1 Kings 6:16

And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built [them] for it within, [even] for the oracle, [even] for the most holy [place].

And he built {H1129} twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} on the sides {H3411} of the house {H1004}, both {H4480} the floor {H7172} and the walls {H7023} with boards {H6763} of cedar {H730}: he even built {H1129} them for it within {H1004}, even for the oracle {H1687}, even for the most {H6944} holy {H6944} place.

The thirty-five-foot back portion of the house he built with boards of cedar from the floor to the joists and reserved this part of the house to be a sanctuary, the Especially Holy Place;

He partitioned off the twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.

And he built twenty cubits on the hinder part of the house with boards of cedar from the floor unto the walls of the ceiling: he built them for it within, for an oracle, even for the most holy place.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 6:16 (KJV)

This verse provides specific architectural details regarding the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, focusing on its innermost and most sacred chamber.

Context

King Solomon's Temple was designed to be the central place of worship for ancient Israel, replacing the portable Tabernacle. 1 Kings Chapter 6 meticulously describes the dimensions, materials, and features of this grand structure, emphasizing the precision and lavishness of its construction. Verse 16 specifically details the building of the Most Holy Place, also known as the Oracle, which was the innermost sanctuary of the Temple. This section follows the description of the main hall (the Holy Place) and highlights the careful separation and unique design of the holiest area.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Separation: The "twenty cubits on the sides of the house" (referring to its length) and the use of cedar boards for "floor and walls" indicate a distinct, enclosed space. This separation underscored the extreme holiness of the Most Holy Place, where God's special presence was believed to dwell. Only the High Priest could enter this chamber, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (see Hebrews 9:7).
  • Divine Design and Precision: The detailed measurements and specific materials reflect a meticulous plan, echoing the divine instructions given for the Tabernacle's construction in the wilderness. This emphasis on precise building signifies the importance of worshipping God according to His revealed will.
  • Sacred Materials: The use of "boards of cedar" for both the floor and walls highlights the preciousness and permanence of this sacred space. Cedar wood was highly valued for its beauty, fragrance, and durability, symbolizing the reverence and honor due to the dwelling place of the Lord.
  • The Dwelling Place of God: The "oracle" (Hebrew: Dvir) and "most holy place" (Hebrew: Qodesh HaQodashim) were terms used to designate the inner sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant would reside, symbolizing God's presence among His people (see 1 Kings 8:6).

Linguistic Insights

  • Oracle (Dvir): The Hebrew word ื“ึฐึผื‘ึดื™ืจ (Dvir) literally means "speaking place" or "inner sanctuary." It suggests a place where God speaks or reveals His will, indicating its function as the ultimate point of communication between God and humanity.
  • Most Holy Place (Qodesh HaQodashim): This Hebrew phrase ืงึนื“ึถืฉื ื”ึทืงึณึผื“ึธืฉึดืื™ื (Qodesh HaQodashim) is a superlative, meaning "the holiest of holies" or "the supreme holy place." It emphasizes the unparalleled sanctity of this chamber, set apart above all other spaces.

Practical Application

While the physical Temple no longer stands, the principles behind the Most Holy Place remain relevant. It reminds us of:

  • Reverence for God's Presence: The extreme care taken in constructing this chamber teaches us profound reverence for God. Although we no longer approach God through a physical temple, we are called to approach Him with respect and awe.
  • Access Through Christ: The New Testament reveals that through Jesus Christ, the veil separating humanity from God's presence has been torn (Matthew 27:51). He is our great High Priest who has entered the true heavenly sanctuary, providing believers with direct access to God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-20).
  • Our Body as a Temple: Believers are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This spiritual truth calls us to maintain personal holiness and to recognize the sacredness of our lives as dwelling places for God.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:6

    And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims.

  • 2 Chronicles 3:8

    And he made the most holy house, the length whereof [was] according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, [amounting] to six hundred talents.

  • Leviticus 16:2

    And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy [place] within the vail before the mercy seat, which [is] upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

  • Hebrews 9:3

    And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

  • Ezekiel 45:3

    And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary [and] the most holy [place].

  • Exodus 25:21

    And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.

  • Exodus 25:22

    And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.
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