And [then] he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house [with] timber of cedar.
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}.
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.
He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar.
And he built the stories against all the house, each five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
No cross-references found for this verse.
Context
This verse provides a specific architectural detail in the ongoing narrative of King Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Chapters 5 and 6 of 1 Kings meticulously describe the preparations, materials, and precise dimensions of this monumental undertaking, which was to be the central place of worship for the Israelites. Verse 10 focuses on the ancillary structures built around the main sanctuary.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "cubits" refers to an ancient unit of measurement, typically based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. A common cubit was approximately 18 inches (45 cm), meaning the chambers were about 7.5 feet high. The phrase "rested on the house" implies an ingenious architectural solution where the beams of these chambers were supported by ledges or recesses in the main Temple walls, rather than being embedded into the sacred inner walls themselves. This detail emphasizes the reverence for the sanctity of the main sanctuary.
Practical Application
The detailed account of the Temple's construction, even down to the side chambers, teaches us about the importance of diligence and excellence in our service to God. It reflects a profound respect for the sacred, reminding us that God desires our best in all things. Just as every part of the Temple had its purpose and was built with care, so too does every aspect of our lives and our service to God matter. It encourages us to approach our spiritual and practical endeavors with careful planning, dedication, and the use of our best resources, recognizing that our efforts, however small, contribute to a larger, divine purpose.