1 Kings 6:11

KJV

¶ And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to Solomon {H8010}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then this word of ADONAI came to Shlomo:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying:

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah came to Solomon, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:11 serves as a pivotal transitional verse, interrupting the detailed architectural description of Solomon's Temple construction to highlight a direct divine intervention. This verse underscores that the immense human effort involved in building the Temple was not merely an earthly endeavor but one under God's direct oversight and concern, setting the stage for a crucial divine message regarding the conditions for His enduring presence and blessing within the sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears precisely at a critical juncture in the narrative of the Temple's construction. Chapters 5 and the preceding verses of chapter 6 (specifically [1 Kings 6:1-10](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1-10 - Temple Construction Details")) are meticulously dedicated to describing the grand scale, precise dimensions, and exquisite materials used in building the house of the LORD. The narrative flow is highly technical, focusing on the physical aspects of the edifice. Verse 11 abruptly shifts this focus from human architectural prowess to divine communication, serving as a literary hinge that introduces God's direct address to Solomon. This interruption is significant, signaling that what follows is not merely a continuation of building specifications but a profound theological statement about the spiritual conditions for God's presence in the Temple, elaborated in [1 Kings 6:12-13](/1_kings/6-12 "1 Kings 6:12-13 - God's Conditional Promise").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and wisdom. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem was the crowning achievement of his early reign, fulfilling the long-held desire of his father, King David, who was forbidden to build it due to his involvement in warfare ([2 Samuel 7:5-13](/2_samuel/7-5 "2 Samuel 7:5-13 - God's Covenant with David")). In the ancient Near East, temples were considered dwelling places for deities, often built with great pomp and ceremony. However, Israel's Temple was unique in that it was dedicated to YHWH, the one true God, who transcended physical structures. The divine communication in [1 Kings 6:11](/1_kings/6-11 "1 Kings 6:11 - The Word of the LORD to Solomon") emphasizes that while the Temple was built by human hands, its true significance and the divine presence within it were contingent upon a covenantal relationship, not merely the grandeur of its construction.
* **Key Themes:** The abrupt interjection of "the word of the LORD came to Solomon" highlights several key themes central to the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Communication and Initiative**, emphasizing that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people and their leaders, guiding their most significant endeavors. This is not merely human wisdom at play, even from a king renowned for his wisdom ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")). Secondly, it reinforces the theme of the **Temple as God's Dwelling**, but with a crucial caveat: God's presence is not automatic or bound by the physical structure alone. Thirdly, and most importantly, this verse sets the stage for the theme of **Covenantal Obedience and Conditional Blessing**. The divine message that follows in [1 Kings 6:12-13](/1_kings/6-12 "1 Kings 6:12-13 - God's Conditional Promise") makes it clear that God's enduring presence and blessing within the Temple and among His people are contingent upon Solomon's and Israel's faithfulness to His commandments and statutes, a recurring motif throughout the Deuteronomistic history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dāḇār'_):** This term, often translated as "word," carries significant weight in Hebrew thought, encompassing not just spoken utterances but also deeds, events, and divine decrees. When used in the phrase "the word of the LORD," it denotes a direct, authoritative, and often performative revelation from God. It signifies a divine message that is true, potent, and demands a response, distinguishing it from human counsel or wisdom.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH'_):: This is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15). Its use here emphasizes that the communication is from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is intimately involved in the history and destiny of His people. It highlights the personal nature of the divine address to Solomon, reminding him of the God who made promises to his father, David.
* **Came (Hebrew, _hāyāh'_):** While often translated as "to be" or "to become," in the context of divine communication, _hāyāh_ frequently denotes the active "coming" or "happening" of God's word to a prophet or king. It implies a direct, undeniable, and often sudden manifestation of divine revelation, indicating an event of profound spiritual significance rather than a mere thought or impression.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the word of the LORD":** This opening phrase immediately shifts the narrative focus from human activity to divine initiative. It signals a direct, authoritative, and specific message originating from God Himself, not from human wisdom or counsel, however wise Solomon might be. The "¶" symbol in the KJV often indicates a new paragraph or a significant break in the text, reinforcing the abruptness of this divine interjection.
* **"came to Solomon,":** This specifies the recipient of the divine message. God's word is not a general pronouncement but a personal address directed specifically to King Solomon, who is overseeing the Temple construction. This highlights God's direct engagement with His chosen leader and His concern for the project. It implies a moment of direct revelation, similar to prophetic encounters.
* **"saying,":** This simple yet crucial word introduces the content of the divine message that immediately follows in the subsequent verses (1 Kings 6:12-13). It sets the expectation for a direct discourse from God, indicating that the preceding architectural details are now to be framed within a larger theological context of divine purpose and covenantal conditions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 6:11 is **Divine Intervention**, marked by the abrupt and formulaic declaration, "And the word of the LORD came to Solomon." This sudden shift from a detailed description of human architectural achievement to a direct divine address serves to reorient the reader's perspective, emphasizing that despite the grandeur of human effort, the ultimate significance and success of the Temple project depend entirely on God's will and presence. This formulaic language, characteristic of prophetic literature, also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, signaling that the subsequent verses will contain a message of profound theological importance, specifically concerning the conditional nature of God's dwelling among His people. The verse acts as a **Narrative Interruption**, strategically placed to underscore that the Temple, though built by human hands, is fundamentally God's house, and His presence within it is not automatic but contingent upon obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 6:11 serves as a crucial theological pivot, reminding us that even the most impressive human endeavors, especially those undertaken for God's glory, are ultimately subject to divine oversight and contingent upon a right relationship with Him. It underscores the Old Testament principle that God's presence and blessing are not automatically bestowed upon physical structures or human achievements, but are intimately tied to covenantal faithfulness and obedience. This verse sets the stage for the conditional nature of God's dwelling in the Temple, emphasizing that His presence is not a given but a sacred trust dependent on Israel's adherence to His commands. It highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His people and His desire for a relationship rooted in obedience, not just ritual or grand projects.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Jesus' Promise of Dwelling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 6:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even in our most significant undertakings—whether building a career, nurturing a family, leading a ministry, or pursuing personal spiritual growth—God desires to communicate with us and guide our steps. Our efforts, however diligent or skillful, find their true purpose and receive divine blessing only when they are aligned with God's will and undertaken in obedience to His "word." This verse challenges us to pause amidst our busy "building projects" and actively listen for God's voice, recognizing that His presence and blessing are not automatic but are contingent upon our faithfulness. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and dependence, acknowledging that true success is not measured by human achievement alone, but by our responsiveness to divine guidance and our commitment to living out His commands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "building projects" (personal, professional, spiritual) are you currently engaged?**
* **How actively are you seeking and listening for "the word of the LORD" to guide these endeavors?**
* **What does 1 Kings 6:11 teach us about the relationship between human effort and divine blessing?**
* **How does the conditional nature of God's presence in the Temple relate to our understanding of God's presence in our lives today?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse placed here, interrupting the architectural description of the Temple?**

Answer: The placement of [1 Kings 6:11](/1_kings/6-11 "1 Kings 6:11 - The Word of the LORD to Solomon") is highly intentional and serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it elevates the narrative from a mere architectural blueprint to a theological statement, emphasizing that the Temple, though built by human hands, is fundamentally God's dwelling and its significance is rooted in His divine will. Secondly, it signals a shift in focus from human accomplishment to divine oversight, reminding Solomon and the reader that God's presence within the Temple is not guaranteed by its physical grandeur but is contingent upon covenantal obedience, as elaborated in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 6:12-13](/1_kings/6-12 "1 Kings 6:12-13 - God's Conditional Promise")). This interruption underscores that God is actively involved and has specific conditions for His blessing and indwelling, preventing the Temple from being viewed as merely a human construct.

**What does the phrase "the word of the LORD came to Solomon" signify?**

Answer: This phrase, "the word of the LORD came to Solomon," is a profound and formulaic expression frequently used throughout the Old Testament to denote a direct, authoritative, and often revelatory communication from God Himself. It signifies more than just an idea or a general impression; it indicates a specific, undeniable message that carries divine weight and demands attention. Unlike the wisdom granted to Solomon for governance ([1 Kings 3:12](/1_kings/3-12 "1 Kings 3:12 - God Grants Solomon Wisdom")), this is a prophetic utterance, highlighting God's active involvement in the affairs of His people and His direct concern for the Temple project. It emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the ensuing message, distinguishing it from any human counsel or wisdom, even that of a wise king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "word of the LORD" coming to Solomon concerning the physical Temple foreshadows the ultimate "Word" who came to dwell among humanity: Jesus Christ. Just as the Temple was meant to be the dwelling place of God's presence, Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")," referring to His body ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). The conditional presence of God in the Old Covenant Temple, dependent on human obedience ([1 Kings 6:12-13](/1_kings/6-12 "1 Kings 6:12-13 - God's Conditional Promise")), finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ's unblemished obedience. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law and established a new covenant, where God's presence is no longer confined to a building but indwells believers through the Holy Spirit, making them living temples ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). The "word of the LORD" that came to Solomon points forward to the Living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), who not only brought God's message but *is* God's ultimate self-revelation, establishing an eternal, unconditional dwelling place for God with humanity through His grace ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His 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.