1 Kings 6:16

KJV

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].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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;

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
This verse meticulously details the construction of the innermost sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, known as the Oracle or Most Holy Place. It specifies the dimensions and materials used—twenty cubits in length, with the floor and walls entirely paneled in precious cedar wood—thereby emphasizing the unparalleled sanctity, divine precision, and exquisite craftsmanship dedicated to the very dwelling place of God's presence within the grand structure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 6 is a foundational chapter within the Deuteronomistic History, meticulously documenting the construction of Solomon's Temple. Following the general dimensions of the Temple's main structure in [1 Kings 6:2-3](/1_kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2-3 - Temple Dimensions"), and the description of the main hall (the Holy Place) in [1 Kings 6:17](/1_kings/6-17 "1 Kings 6:17 - The Holy Place"), verse 16 specifically zeroes in on the innermost chamber. This detailed focus on the Most Holy Place highlights its supreme importance and distinct separation from the rest of the Temple, serving as the climactic architectural description before the narrative shifts to the internal furnishings and the dedication of the Temple. The precision of these details echoes the meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus, underscoring a continuity of divine design.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple, built in the 10th century BCE, was the culmination of Israel's desire for a permanent dwelling place for God, replacing the portable Tabernacle. This ambitious project, undertaken during a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity under Solomon's reign [1 Kings 4:20-25](/1_kings/4-20 "1 Kings 4:20-25 - Solomon's Prosperity"), showcased Israel's wealth and technological prowess, drawing on resources and skilled labor from Tyre [1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Hiram's Aid"). In the ancient Near East, temples were central to national identity and worship, often reflecting the cosmic order and the power of the deity. However, unlike pagan temples designed to house idols, the Israelite Temple, particularly its Most Holy Place, was unique in that it housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the invisible presence of Yahweh, who could not be contained by any structure [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - God's Transcendence"). The use of cedar, imported from Lebanon, signified luxury, durability, and sacredness, as it was highly valued in ancient architecture.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the Most Holy Place was the most sacred area, set apart for God's unique presence, accessible only to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement [Leviticus 16:2-3](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2-3 - Access to the Holy Place"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Design and Meticulous Obedience**, mirroring the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, emphasizing that worship and the dwelling place of God must conform to His precise revealed will. Thirdly, the lavish materials, particularly the cedar, point to the **Glory and Worthiness of God**, signifying that only the finest and most precious resources were deemed suitable for His habitation. Finally, the "oracle" points to **Divine Communication**, as this was the place where God's voice was symbolically heard, reinforcing the theme of God's active engagement with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oracle (Hebrew, _dvir'_):** The Hebrew word דְּבִיר (_dvir_) literally means "speaking place" or "inner sanctuary." It is used specifically to refer to the Most Holy Place, emphasizing its function as the ultimate point of divine communication and revelation. It suggests that this was not merely a storage place for the Ark, but a place where God's presence was so concentrated that His voice, or His will, could be discerned, often implying a connection to the Urim and Thummim or direct prophetic utterance from the Ark. This term highlights the functional purpose of the chamber as the locus of God's authoritative word to His people.
* **Most Holy Place (Hebrew, _qodesh haqqodashim'_):** The Hebrew phrase קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים (_qodesh haqqodashim_) is a superlative construction, literally meaning "holiness of holinesses" or "the holiest of holies." This grammatical form is used throughout the Old Testament to denote the highest degree of something (e.g., "Song of Songs," "vanity of vanities"). Here, it emphatically stresses the unparalleled sanctity, purity, and absolute set-apartness of this chamber. It was the most sacred space on earth, entirely consecrated to God, where His Shekinah glory was believed to dwell.
* **Cedar (Hebrew, _erez'_):** The use of אֶרֶז (_erez_), or cedar wood, for both the floor and walls is highly significant. Cedar from Lebanon was a prized, durable, aromatic, and beautiful timber, often associated with royalty and divine structures in the ancient Near East. Its selection underscores the preciousness, permanence, and reverence intended for the Most Holy Place. It symbolizes the enduring nature of God's presence and the lavish honor bestowed upon His dwelling, setting this chamber apart not only by its function but also by its extraordinary material composition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house":** This phrase specifies the length of the innermost chamber. Given that [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Oracle") later clarifies that the Oracle was a perfect cube—twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high—this initial dimension sets the stage for understanding the unique, perfectly symmetrical proportions of the Most Holy Place. This precise measurement emphasizes the deliberate and divinely inspired design of the sanctuary.
* **"both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar":** This detail highlights the luxurious and comprehensive use of cedar wood. Unlike other parts of the Temple that might have used stone or other timbers, the Most Holy Place was entirely paneled in cedar, from floor to ceiling. This signifies the exceptional sacredness and value attributed to this space, ensuring its beauty, fragrance, and durability, fitting for the immediate presence of God.
* **"he even built [them] for it within, [even] for the oracle, [even] for the most holy [place].":** This concluding clause clarifies the purpose and identity of the constructed area. The repeated phrases "for the oracle" and "for the most holy place" serve as appositional identifiers, emphatically naming the chamber. This repetition underscores that the preceding architectural details specifically pertain to this supreme sanctuary, leaving no doubt as to which part of the Temple is being described. It reinforces the idea that this space was meticulously prepared as the exclusive dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the manifestation of God's glory.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological significance. **Emphasis through Detail** is paramount, as the meticulous enumeration of dimensions ("twenty cubits") and materials ("boards of cedar" for "floor and walls") underscores the extraordinary care and reverence taken in constructing this specific chamber. This precision highlights the divine blueprint behind the Temple's design. **Symbolism** is also evident, particularly in the use of cedar, which, as a precious, durable, and aromatic wood, symbolizes the permanence, glory, and sacredness of God's dwelling. The implied **Perfection** of the Most Holy Place, later revealed as a perfect cube, further symbolizes the completeness and flawlessness of God's presence and His dwelling. Finally, the use of **Apposition** and **Repetition** in "the oracle, even for the most holy place" serves to powerfully identify and reinforce the unparalleled sanctity and unique function of this innermost sanctuary, ensuring the reader grasps its supreme importance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 6:16, by detailing the Most Holy Place, profoundly articulates the biblical concept of God's immanence and transcendence. While God's presence is omnipresent, He chose to particularize His presence in a specific, consecrated space, emphasizing His holiness and the need for humanity to approach Him on His terms. This chamber, veiled and accessible only to the High Priest, served as a tangible reminder of the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, yet simultaneously offered a divinely ordained means of atonement and communion. It foreshadowed a greater access to God's presence, not through a physical structure, but through a perfect mediator. The Temple's inner sanctum thus becomes a powerful symbol of God's desire to dwell with His people, while simultaneously upholding His absolute purity and sovereignty.

* [Exodus 26:33-34](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33-34 - Veil and Ark in the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Aaron's Entry into the Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:3-7](/hebrews/9-3 "Hebrews 9:3-7 - The Earthly Sanctuary and its Limitations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous construction of the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6:16, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us of God's absolute holiness and the reverence due to His presence. The costly materials and precise dimensions speak to the immeasurable value God places on His dwelling among His people, inviting us to consider the quality of our own worship and the sanctity of our lives, which are now, in Christ, temples of the Holy Spirit. While the physical veil has been torn, the principle of a set-apart space for God's glory endures, calling us to cultivate an inner sanctuary of purity, devotion, and intentional communion with Him. This verse challenges us to reflect on what we consider "most holy" in our own lives and how we honor the indwelling Spirit of God, ensuring that our lives reflect the preciousness and sacredness of His presence within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the Most Holy Place in 1 Kings 6:16 shape your understanding of God's holiness and His desire for a dwelling place among His people?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, cultivate a "most holy place" within our own hearts and lives, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?**
* **What practical steps can you take to approach God with greater reverence and intentionality, reflecting the awe and sacredness associated with the ancient Most Holy Place?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Most Holy Place (Oracle) in Solomon's Temple?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Most Holy Place was to house the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized the very presence of God among His people. It was considered the most sacred space on earth, the earthly throne room where God's glory (Shekinah) was believed to dwell and from which He would communicate His will to Israel through the High Priest. It was the ultimate focal point of Israelite worship and the place where atonement was made for the nation's sins on the Day of Atonement.

**Who was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and how often?**

Answer: Only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This solemn entry was prescribed with strict rituals, including specific garments, sacrifices, and the burning of incense to create a cloud, lest he die in God's holy presence [Leviticus 16:2-4](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2-4 - High Priest's Entry Rules") and [Leviticus 16:12-14](/leviticus/16-12 "Leviticus 16:12-14 - Incense and Blood in the Holy Place"). This limited access underscored the profound holiness of God and the separation between Him and sinful humanity.

**How did the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple relate to the Tabernacle's design?**

Answer: The Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple was directly modeled after the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) in the wilderness Tabernacle. Both were the innermost sanctuaries, housing the Ark of the Covenant, and both were separated by a veil. The dimensions of the Temple's Most Holy Place (20x20x20 cubits) were double the dimensions of the Tabernacle's Most Holy Place (10x10x10 cubits), reflecting the greater permanence and grandeur of the Temple structure, but maintaining the same sacred function and relative position within the larger sanctuary. This continuity highlighted God's consistent dwelling pattern with His people from the wilderness to the settled land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the Most Holy Place in 1 Kings 6:16, with its profound symbolism of God's inaccessible holiness and limited access, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical veil that separated humanity from God's immediate presence in the Temple was dramatically torn from top to bottom at Christ's crucifixion [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil"), signifying that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed. Jesus, as our great High Priest, did not enter an earthly sanctuary with the blood of animals, but entered the true, heavenly Most Holy Place once for all, through His own perfect blood, securing eternal redemption for us [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest"). Through His sacrifice, Christ became the "new and living way" into God's presence, granting every believer bold access to the Father's throne of grace [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access to God"). Furthermore, Christ Himself declared His body to be the true temple [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple"), and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are now collectively the temple of God [1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple") and individually a dwelling place for God [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple"). Thus, the physical Most Holy Place, with its cedar walls and sacred separation, points forward to the spiritual reality of intimate, unhindered communion with God made possible only through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

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.

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.