1 Kings 6:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And then he built {H1129} chambers {H3326}{H3326} against all the house {H1004}, five {H2568} cubits {H520} high {H6967}: and they rested {H270} on the house {H1004} with timber {H6086} of cedar {H730}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each floor of the annex surrounding the house was eight-and-three-quarters feet high and was attached to the house with beams of cedar.

Berean Standard Bible

He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:10 provides a precise architectural detail in the construction of Solomon's Temple, describing the side chambers built around the main sanctuary. These chambers, five cubits high, were ingeniously integrated into the Temple's structure, supported by ledges on the main walls and constructed with highly prized cedar timber. This verse underscores the meticulous care, functional design, and commitment to using the finest materials in every aspect of the Temple's construction, reflecting the profound reverence for God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the meticulous architectural blueprint of Solomon's Temple, detailed in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). Following the initial preparations and acquisition of materials described in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Preparations for Temple Building"), chapter 6 shifts to the actual construction, providing precise dimensions and materials for the various parts of the sanctuary. Verse 10 specifically describes the ancillary structures—the side chambers—that surrounded the main house, indicating that even the support facilities were built with the same level of detail and quality as the central sanctuary. This attention to detail emphasizes the sacredness of the entire complex and the divine oversight of its design, echoing the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-27](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's construction of the Temple was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the peak of Israel's national and spiritual life during the United Monarchy. Historically, the Temple served as the central place of worship, embodying God's covenant presence among His people. The use of cedar timber, specifically from Lebanon (as detailed in [1 Kings 5:6](/1_kings/5-6 "1 Kings 5:6 - Solomon's Request for Cedar")), highlights the extensive trade networks Solomon established and the immense resources at his disposal. Culturally, such detailed architectural descriptions were common in ancient Near Eastern texts for significant religious or royal buildings, signifying their importance and divine inspiration. The method of building the chambers so they "rested on the house" (rather than being embedded into the sacred inner walls) reflects a profound cultural and theological reverence for the sanctity of the main sanctuary, ensuring its structural integrity was not compromised by the supporting chambers.
* **Key Themes:** The construction of the Temple, and specifically the details in [1 Kings 6:10](/1_kings/6-10 "1 Kings 6:10 - Construction of Temple Chambers"), contributes to several key themes. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Meticulous Obedience and Excellence in Worship**. Every detail, no matter how seemingly minor, was precisely executed, reflecting God's demand for the highest quality in His service. Second, the verse highlights **Divine Presence and Sanctity**, as the entire structure was designed to be a fitting dwelling place for the Lord, with specific architectural choices (like the chambers "resting on the house") underscoring the reverence for the sacred space. Third, the use of **Quality Materials** like cedar timber emphasizes the value placed on God's house, showcasing that only the best resources were deemed appropriate for His glory. Finally, the **Functional Design** of these chambers points to the practical support necessary for the Temple's operations, indicating that even the ancillary aspects of worship and service are important and divinely ordained.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chambers (Hebrew, _yatsia'_):** This term refers to side chambers, stories, or cells built around the main structure of the Temple. These were not part of the sacred inner sanctuary (the Holy Place or Most Holy Place) but were functional spaces. They likely served various practical purposes, such as storage for priestly vestments, sacred vessels, tithes, offerings, or even as lodging for priests on duty. Their existence highlights the comprehensive nature of the Temple complex, which included not only the sacred spaces but also the necessary logistical support.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ammah'_):** An ancient unit of linear measurement, typically based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length varied slightly, a common cubit was approximately 18 inches (45 cm). Thus, "five cubits high" means these chambers were roughly 7.5 feet (2.25 meters) in height, indicating a practical, usable space, though not exceptionally tall, perhaps reflecting their storage or ancillary function.
* **Rested on the house (Hebrew, _tamak al habbayit'_):** This phrase describes an ingenious architectural technique. Instead of embedding the beams of the chambers directly into the sacred inner walls of the Temple, the structure of the chambers was supported by ledges, offsets, or recesses built into the outer face of the main Temple walls. This method ensured that the sanctity of the inner walls, which defined the Holy Place and Most Holy Place, remained unviolated. It demonstrates both architectural skill and a profound theological reverence for the sacredness of God's dwelling.
* **Timber of cedar (Hebrew, _erez'_):** Cedar, specifically from Lebanon, was a highly prized and expensive wood in the ancient Near East, renowned for its durability, resistance to decay, aromatic qualities, and beautiful reddish hue. Its use for the side chambers, not just the main sanctuary, underscores the overall commitment to excellence and the use of the finest materials throughout the entire Temple complex. Cedar also carried symbolic weight, often associated with royalty, strength, and divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [then] he built chambers against all the house":** This clause establishes Solomon's active role as the builder, emphasizing his leadership in this monumental project. The "chambers" ( _yatsia'_ ) are described as being built "against all the house," meaning they surrounded or were attached to the main Temple structure, likely on three sides (north, west, and south), forming an integral part of the overall complex. This indicates a comprehensive design where even the supporting elements were carefully planned.
* **"five cubits high":** This specifies the precise vertical dimension of these chambers. The exact measurement in cubits highlights the meticulous nature of the Temple's construction, where every detail was accounted for. This specific height suggests a functional design, perhaps allowing for multiple stories of chambers, as other verses (e.g., [1 Kings 6:6](/1_kings/6-6 "1 Kings 6:6 - Temple Side Chambers")) mention three stories of chambers.
* **"and they rested on the house [with] timber of cedar":** This final clause reveals the sophisticated architectural method employed and the quality of materials used. The phrase "rested on the house" indicates that the chambers were supported by projections or ledges on the exterior of the main Temple walls, rather than having their beams penetrate the sacred inner walls. This technique preserved the sanctity of the core structure. The use of "timber of cedar" signifies the high value and durability of the materials, ensuring the longevity and grandeur of even the ancillary parts of the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Detailed Temple Construction") and specifically [verse 10](/1_kings/6-10 "1 Kings 6:10 - Construction of Temple Chambers") is characterized by **Precision and Detail**. The meticulous enumeration of dimensions, materials, and architectural methods serves to emphasize the divine inspiration behind the Temple's design and the human dedication required for its construction. This extreme specificity elevates the Temple from a mere building to a sacred edifice, reflecting the order and perfection of God Himself. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of cedar timber is significant; its durability, beauty, and fragrance symbolize the permanence, glory, and pleasing aroma of God's presence. The architectural method of the chambers "resting on the house" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical structure embodies a theological principle—the reverence for the sacred and the careful adherence to divine instruction, ensuring the main sanctuary's integrity. The entire narrative functions as a testament to the **Grandeur** and **Holiness** associated with God's dwelling place among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous construction of Solomon's Temple, even down to the precise details of the side chambers in [1 Kings 6:10](/1_kings/6-10 "1 Kings 6:10 - Construction of Temple Chambers"), serves as a profound theological statement. It underscores God's demand for excellence and holiness in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. The fact that even the ancillary parts were built with such care and quality materials demonstrates that God values not just the central acts of worship, but every supporting element that contributes to His service. This attention to detail reflects the divine order and the sacredness of the space where God chose to dwell among His people, emphasizing that nothing about His dwelling place was left to chance or human caprice. It speaks to the principle that our best is always due to God, and that true reverence is expressed through diligent and faithful execution of His commands.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's construction, including the seemingly minor architectural specifics of the side chambers, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the quality and intentionality of our own service to God. Just as every part of the Temple, from the most sacred inner sanctuary to the supporting chambers, was built with precision and the finest materials, so too should every aspect of our lives and ministries be offered to God with excellence and reverence. This means not only dedicating our best efforts to the visible, "main" acts of worship or service, but also to the "ancillary" or less prominent areas—our daily tasks, our character in private, our stewardship of resources, and our interactions with others. The Temple's construction teaches us that God desires our diligence, our faithfulness, and our highest quality in all things, recognizing that even the smallest details contribute to His larger purposes and reflect His glory. It encourages us to approach all endeavors with careful planning, dedication, and the use of our best resources, understanding that our efforts, however small, contribute to a larger, divine purpose and are part of building up the spiritual house of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Temple's construction challenge my approach to service and worship today, particularly in areas I might consider "minor"?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate excellence and reverence for God in the "ancillary" or less visible aspects of my life and ministry?**
* **What "quality materials" (talents, time, resources, character) am I dedicating to God's purposes, and am I holding anything back from Him?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of these side chambers?**

Answer: The side chambers (Hebrew: _yatsia'_) built around the Temple served various practical and functional purposes. They were primarily used for storage of sacred vessels, priestly vestments, tithes, and offerings brought by the people. They may also have provided lodging for priests or Levites on duty at the Temple. These chambers were essential for the daily operations and logistical support of the main sanctuary, ensuring that the Temple could function efficiently as the center of Israelite worship and sacrificial system. Examples of such chambers being used for storage or lodging can be found in passages like [Nehemiah 13:4-9](/nehemiah/13-4 "Nehemiah 13:4-9 - Tobiah's Use of Temple Chambers") and [Jeremiah 35:4](/jeremiah/35-4 "Jeremiah 35:4 - The Chamber of the Sons of Hanan").

**Why is the specific height of "five cubits" mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of "five cubits high" (approximately 7.5 feet or 2.25 meters) highlights the extreme precision and detailed nature of the Temple's design, which was given by divine instruction. This specific height suggests a functional dimension suitable for storage or passage, and it was likely part of a larger, carefully scaled architectural plan for the entire complex. The meticulous recording of such dimensions underscores the divine origin of the Temple's blueprint and the importance of adhering to every specification, emphasizing that God cares about the details of His dwelling place and worship.

**How did the chambers "rest on the house" without damaging the main structure?**

Answer: The phrase "rested on the house" (Hebrew: _tamak al habbayit'_) describes an ingenious architectural technique designed to preserve the structural and spiritual integrity of the main Temple walls. Instead of embedding the beams of the side chambers directly into the sacred inner walls, the builders created a series of ledges, offsets, or recesses on the *exterior* of the main Temple structure. The beams of the chambers were then laid upon these projections. This method allowed the side chambers to be supported by the main building without penetrating or compromising the sanctity of the inner walls that enclosed the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. It demonstrates both advanced building techniques for the time and a profound reverence for the sacredness of God's dwelling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple, with its meticulous construction and sacred purpose, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, a place where atonement was made and worship offered. This foreshadows Christ, who is [Immanuel, "God with us"](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"), the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity. The perfection and quality of the Temple, even down to its side chambers built with cedar, point to the flawless nature of Christ's person and His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, which truly takes away sin (as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The Temple's function as a place of access to God is superseded by Christ, who declares, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")." Furthermore, the concept of the Temple is expanded in the New Testament to include the Church, the body of Christ, built upon Him as the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone"), and individual believers as the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple"). Ultimately, in the new heavens and new earth, there will be no need for a physical temple, for [the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem"), signifying that Christ Himself is the complete and eternal dwelling place of God's glory.

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.