to renewed inroads on the Hebrew territory. Four successive contests they provoked during the latter period of David's reign, in the first of which the king ran so...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (4 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The t...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Neither hammer nor ax . . . heard.**—This striking provision, involving much labour, and requiring no little skill, was one of reverence. It may have been suggested by the prohibition (see Exodus 20:25; Deuteronomy 27:5) of the use of tools on the altar of the Lord. But the idea implied in this prohibition was rather different—viz., the use for the altar of stones in their simple, matural co...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 22 2Sa 22:1-51. David's Psalm of Thanksgiving for God's Powerful Deliverance and Manifold Blessings. **The song contained in this chapter is the same as the eighteenth Psalm, where the full commentary will be given [see on Psa 18:1, &amp;c.]. It may be sufficient simply to remark that Jewish writers have noticed a great number of very minute variations in the language of the song as re...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

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. side: Heb. shoulder

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar. with: or, the vaultbeams and the panellings with cedar

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). <br><br>The He...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **And covered**—that is, roofed the house with a roof of cedar beams and boarding thereon. Some have supposed that he “covered” the outside walls with cedar, so that the whole should still look like a wooden tabernacle; but this is not necessarily implied, and is in itself unlikely.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 6 Chapter Outline The building of Solomon's temple.(1-10) Promise given concerning the temple.(11-14) Particulars respecting the temple.(15-38) **Verses 1-10** The temple is called the house of the Lord, because it was directed and modelled by him, and was to be employed in his service. This gave it the beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which was ...
Read full commentary →

And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithf...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11-13) In the midst of this architectural description is inserted a brief notice of the Lord’s promise concerning the Temple; which may be compared, and in some degree contrasted, with the fuller utterance given (see 1Kings 9:3-9) after the consecration was over. Unlike this latter, it is one of simple promise of blessing, with no note of warning. But it is to be observed that, in accordance with...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-14** None employ themselves for God, without having his eye upon them. But God plainly let Solomon know that all the charge for building this temple, would neither excuse from obedience to the law of God, nor shelter from his judgments, in case of disobedience.

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:

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-14** None employ themselves for God, without having his eye upon them. But God plainly let Solomon know that all the charge for building this temple, would neither excuse from obedience to the law of God, nor shelter from his judgments, in case of disobedience.

And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-14** None employ themselves for God, without having his eye upon them. But God plainly let Solomon know that all the charge for building this temple, would neither excuse from obedience to the law of God, nor shelter from his judgments, in case of disobedience.

So Solomon built the house, and finished it.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So Solomon built the house, and finished it.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understan...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 11-14** None employ themselves for God, without having his eye upon them. But God plainly let Solomon know that all the charge for building this temple, would neither excuse from obedience to the law of God, nor shelter from his judgments, in case of disobedience.

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. both: or, from the floor of the house unto the walls, etc

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **Both the floor.**—The true reading is that of the margin, agreeing generally with the LXX. and the Vulgate: that “from the floor to the walls of the ceiling” (including in this phrase the surface of the ceiling itself) “he covered all with cedar, and laid the floor with planks of cypress.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents Go...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16, 17) These verses describe the division of the Temple, by a partition from floor to ceiling of cedar wood, into “the Oracle,” or Holy of Holies, occupying twenty cubits of the length, and the rest of the house, exclusive of the porch, occupying forty cubits. The cedar panelling was carved throughout with (see margin) “gourds and open flowers,” probably festooned, as usual in ancient architectu...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen. knops: or, gourds open: Heb. openings of

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). God's cove...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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. pure: Heb. shut up

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **In the forepart**.—Although this is a literal translation of the original, the sense is clearly (as the Vulgate renders the phrase) “in the inner part.” Gesenius supposes the meaning to be properly, “the wall facing the entrance;” thence the opposite, or “inner,” wall or region. **Covered the altar . . .**—Our translators have been misled by the context to anticipate what is said below (1Ki...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshad...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **He made a partition by (the) chains of gold before the oracle**.—This phrase is difficult. The LXX. and Vulg. have wholly different readings; but our translation appears to be substantially correct, and to signify either that Solomon made a chain-work decoration on the partition, or (perhaps more probably) that he made a golden chain to go across the entrance in the partition before the Ora...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshado...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **The whole altar that was by **(or belonged to)** the oracle.**—This is the altar of incense, which, although it stood (see Exodus 30:6; Exodus 40:26) before the veil, and therefore in the Holy place, was considered to belong in idea rather to the Holy of Holies; since the offering of incense on it signified the approach by worship to the unseen presence of God, symbolised in the darkness an...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high. olive: or, oily: Heb. trees of oil

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And within the oracle he made two cherubims of olive tree, each ten cubits high.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Cherubim.**—These were copied from the Tabernacle, but apparently with some differences, over and above the necessary increase of size, and the change of material from solid gold to olive-wood overlaid with gold. In Exodus 25:18-20; Exodus 37:7-9, they are described as having their faces towards the mercy-seat, and covering the mercy-seat with their wings. Here, from the careful description...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text re...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubims were of one measure and one size.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological mess...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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. they: or, the cherubims stretched forth their wings

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus o...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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. open flowers: Heb. openings of flowers

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Chris...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **And he carved.**—If we take this literally, we must suppose that this carving of the cherubim and the palm-trees, in addition to the general decoration of the “gourds and open flowers,” was spread over all the “walls of the house.” Otherwise we might have supposed it confined to the Oracle “within,” and to the partition “without,” which would seem more appropriate, as the cherubim belonged ...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the floor of the house he overlaid with gold, within and without.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuance...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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. a fifth: or, fivesquare

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contributi...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **Doors.**—The two doors of olive wood, from the Holy place into the Oracle, which as a rule stood open, showing the veil and the golden chains, were of moderate size. If our version (as is probable) is correct, the outside measure of the lintel and post was a fifth part of the wall, that is, four cubits, or six feet. Each door, therefore, would be something less than six feet by three. The d...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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. two: or, leaves of the doors open flowers: Heb. openings of flowers

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><b...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **The two doors.**—Those into the Holy place from the porch, of cypress wood, were naturally made larger. The posts were a fourth of the wall. Hence, according as the wall is taken to be 20 cubits square, or 30 cubits high by 20 wide, the height would be 5 cubits (7½ feet), or 7½ cubits (11¼ feet). The width is not given; possibly it is taken to be the same as that of the other doors. As thes...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall. a fourth: or, foursquare

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So also made he for the door of the temple posts of olive tree, a fourth part of the wall.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). <br><br>The Hebre...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contributi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. <br><br>The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **The inner court** (probably the “higher court” of Jeremiah 35:10) is described as built round the Temple proper, evidently corresponding to the outer court of the Tabernacle. As this was (see Exodus 27:9-13) 50 cubits by 100, it may be inferred, that by a duplication similar to that of all dimensions of the Temple itself, Solomon’s Court was 100 cubits (or 150 feet) by 200 cubits (or 300 fe...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). <br><br>The Hebrew te...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37) **Zif** (the “brightness of flowers”) corresponds to about May;

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

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. through out: or, with all the parts thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temp...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(38) **Bul** (the month of “rain”) to about November. The whole time occupied was, therefore, seven years and a half. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 15-38** See what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true Temple. In him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead; in him meet all God's spiritual Israel; through him we have access with confidence to God. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, 1Co 3:16. This living temple is built upon Christ as its Foundation, and will be perfect in due time. ...
Read full commentary →

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study