King James Version
What Does 1 Kings 5:17 Mean?
“And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.”
Context
15
And Solomon had threescore and ten thousand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand hewers in the mountains;
16
Beside the chief of Solomon's officers which were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought in the work.
17
And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.
18
And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and the stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house. stonesquares: or, Giblites
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **Great stones.**—The stones, so emphatically described as “great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones,” were necessary, not so much for “the foundation” of the Temple itself, which was small, but for the substructure of the area, formed into a square on the irregular summit of Mount Moriah. In this substructure vast stones are still to be seen, and are referred by many authorities to the age of Solomon. The labour of transport must have been enormous, especially as all were worked beforehand. (See 1Kings 6:7.)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Kings 5:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Kings 5:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge