TRV
Translation
King James Version
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He built the stories against all the house, each five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he built the galleries vpon al the wall of the house of fiue cubites height, and they were ioyned to the house with beames of cedar.
Young's Literal Translation
And he buildeth the couch against all the house, five cubits is its height, and it taketh hold of the house by cedar-wood.
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Commentary on 1 Kings 6 verses 1–10
1 ¶ 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.
2 And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.
3 And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house.
4 And for the house he made windows of narrow lights.
5 And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:
6 The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.
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.
8 The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third.
9 So he built the house, and finished it; and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar.
10 And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
Here, I. The temple is called the house of the Lord (Kg1 6:1), because it was, 1. Directed and modelled by him. Infinite Wisdom was the architect, and gave David the plan or pattern by the Spirit, not by word of mouth only, but, for the greater certainty and exactness, in writing (Ch1 28:11, Ch1 28:12), as he had given to Moses in the mouth a draught of the tabernacle. 2. Dedicated and devoted to him and to his honour, to be employed in his service, so his as never any other house was, for he manifested his glory in it (so as never in any other) in a way agreeable to that dispensation; for, when there were carnal ordinances, there was a worldly sanctuary, Heb 9:1, Heb 9:10. This gave it its beauty of holiness, that it was the house of the Lord, which far transcended all its other beauties.
II. The time when it began to be built is exactly set down. 1. It was just 480 years after the bringing of the children of Israel out of Egypt. Allowing forty years to Moses, seventeen to Joshua, 299 to the Judges, forty to Eli, forty to Samuel and Saul, forty to David, and four to Solomon before he began the work, we have just the sum of 480. So long it was after that holy state was founded before that holy house was built, which, in less than 430 years, was burnt by Nebuchadnezzar. It was thus deferred because Israel had, by their sins, rendered themselves unworthy of this honour, and because God would show how little he values external pomp and splendour in his service: he was in no haste for a temple. David's tent, which was clean and convenient, though it was neither stately nor rich, nor, for aught that appears, ever consecrated, is called the house of the Lord (Sa2 12:20), and served as well as Solomon's temple; yet, when God gave Solomon great wealth, he put it into his heart thus to employ it, and graciously accepted him, chiefly because it was to be a shadow of good things to come, Heb 9:9. 2. It was in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, the first three years being taken up in settling the affairs of his kingdom, that he might not find any embarrassment from them in this work. It is not time lost which is spent in composing ourselves for the work of God, and disentangling ourselves from every thing which might distract or divert us. During this time he was adding to the preparations which his father had made (Ch1 22:14), hewing the stone, squaring the timber, and getting every thing ready, so that he is not to be blamed for slackness in deferring it so long. We are truly serving God when we are preparing for his service and furnishing ourselves for it.
III. The materials are brought in, ready for their place (Kg1 6:7), so ready that there was neither hammer nor ax heard in the house while it was in building. In all building Solomon prescribes it as a rule of prudence to prepare the work in the field, and afterwards build, Pro 24:27. But here, it seems, the preparation was more than ordinarily full and exact, to such a degree that, when the several parts came to be put together, there was nothing defective to be added, nothing amiss to be amended. It was to be the temple of God of peace, and therefore no iron tool must be heard in it. Quietness and silence both become and befriend religious exercises: God's work should be done with as much care and as little noise as may be. The temple was thrown down with axes and hammers, and those that threw it down roared in the midst of the congregation (Psa 74:4, Psa 74:6); but it was built up in silence. Clamour and violence often hinder the work of God, but never further it.
IV. The dimensions are laid down (Kg1 6:2, Kg1 6:3) according to the rules of proportion. Some observe that the length and breadth were just double to that of the tabernacle. Now that Israel had grown more numerous the place of their meeting needed to be enlarged (Isa 54:1, Isa 54:2), and now that they had grown richer they were the better able to enlarge it. Where God sows plentifully he expects to reap so.
V. An account of the windows (Kg1 6:4): They were broad within, and narrow without, Marg. Such should the eyes of our mind be, reflecting nearer on ourselves than on other people, looking much within, to judge ourselves, but little without, to censure our brethren. The narrowness of the lights intimated the darkness of that dispensation, in comparison with the gospel day.
VI. The chambers are described (Kg1 6:5, Kg1 6:6), which served as vestries, in which the utensils of the tabernacle were carefully laid up, and where the priests dressed and undressed themselves and left the clothes in which they ministered: probably in some of these chambers they feasted upon the holy things. Solomon was not so intent upon the magnificence of the house as to neglect the conveniences that were requisite for the offices thereof, that every thing might be done decently and in order. Care was taken that the beams should not be fastened in the walls to weaken them, Kg1 6:6. Let not the church's strength be impaired under pretence of adding to its beauty or convenience.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–10. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Of the Temple of Solomon 1.8.4
This means the breastworks that were constructed on top of the roof of the house all around in case anyone who came up to the upper parts of the building should suddenly fall to the bottom. And in every house that anyone built, Moses ordered this to be done, saying, “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof all the way around, lest blood be shed in your house and you be to blame should anyone slip and fall down headlong.” Now these structures or breastworks are called sides above, where, after the words “and on the wall of the temple he built structures all around, running around the walls of the house, both the temple and the oracle,” the following is immediately added: “and he made side chambers all around.” These side chambers, of course, we have understood as denoting the divine protection that helps us not to give up while still struggling in this world and daily striving after higher things according to our capacity. We ought to understand this passage also in the same sense, but with this distinction that in this life, whether amid the frequent temptations of our implacable enemy or the obstacles of our frailty, we are often, indeed constantly, protected by heavenly compassion, but in the life which, as we have stated above, the top of the roof of the temple suggests, we are protected by so great a grace of God who is with us, that we neither want nor are able to sin, nor are we affected by fear of either death or pain or the adversary who tempts us. The Lord speaks of the helps he gives us in the present life, as if they were the sides of the structures, when he says of his people, “They will call on me, and I shall hear them; I am with them in their tribulation, and I shall rescue them and glorify them.” Of his grace to come whereby that heavenly city is illumined, the prophet says to the same city, “Praise the Lord, Jerusalem,” and so forth as far as “peace in your borders.” Now this structure on the roof of the house of the Lord is rightly said to be five cubits high because, of course, the presence of God’s glory in that homeland [of ours] fills us in such a way that nothing else is sweet to our sight, our hearing, our sense of smell or taste or touch except to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, our whole soul, our whole mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:10 meticulously details the construction of the side chambers surrounding Solomon's Temple. These chambers, standing five cubits high, were ingeniously designed to rest upon the Temple's exterior walls without penetrating them, thereby preserving the sanctity of the inner sanctuary. Constructed with highly prized cedar timber, this verse highlights the extraordinary precision, functional design, and unwavering commitment to using the finest materials in every facet of the Temple's construction, underscoring the profound reverence for God's dwelling place and the divine mandate for excellence in His service.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Kings 6 and specifically verse 10 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, 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.
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
FAQ
What was the purpose of these side chambers?
Answer: The side chambers (Hebrew: yâtsûwaʻ) 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 and Jeremiah 35:4.
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: ʼâchaz al habbayith) 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", 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). 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." 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, and individual believers as the temple of the Holy Spirit. 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, signifying that Christ Himself is the complete and eternal dwelling place of God's glory.