1 Kings 6:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass in the four {H702} hundred {H3967}{H8141} and eightieth {H8084} year {H8141} after the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} were come out {H3318} of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, in the fourth {H7243} year {H8141} of Solomon's {H8010} reign {H4427} over Israel {H3478}, in the month {H2320} Zif {H2099}, which is the second {H8145} month {H2320}, that he began to build {H1129} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was in the 480th year after the people of Isra'el had left the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Shlomo's reign over Isra'el, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites had come out of the land of Egypt, in the month of Ziv, the second month of the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, he began to build the house of the LORD.

American Standard Version

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 Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:1 serves as a crucial chronological anchor, precisely dating the commencement of construction on the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse meticulously connects the building of God's permanent dwelling place with two foundational moments in Israel's history: the Exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Davidic monarchy under King Solomon. It underscores the divine timing and covenant faithfulness that culminated in this monumental undertaking, marking a new era for Israel's worship and national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse opens the detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, which spans [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple") and [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings"). Prior to this, the narrative in [1 Kings 1-5](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings 1 - Adonijah's Rebellion and Solomon's Accession") establishes Solomon's reign, his wisdom, his consolidation of power, and the extensive preparations for the Temple's construction, including alliances with Hiram of Tyre and the gathering of materials. [1 Kings 5:1-18](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-18 - Preparations for the Temple") specifically details the agreements for timber and labor, setting the stage for the actual building to begin. The precise dating in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction") acts as a formal declaration, transitioning from the planning phase to the active construction, emphasizing the historical significance of this event within the broader narrative of Israel's kingship and covenant relationship with God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specified "four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt" highlights the Exodus as the pivotal event defining Israel's national and religious identity. This precise dating connects the Temple's construction directly to God's redemptive work in liberating His people, signifying a long-awaited culmination of His promises. Solomon's reign, described in [1 Kings 4](/1_kings/4 "1 Kings 4 - Solomon's Officials and Prosperity") as a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and wisdom, provided the ideal conditions for such a massive and expensive undertaking. The "month Zif," corresponding to late April or early May, was the second month of the Hebrew calendar (also known as Iyyar), a favorable time in the agricultural cycle to begin large-scale building projects, ensuring good weather for quarrying, transporting, and assembling materials. Culturally, the Temple was not merely a building but the central locus of Israelite worship, replacing the nomadic Tabernacle as the permanent dwelling place for God's name and presence among His people, solidifying Jerusalem's status as the religious and political capital.

* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "1 Kings - The Reigns of Kings in Israel and Judah") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Timing and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of history, bringing His plans to fruition at the appointed moment after centuries of the Tabernacle's itinerancy. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the **Fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant**, specifically God's promise to King David that his son would build a "house" for the Lord's name ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David")). This construction solidifies the Davidic dynasty and its role in God's redemptive plan. Thirdly, the commencement of the "house of the LORD" emphasizes the **Centrality of Worship and God's Presence**. The Temple was designed to be the focal point of Israel's spiritual life, where sacrifices, prayers, and festivals would continually reinforce their covenant relationship with Yahweh, symbolizing His dwelling among them and His accessibility. This act of building reinforces the theme of God's desire for an intimate, established relationship with His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Four hundred and eightieth year (Hebrew, _'arba' me'ot v'shimmanim shanah'_):** This highly specific chronological marker is unique in its precision within the Old Testament for dating such a significant event relative to the Exodus. It serves to emphasize the divine orchestration of history, highlighting the long period of God's faithfulness from the liberation of Israel to the establishment of His permanent dwelling. The number 480 (12 x 40) is often seen as symbolic, representing twelve generations (40 years per generation) or a period of divine completeness and testing, underscoring the mature stage of Israel's national development under God's guidance.
* **Zif (Hebrew, _Ziv'_):** This is an ancient Canaanite-Phoenician name for the second month of the Hebrew calendar (corresponding to April/May). The name itself means "radiance" or "light," possibly referring to the blossoming of flowers and the general brightness of spring. Its mention here anchors the event not just in a specific year, but in a specific, favorable season for construction, further emphasizing the practical and divinely opportune timing. This name is less common in later biblical texts, which typically use the Babylonian month names (e.g., Nisan, Sivan).
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _Beit YHWH'_):** This reverent phrase refers to the Temple, distinguishing it from a mere building. "House" signifies not just a physical structure but a dwelling place, a home, and by extension, a dynasty or lineage. In this context, it underscores the Temple's sacred purpose as the dedicated dwelling place for the presence of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It represents the culmination of centuries of nomadic worship in the Tabernacle and the establishment of a fixed, central point for the nation's spiritual life and communion with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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,"**: This opening clause establishes the primary chronological anchor for the Temple's construction, linking it directly to the pivotal event of the Exodus. The precise number emphasizes the long span of God's faithfulness and the culmination of His promises over centuries, highlighting the historical depth and divine timing of this monumental undertaking.
* **"in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel,"**: This clause provides a secondary, more immediate chronological marker, placing the Temple's commencement early in Solomon's prosperous and peaceful reign. It connects the building project to the stability and wisdom characteristic of Solomon's rule, indicating that the conditions were ideal for such a grand endeavor, fulfilling God's promise to David that his son would build the Temple.
* **"in the month Zif, which [is] the second month,"**: This specifies the exact month of the year, providing further precision. "Zif" (Iyyar) is identified as the second month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to late spring. This detail suggests a practical consideration for building, as the weather would be favorable for large-scale outdoor construction, and also imbues the timing with a sense of natural readiness and divine blessing.
* **"that he began to build the house of the LORD."**: This culminating clause states the central action of the verse: the commencement of the Temple's construction. "He" refers to Solomon, acting as God's chosen instrument. "The house of the LORD" explicitly identifies the sacred purpose of the structure—a dwelling dedicated to Yahweh, signifying the establishment of a permanent, central place for Israel's worship and God's manifest presence among His people.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction") is **Chronological Precision**. The verse provides an unusually detailed and multi-layered dating system, referencing the Exodus, Solomon's reign, and the specific month. This precision serves not merely as historical record-keeping but as a theological statement. It underscores the divine orchestration of history, demonstrating that the Temple's construction was not an arbitrary event but the fulfillment of God's long-term plan, meticulously unfolding over centuries. This meticulous dating lends an air of authority and divine intentionality to the narrative, emphasizing the profound significance of the event as a culmination of God's covenant promises and His ongoing work in Israel's history. The use of the ancient month name "Zif" also adds a touch of **Archaism**, grounding the narrative in a specific historical and cultural milieu, connecting the present moment of construction to the deep past of Israel's traditions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The commencement of the Temple's construction in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction") is a profound theological milestone, signifying the culmination of God's promise to establish a permanent dwelling for His name among His people. For centuries, God's presence had been associated with the portable Tabernacle, a symbol of Israel's nomadic journey and God's accompanying presence. The Temple, however, represented a new era of stability, a fixed point for worship that reflected the settled nature of the promised land and the established Davidic monarchy. This act of building underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, who desired to build a house for God but was told his son would accomplish it. It also highlights the importance of a central place of worship for the unity and spiritual health of the nation, a place where God's glory could dwell and His people could draw near to Him through prescribed rituals and sacrifices. The very act of building, with its immense resources and precise timing, speaks to the supreme value God places on His relationship with His people and the means by which they are to worship Him.

* [Exodus 12:40-41](/exodus/12-40 "Exodus 12:40-41 - Duration of Sojourn and Exodus")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Deuteronomy 12:5](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5 - The Chosen Place of Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction") invites us to consider the significance of God's timing and the fulfillment of His promises in our own lives. Just as the Temple's construction was a divinely appointed moment, meticulously prepared for over centuries and through generations, so too does God work in our lives with intentionality and purpose. We are reminded that God's plans unfold not always according to our immediate desires, but according to His perfect schedule, often requiring patience, preparation, and faithfulness through various seasons. The Temple, as the central place of worship, also challenges us to consider what is central in our lives. While we no longer build physical temples for God to dwell in—for He now indwells believers through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and the Church is His spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Building a Spiritual House"))—the principle of dedicating our lives as a dwelling place for God remains paramount. This verse calls us to intentionality in our spiritual walk, ensuring that our lives, our families, and our communities are built on foundations that honor God and serve as places where His presence is welcomed and His name is glorified.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise timing of the Temple's construction encourage you to trust in God's perfect timing for your own life and circumstances?**
* **In what ways can your life, as a "spiritual house," be intentionally built to honor God and make His presence known to others?**
* **What "foundational events" in your spiritual journey, like the Exodus for Israel, inform your understanding of God's faithfulness and lead you to worship Him more deeply?**

### FAQ

**Why is the dating in 1 Kings 6:1 so precise, referencing both the Exodus and Solomon's reign?**

Answer: The precise dating in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction") serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it chronologically anchors the Temple's construction to the Exodus, the foundational event of Israel's national identity and covenant with God. This connection emphasizes that the Temple was not an arbitrary project but a culmination of God's long-term plan for His people, demonstrating His faithfulness over centuries. Secondly, linking it to Solomon's fourth year highlights the ideal conditions for the project: a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and wisdom under a unified monarchy. This dual dating underscores the divine orchestration of history, showing that the Temple was built at God's appointed time, when both the nation's history and its current leadership were optimally aligned for such a monumental undertaking. It adds a theological weight to the historical record, marking the event as divinely significant.

**What is the significance of the "month Zif" being mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of "Zif" (also known as Iyyar) as the second month is significant for both practical and symbolic reasons. Practically, it indicates that construction began in late April or early May, a favorable season in the ancient Near East for large-scale building projects, before the intense summer heat and after the spring rains. This detail suggests careful planning and ideal conditions for the work. Symbolically, the name "Zif" means "radiance" or "light," which could subtly allude to the glory and light of God that would soon fill the Temple. It grounds this momentous spiritual event in the natural rhythms and agricultural calendar of the land, connecting the divine plan to the tangible realities of life in Israel.

**How does the building of the Temple in 1 Kings 6:1 relate to the earlier Tabernacle?**

Answer: The commencement of the Temple in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction") marks a significant transition from the portable Tabernacle, which had served as God's dwelling place among Israel since the Exodus. The Tabernacle symbolized God's accompanying presence during Israel's nomadic wanderings in the wilderness and during their early settlement in the Promised Land. The Temple, in contrast, represented a permanent, fixed dwelling for God's name, signifying Israel's settled status in the land and the establishment of the Davidic monarchy. While both structures served as the central place of worship and the symbolic locus of God's presence, the Temple's permanence reflected the stability of God's covenant with David and His enduring commitment to dwell among His people in a fixed location, reinforcing Jerusalem's role as the spiritual capital.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction"), marking the beginning of the physical Temple in Jerusalem, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the First Temple was a magnificent structure, it was ultimately a shadow pointing to a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection, the True Temple")). Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the perfect dwelling place of God among humanity, where the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Christ")). His incarnation is the ultimate "building" of God's presence among us, making God accessible not through bricks and mortar, but through His very person. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a "spiritual house" and become "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Building a Spiritual House"); [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple"); [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). This signifies that God's dwelling place is no longer confined to a physical building in Jerusalem, but is now in His people, collectively as the Church and individually through the indwelling Spirit. The meticulous timing of the Temple's construction in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Commencement of Temple Construction") foreshadows God's perfect timing in sending Christ "in the fullness of time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")) to establish the new covenant and the ultimate, living Temple. Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem") reveals that in the eternal state, there will be no need for a physical temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple," signifying the complete and unmediated presence of God with His redeemed people.

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

2 Chronicles 3:1

¶ Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2 Chronicles 3:2

And he began to build in the second [day] of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.

Acts 7:47

But Solomon built him an house.

1 Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Chronicles 29:19

And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all [these things], and to build the palace, [for] the which I have made provision.

1 Kings 6:37

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

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];