1 Kings 5:17

KJV

And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, [and] hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} commanded {H6680}, and they brought {H5265} great {H1419} stones {H68}, costly {H3368} stones {H68}, and hewed {H1496} stones {H68}, to lay the foundation {H3245} of the house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king gave orders; and they quarried large stones, expensive stones, to lay the foundation of the house with cut stone.

Berean Standard Bible

And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.

American Standard Version

And the king commanded, and they hewed out great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with wrought stone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse encapsulates a critical phase in the monumental construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, initiated by King Solomon. It meticulously details the royal decree for the procurement and precise preparation of foundational materials—specifically, immense, valuable, and expertly cut stones—underscoring the unparalleled quality, deliberate craftsmanship, and profound reverence dedicated to establishing the sacred dwelling place for the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 5:17 is strategically placed within the narrative of King Solomon's extensive preparations for building the Temple, immediately following the establishment of a vital alliance with King Hiram of Tyre. The preceding verses ([1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-1-12 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")) detail the diplomatic exchange, Hiram's commitment to supply cedar and fir timber, and Solomon's provision of food for Hiram's household. Subsequently, [1 Kings 5:13-16](/1_kings/5-13-16 "1 Kings 5:13-16 - Solomon's Labor Force") describes the immense labor force Solomon conscripted, comprising both Israelite and foreign workers, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, all meticulously organized for this colossal undertaking. This verse, therefore, marks the pivotal transition from the logistical planning and labor mobilization to the actual commencement of the physical construction, focusing specifically on the critical first stage: laying the foundation. It highlights the meticulousness and grand scale of the project from its very inception, setting the stage for the detailed building account that follows in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Building of the Temple").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the construction of a grand temple was a defining characteristic of powerful monarchies, serving not only as a religious epicenter but also as a potent symbol of national prestige, divine favor, and royal authority. Solomon's Temple, however, held a unique distinction as the designated dwelling place for the God of Israel, Yahweh, a concept rooted in the Tabernacle's design as outlined in [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "Exodus 25:8-9 - The Command to Build the Tabernacle"). The use of "great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones" reflects the immense wealth and vast resources available to Solomon's kingdom at its zenith, as well as the advanced architectural and engineering capabilities of the era. The strategic alliance with Tyre, a renowned maritime and mercantile power, was indispensable, as the Tyrians were celebrated for their unparalleled expertise in quarrying, timber work, and skilled craftsmanship—specialized areas where Israel, though agriculturally rich, may have lacked such sophisticated techniques. The practice of using massive, precisely cut stones for foundations was common for significant structures, ensuring their longevity and stability, a testament to the enduring nature intended for God's sacred house.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Excellence and Dedication in Worship**. The command for "great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones" signifies that only the absolute best materials and craftsmanship were deemed worthy for the Lord's dwelling, reflecting a profound commitment to honor God with unparalleled quality. This principle of offering one's best to God is a recurring motif in Scripture, as seen in the warnings against offering blemished sacrifices in [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Best to God"). Secondly, it highlights the **Intersection of Divine Mandate and Human Responsibility**. While the Temple's construction was God's explicit will, first revealed to David in [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David about the Temple"), its realization required immense human effort, meticulous planning, and vast resources, as detailed throughout [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Preparations for the Temple"). Finally, the emphasis on laying the "foundation of the house" points to the **Critical Importance of a Firm Foundation**. Both physically and spiritually, a stable and durable base is paramount for any enduring structure or endeavor, a concept later profoundly expounded upon by Jesus in the parable of the wise and foolish builders in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** From H1419, this word signifies magnitude in any sense—size, importance, or intensity. In the context of "great stones," it emphasizes the immense physical dimensions and weight of the quarried blocks, indicating that these were not ordinary building materials but colossal pieces requiring significant effort and engineering to quarry, transport, and position. Their grandeur was intended to convey the magnificence and enduring nature of the structure, fitting for the dwelling place of the Almighty.
* **costly (Hebrew, _yâqâr'_):** From H3368, this term describes something valuable, precious, or honorable. Applied to the "costly stones," it refers to their high intrinsic value, which could stem from rarity, exceptional beauty (e.g., specific colors, veins, or luminescence), or the sheer difficulty and expense involved in their acquisition and preparation. It signifies that no expense was spared in honoring God, reflecting the ultimate commitment to quality, reverence, and the offering of one's most prized possessions for His service.
* **hewed (Hebrew, _gâzîyth'_):** From H1496, this word denotes something cut, specifically dressed or wrought stone. This term indicates that the stones were not left in their rough, natural state but were meticulously cut, shaped, and dressed with precision. This careful preparation ensured that each stone would fit perfectly with its counterparts, creating a seamless, stable, and aesthetically pleasing foundation. It speaks to the skilled craftsmanship involved and the desire for perfection in every detail of the Temple's construction, ensuring both structural integrity and a refined appearance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king commanded":** This opening clause immediately establishes King Solomon's direct authority and active involvement in the Temple's construction. It underscores that this massive undertaking was not a casual project but a royal mandate, demonstrating Solomon's unwavering commitment to fulfilling his father David's vision and God's divine promise. His command initiated the complex logistical and labor efforts required for such a monumental task.
* **"and they brought great stones, costly stones, [and] hewed stones":** This phrase details the specific types and qualities of materials procured for the foundation. The progression from "great" (emphasizing size and scale) to "costly" (highlighting value and preciousness) to "hewed" (denoting precision and craftsmanship) collectively emphasizes the unparalleled quality and meticulous preparation of every element. This careful selection and shaping ensured both structural integrity and aesthetic grandeur, reflecting the sacred nature of the building.
* **"to lay the foundation of the house":** This final clause explicitly states the ultimate purpose of these extraordinary stones. The foundation is the most critical and fundamental part of any structure, bearing the entire weight and ensuring its stability, longevity, and resistance to external forces. By emphasizing the superior quality of the foundation stones, the text implicitly stresses the enduring nature and profound divine significance of the Temple as God's designated dwelling place on earth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is the **tricolon** ("great stones, costly stones, [and] hewed stones"), which uses a series of three parallel words or phrases to emphasize the comprehensive and exceptional nature of the materials. This repetition with variation creates a rhythmic and memorable description, building a sense of increasing specificity and quality from sheer size to inherent value to precise craftsmanship. The phrase "the house" serves as a **synecdoche**, where a part (the foundation of the house) represents the whole (the entire Temple complex), focusing the reader's attention on the crucial initial stage of construction while implying the grandeur of the completed structure. Furthermore, the meticulous description of the stones functions as **symbolism**, where the physical quality of the foundation stones symbolizes the spiritual and theological importance of the Temple itself—a structure built with utmost care and value, reflecting the reverence due to God and the enduring nature of His covenant. The emphasis on "great" and "costly" stones also subtly employs **hyperbole** to suggest the immense scale and unparalleled expense involved, reinforcing the idea of a project beyond ordinary human endeavor, truly fit for the Divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous preparation of the Temple's foundation in 1 Kings 5:17 carries profound theological weight, illustrating enduring principles for God's people. It powerfully demonstrates that anything dedicated to God, especially His dwelling place or His work, demands the highest standard of excellence, sacrifice, and intentionality. This commitment to unparalleled quality reflects a deep reverence for God's holiness, majesty, and worthiness, emphasizing that true worship is not merely ritualistic but involves the offering of our very best—our resources, talents, and diligent effort. Furthermore, the emphasis on a strong, carefully laid foundation speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant promises and the steadfast stability of His presence among His people. Just as the physical Temple required an unshakeable base to withstand the test of time, so too is the spiritual life of an individual believer and the collective community of faith built upon enduring truths, a steadfast commitment to God's revealed will, and the unyielding faithfulness of God Himself.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Building the Tabernacle as God's Dwelling")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Rebuilding the Temple with Diligence")
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Christ as the Foundation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 5:17 offers timeless principles for contemporary believers, challenging us to deeply consider the quality of our own "foundations" and the excellence we bring to all aspects of our lives, particularly those dedicated to God. Just as Solomon spared no expense and demanded meticulous craftsmanship in preparing the Temple's base, we are called to build our spiritual lives, our relationships, our ministries, and our daily work on a bedrock of unwavering faith, uncompromised truth, and genuine commitment. This means investing our best time, our unique talents, and our available resources not just in grand, visible projects, but especially in the seemingly mundane, foundational aspects of discipleship—consistent prayer, diligent study of God's Word, and unwavering obedience to His commands. The precision of the "hewed stones" reminds us that God values not only our effort but also our diligence, integrity, and attention to detail in every endeavor. As we reflect, we must ask ourselves: What kind of foundation are we laying for our personal faith, our families, our communities, and our work for the Kingdom of God? Are we content with convenience, expediency, or minimal effort, or are we striving for excellence, reflecting the costly grace and immeasurable value of the salvation we have so freely received?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to lay a "costly" and "hewed" foundation, rather than one built on convenience or compromise?**
* **How does the meticulous preparation for the Temple's foundation challenge your approach to spiritual disciplines, acts of service, or your professional work?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to demonstrate "building with excellence" in your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why was so much emphasis placed on the foundation of the Temple?**

Answer: The foundation of any large structure is its most critical component, bearing the entire weight and ensuring its stability and longevity. For the Temple, this emphasis was amplified by its divine purpose. It was to be a permanent dwelling place for the name of the Lord, a central hub for Israelite worship for generations to come. Using "great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones" for the foundation underscored the Temple's immense significance, its intended permanence, and the unparalleled reverence due to God. It also symbolically represented the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and the steadfastness of His presence among His people. This meticulousness in the foundation ensured that the physical structure would stand as a lasting testament to God's glory, much like a wise builder ensures a strong foundation to withstand storms, as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 5:17 vividly describes the physical foundation of Solomon's magnificent Temple, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual foundation laid in Jesus Christ. The "great stones, costly stones, and hewed stones" meticulously prepared for God's earthly dwelling find their supreme and eternal fulfillment in Christ, who is Himself described as the "chief cornerstone" and the very foundation upon which the spiritual temple, the Church, is built. As [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone") powerfully declares, believers are "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." Unlike the temporary nature of any physical structure, even one as magnificent as Solomon's Temple, Christ provides an eternal, unshakeable foundation for salvation and spiritual life. His sacrificial death on the cross was the "costly stone" of infinite value, purchased by His precious blood, as noted in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption with Precious Blood"). His perfect life, sinless obedience, and victorious resurrection are the "hewed stone" of divine precision, upon which all who believe can securely build their faith, finding redemption and new life. Thus, the diligent work of laying the Temple's foundation points forward to God's ultimate and perfect provision for His people's spiritual dwelling place, not in a building made with hands, but in the person and finished work of Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 6:7

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.

1 Chronicles 22:2

And David commanded to gather together the strangers that [were] in the land of Israel; and he set masons to hew wrought stones to build the house of God.

1 Corinthians 3:11

¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:12

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

1 Peter 2:6

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

1 Peter 2:7

Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,