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Commentary on 1 Kings 6 verses 15–38
Here, I. We have a particular account of the details of the building.
1.The wainscot of the temple. It was of cedar (Kg1 6:15), which was strong and durable, and of a very sweet smell. The wainscot was curiously carved with knops (like eggs or apples) and flowers, no doubt as the fashion then was, Kg1 6:18.
2.The gilding. It was not like ours, washed over, but the whole house, all the inside of the temple (Kg1 6:22), even the floor (Kg1 6:30), he overlaid with gold, and the most holy place with pure gold, Kg1 6:21. Solomon would spare no expense necessary to make it every way sumptuous. Gold was under foot there, as it should be in all the living temples: the abundance of it lessened its worth.
3.The oracle, or speaking-place (for so the word signifies), the holy of holies, so called because thence God spoke to Moses, and perhaps to the high priest, when he consulted with the breast-plate of judgment. In this place the ark of the covenant was to be set, Kg1 6:19. Solomon made every thing new, and more magnificent than it had been, except the ark, which was still the same that Moses made, with its mercy-seat and cherubim; that was the token of God's presence, which is always the same with his people whether they meet in tent or temple, and changes not with their condition.
4.The cherubim. Besides those at the ends of the mercy-seat, which covered the ark, (1.) Solomon set up two more, very large ones, images of young men (as some think), with wings made of olive-wood, and all overlaid with gold, Kg1 6:23, etc. This most holy place was much larger than that in the tabernacle, and therefore the ark would have seemed lost in it, and the dead wall would have been unsightly, if it had not been thus adorned. (2.) He carved cherubim upon all the walls of the house, Kg1 6:29. The heathen set up images of their gods and worshipped them; but these were designed to represent the servants and attendants of the God of Israel, the holy angels, not to be themselves worshipped (see thou do it not), but to show how great he is whom we are to worship.
5.The doors. The folding doors that led into the oracle were but a fifth part of the wall (Kg1 6:31), those into the temple were a fourth part (Kg1 6:33); but both were beautified with cherubim engraven on them, Kg1 6:32, Kg1 6:35.
6.The inner court, in which the brazen altar was at which the priests ministered. This was separated from the court where the people were by a low wall, three rows of hewn stone tipped with a cornice of cedar (Kg1 6:36), that over it the people might see what was done and hear what the priests said to them; for, even under that dispensation, they were not kept wholly either in the dark or at a distance.
7.The time spent in this building. It was but seven years and a half from the founding to the finishing of it, Kg1 6:38. Considering the vastness and elegance of the building, and the many appurtenances to it which were necessary to fit it for use, it was soon done. Solomon was in earnest in it, had money enough, had nothing to divert him from it, and many hands made quick work. He finished it (as the margin reads it) with all the appurtenances thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof, not only built the place, but set forward the work for which it was built.
II. Let us now see what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true temple; he himself spoke of the temple of his body, Joh 2:21. God himself prepared him his body, Heb 10:5. In him dwelt the fulness of the Godhead, as the Shechinah in the temple. In him meet all God's spiritual Israel. Through him we have access with confidence to God. All the angels of God, those blessed cherubim, have a charge to worship him. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, Co1 3:16. Even the body is such by virtue of its union with the soul, Co1 6:19. We are not only wonderfully made by the divine providence, but more wonderfully made anew by the divine grace. This living temple is built upon Christ as its foundation and will be perfected in due time. 3. The gospel church is the mystical temple; it grows to a holy temple in the Lord (Eph 2:21), enriched and beautified with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, as Solomon's temple with gold and precious stones. Only Jews built the tabernacle, but Gentiles joined with them in building the temple. Even strangers and foreigners are built up a habitation of God, Eph 2:19, Eph 2:22. The temple was divided into the holy place and the most holy, the courts of it into the outer and inner; so there are the visible and the invisible church. The door into the temple was wider than that into the oracle. Many enter into profession that come short of salvation. This temple is built firm, upon a rock, not to be taken down as the tabernacle of the Old Testament was. The temple was long in preparing, but was built at last. The top-stone of the gospel church will, at length, be brought forth with shoutings, and it is a pity that there should be the clashing of axes and hammers in the building of it. Angels are ministering spirits, attending the church on all sides and all the members of it. 4. Heaven is the everlasting temple. There the church will be fixed, and no longer movable. The streets of the new Jerusalem, in allusion to the flooring of the temple, are said to be of pure gold, Rev 21:21. The cherubim there always attend the throne of glory. The temple was uniform, and in heaven there is the perfection of beauty and harmony. In Solomon's temple there was no noise of axes and hammers. Every thing is quiet and serene in heaven; all that shall be stones in that building must in the present sate of probation and preparation be fitted and made ready for it, must be hewn and squared by divine grace, and so made meet for a place there.
On the inside, indeed, the house was lined with cedar, for on the outside, the actual stone it was built of glinted with as much brilliance as if it had been covered with glowing white marble. Taken in the mystical sense, however, the temple walls are the nations of believers of whom the holy universal church consists and whose widespread distribution throughout the whole world is denoted by the width of the walls, whereas the height denotes the hope and whole upward thrust of the church toward heavenly things, or at any rate the height of the wall, which consists of courses of stones laid one on top of the other, denotes the state of the present church where the elect are all built on the foundation of Christ and follow each other in succession through the course of the ages and, by supporting each other, fulfill the law of Christ, which is charity.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:15 offers a meticulous and vivid description of the interior finishing of Solomon's Temple, detailing the lavish application of cedar and fir wood for its walls, floor, and ceiling. This verse underscores the extraordinary craftsmanship and the use of precious, imported materials, reflecting the profound reverence and immense value attributed to the sacred dwelling place of God in Jerusalem. The comprehensive covering of every internal surface with fine wood highlights the dedication to creating a sanctuary of unparalleled beauty, dignity, and spiritual significance, both in visible and less visible areas.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within a highly detailed architectural account of Solomon's Temple construction, which spans 1 Kings chapters 5-7. Following the initial laying of the foundation, as noted in 1 Kings 6:1, the narrative shifts to the intricate interior work. The preceding verses in 1 Kings 6 describe the overall dimensions, the primary construction materials (hewn stone and cedar), and the general layout of the Temple's various chambers. Verse 15 specifically hones in on the internal cladding, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the wooden overlay. This meticulous description serves to highlight the Temple's grandeur, its divine inspiration, and its role as the central place of worship, echoing the detailed instructions for the earlier Tabernacle in Exodus 25:8-9, which also emphasized specific materials and craftsmanship.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, grand architectural projects, especially temples, were profound expressions of a king's power, wealth, and devotion to their deity. Solomon's Temple, built during a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace for Israel, was a prime example. The use of "cedar" (specifically Lebanese cedar) and "fir" (often identified as cypress or juniper) was highly significant. Lebanese cedar was a prized commodity, known for its strength, aromatic qualities, resistance to decay, and majestic appearance, frequently associated with royalty and sacred structures. Its importation from Phoenicia (modern Lebanon) through a treaty with Hiram, King of Tyre (1 Kings 5:1-12), indicates Solomon's vast resources and international standing. Fir wood, also durable and aromatic, was a common complement to cedar. The comprehensive wooden cladding was not merely decorative; it transformed the rough stone interior into a warm, inviting, and visually stunning sacred space, providing both aesthetic beauty and practical insulation.
Key Themes: The detailed description in 1 Kings 6:15 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the Magnificence and Dedication invested in God's dwelling. The use of premium, imported materials and the extensive craftsmanship signify the unparalleled splendor and deep devotion of King Solomon and the nation towards Yahweh. This was not merely a functional building but a monumental work of art, a testament to God's glory. Secondly, the verse highlights Attention to Detail, emphasizing that every surface—walls, floor, and ceiling—was meticulously covered. This thoroughness reflects the profound care and reverence given to building God's house, ensuring its beauty and perfection from all angles, even those less visible. Finally, the rich and durable materials used symbolize the Enduring Nature of God's Presence among His people. The Temple was designed to be a worthy and lasting earthly dwelling for the Almighty, a physical manifestation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as established in passages like Exodus 29:45, where God promises to dwell among the Israelites.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey the grandeur and meticulousness of the Temple's construction. The Repetition of "covered" (Hebrew tsapah) and "house" (Hebrew bayith) reinforces the comprehensive nature of the work and the central focus on the sacred structure. The detailed listing of specific materials ("cedar," "fir") and areas ("walls," "floor," "cieling") creates a sense of Precision and Verisimilitude, allowing the reader to visualize the intricate interior with remarkable clarity. The choice of materials itself functions as Symbolism, where the preciousness, durability, and aromatic qualities of cedar and fir represent the enduring glory, sacredness, and pleasantness of God's presence. The description also implies Hyperbole in the sheer lavishness, suggesting an effort to create a dwelling worthy of the Almighty, surpassing any ordinary human construction. The comprehensive covering of "floor... and the walls of the cieling" can be seen as a form of Merism, where two extremes (bottom and top) represent the entirety of the interior space, emphasizing its complete and unified adornment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous and costly interior design of Solomon's Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6:15, powerfully conveys a profound theological truth: God is worthy of the absolute best, and His dwelling place, whether physical or spiritual, demands ultimate reverence and dedication. The emphasis on the unseen interior, lavishly adorned, suggests that what is hidden from public view—the inner sanctum of worship and devotion—is of paramount importance to God. This principle extends beyond physical structures to the spiritual lives of believers. Just as the Temple was prepared as a holy dwelling for God's presence, so too are believers called to cultivate an inner life of purity, integrity, and devotion, recognizing that the Holy Spirit indwells them. The beauty and durability of the Temple's interior wood reflect the enduring and glorious nature of God, inviting His people to reflect His character in their innermost beings, acknowledging that true worship begins from within.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's interior in 1 Kings 6:15 serves as a profound spiritual metaphor for believers today. If such meticulous care and precious resources were invested in the physical dwelling place of God's presence, how much more should we dedicate our innermost beings—our thoughts, intentions, desires, and character—to Him? The fact that the most exquisite materials were used for the interior, much of which would not be seen by the common worshiper, underscores that God values the unseen, the heart, above all else. This verse challenges us to consider the "walls of our house within," our internal spiritual condition. Are we adorning our inner temple with the "cedar" of integrity and the "fir" of faithfulness, or are we neglecting the unseen aspects of our spiritual lives, focusing only on outward appearances? It calls us to cultivate a beautiful and pure heart, recognizing that our bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, and our lives are a living offering to the Lord. Our spiritual growth is not merely for public display but for the glory of God who sees all.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were such expensive materials used for the interior of the Temple, much of which was not publicly visible?
Answer: The use of costly and beautiful materials like cedar and fir for the Temple's interior, even in areas not directly visible to the common worshiper, was deeply symbolic and theological. It demonstrated the unparalleled value and reverence placed upon God and His dwelling place. It was an act of profound dedication, signifying that God is worthy of the absolute best, not just for outward show but in every intricate detail. It also underscored the sacredness of the inner sanctuary, particularly the Holy of Holies, where God's presence was believed to reside, emphasizing that the unseen aspects of worship and devotion are paramount to Him. This lavishness also reflected the immense wealth and power of King Solomon, who spared no expense in honoring the Lord, as seen in the broader narrative of 1 Kings 6, fulfilling the divine mandate to build a glorious house for the Lord.
What is the significance of "fir" wood in this context, as opposed to only cedar?
Answer: The KJV translation "fir" typically refers to berosh (בְּרוֹשׁ) in Hebrew, which is often identified as cypress or juniper wood. While cedar was highly prized for its grandeur, aromatic qualities, and resistance to decay, fir/cypress was also a valuable timber in the ancient Near East, known for its durability, straight grain, and pleasant scent. Its use alongside cedar in the Temple's interior provided a complementary material that was strong and workable, particularly suitable for flooring and other paneling. This combination likely offered both aesthetic variety and practical benefits, ensuring the entire structure was built with high-quality, long-lasting materials. The inclusion of fir alongside cedar further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the Temple's magnificence and the careful selection of every component.
Does the focus on the Temple's interior imply that external appearance is unimportant in worship or faith?
Answer: Not necessarily. The verse does not diminish the importance of external appearance but rather elevates the significance of the internal. In ancient cultures, the exterior of a temple was crucial for public perception, awe, and the expression of national identity. However, the meticulous attention to the interior in 1 Kings 6:15 highlights that God's concern extends to every detail, especially those that are hidden or only visible to those closest to Him. For believers today, this emphasizes that while outward expressions of faith (e.g., church attendance, public service) are important, the condition of one's heart, motives, and inner character are equally, if not more, vital to God. It encourages a holistic approach to faith, where internal purity and external actions are in harmony, as seen in passages like Matthew 23:27-28, where Jesus condemns hypocrisy that prioritizes outward show over inner righteousness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple, with its meticulously crafted and lavishly adorned interior of cedar and fir, serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing to the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity: Jesus Christ. While Solomon's Temple was a temporary structure, subject to destruction, Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body. Christ is the true and perfect Temple, the ultimate place where God's presence dwells in fullness, "for in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9). The beautiful and costly materials of Solomon's Temple foreshadow the immeasurable worth and glory of Christ's perfect humanity and divine nature, through whom we now have direct access to God the Father. Furthermore, through Christ, believers are transformed into living stones, being "built up a spiritual house," a holy priesthood, where the Holy Spirit dwells. The detailed care for the Temple's interior, even its unseen parts, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's perfect inner purity and righteousness, which He imputes to us, making us a dwelling place for God's Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation reveals that there will be "no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple," signifying that God's presence in Christ is the eternal and perfect reality to which all earthly temples pointed, a direct and unmediated communion.