1 Kings 6 explained: Solomon Builds the Temple

When building began (v. 1)

The writer dates the start to 480 years after Israel left Egypt, tying the temple to the nation's founding story. Scholars are unsure whether this is an exact count or a symbolic figure, perhaps twelve generations of forty years.

Size and side rooms (vv. 2-10)

A cubit is about half a meter, so the main building was roughly 27 meters long, 9 wide and 13 high: not huge, but very costly. Stones were cut at the quarry so no iron tools rang out on site, and the side rooms rested on ledges so no beams were set into the temple's own walls.

A promise with a condition (vv. 11-13)

God tells Solomon that the promise made to his father David will hold, and that God will live among Israel, if Solomon keeps God's laws. Many readers take this as a warning that a splendid building alone would not guarantee God's presence or favor.

Cedar, gold and the inner room (vv. 14-22)

The walls were paneled in cedar and covered in gold, so no stone could be seen. At the back was the Most Holy Place, a perfect cube, built to hold the ark of the covenant, the gold covered chest that stood for God's presence with Israel.

Guardian figures and carvings (vv. 23-35)

Two huge gold covered cherubim, winged guardian figures, spread their wings across the inner room, and the walls and doors were carved with more of them alongside palm trees and flowers. Many interpreters see this garden imagery as recalling Eden, with guardians marking the way into God's presence.

Courtyard and completion (vv. 36-38)

An inner courtyard for the priests was walled with stone topped by cedar beams. The work took about seven and a half years, which the writer rounds to seven.

Key verse: 1 Kings 6:13

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on how far the temple's details are meant as symbols pointing to Jesus and the church, versus being mainly a historical record of Israel's place of worship.

Something to think about

What makes a place feel set apart or meaningful to you, and how much of that comes from the building itself rather than from what happens there?