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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.
He calls the east side of the temple the rear; for the temple had its entrance on the east and its inner house, that is, the Holy of Holies, on the west. The fact that he says that the board partitions that separated the inner house from the outer one were erected from the floor to the top does not mean they were built to the ceiling, which was at the height of thirty cubits from the floor, as has already been said above, but only up to a height of twenty cubits, as one can clearly read in what follows. But the portion above these partitions up as far as the ceiling was left open and empty to a height of ten cubits and a length of twenty cubits across the width of the house, and, of course, through this aperture the smoke of the burnt offerings from the altar of sacrifice used to ascend and penetrate all the way in to cover the ark of the Lord. This division of the Lord’s house is a clear figure of a mystery and, thanks to the explanation of the apostle, is clearer than daylight because the first house into which “the priests” continually “go performing their ritual duties” is the present church, where, intent on works of piety, we daily offer sacrifices of praise to the Lord, but the inner house, which was built at the rear of the temple, is the promised life in heaven, which indeed precedes this life of our exile, which is celebrated there in the presence of the supreme king as a perpetual solemnity of the blessed, both angels and humankind. Hence it is with reference to it that the servant is quite deservedly told, “Enter into the joy of your Lord” but is later in time because it is after the labors of this world that we succeed in entering it.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:16 provides a precise and significant architectural detail of Solomon's Temple, focusing on the construction of its innermost sanctuary, known as the Oracle or the Most Holy Place. This verse meticulously describes the dimensions—twenty cubits in length—and the exclusive use of cedar boards for both the floor and walls, highlighting the unparalleled sanctity, divine precision, and exquisite craftsmanship dedicated to the very dwelling place of God's manifest presence within the grand structure.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: 1 Kings 6 is a pivotal chapter within the Deuteronomistic History, meticulously documenting the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple. The narrative progresses from the general dimensions of the Temple's main structure in 1 Kings 6:2-3 and the description of the main hall (the Holy Place) in 1 Kings 6:17. Verse 16 specifically zeroes in on the innermost chamber, the Most Holy Place, marking it as the climactic architectural description. This detailed focus on the sanctuary's most sacred area underscores its supreme importance and distinct separation from the rest of the Temple, serving as a narrative crescendo before the text shifts to the internal furnishings and the Temple's dedication. The precision of these architectural details deliberately echoes the meticulous instructions given for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25-31, thereby emphasizing a profound continuity of divine design and the enduring nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple, constructed in the 10th century BCE, represented the fulfillment of Israel's long-held desire for a permanent dwelling place for Yahweh, replacing the portable wilderness Tabernacle. This monumental undertaking occurred during a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and national strength under King Solomon's reign, as detailed in 1 Kings 4:20-25. The project showcased Israel's immense wealth and sophisticated technological capabilities, leveraging resources and skilled labor, notably from Tyre, under the alliance with King Hiram, as recounted in 1 Kings 5:1-12. In the broader ancient Near East, temples were central to national identity and worship, often designed to house idols and reflect cosmic order. However, the Israelite Temple, particularly its Most Holy Place, stood unique: it housed the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the invisible presence of Yahweh, who, unlike pagan deities, could not be contained by any man-made structure, a truth Solomon himself articulates in 1 Kings 8:27. The extensive use of cedar, imported from the renowned forests of Lebanon, signified not only luxury and durability but also sacredness, as it was a highly valued and prestigious building material in ancient architecture across the region.
Key Themes: This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes evident throughout 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of Holiness and Separation, as the Most Holy Place was the preeminent sacred area, uniquely set apart for God's manifest presence, and accessible only to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement, as prescribed in Leviticus 16:2-3. Secondly, the meticulous architectural details highlight the theme of Divine Design and Meticulous Obedience, mirroring the precise instructions for the Tabernacle and emphasizing that the worship and dwelling place of God must conform to His exact, revealed will. Thirdly, the lavish and costly materials, particularly the cedar, underscore the Glory and Worthiness of God, signifying that only the finest and most precious resources were deemed suitable for His habitation, reflecting His supreme majesty and worth. Finally, the designation "oracle" points to the theme of Divine Communication, as this was the symbolic locus where God's voice was heard and His will discerned, reinforcing God's active and authoritative engagement with His covenant people.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological significance and the meticulous nature of the Temple's construction. Emphasis through Detail is paramount, as the precise enumeration of dimensions ("twenty cubits") and the specific materials ("boards of cedar" for "floor and walls") underscore the extraordinary care, reverence, and intentionality taken in constructing this particular chamber. This precision highlights the divine blueprint guiding the Temple's design. Symbolism is powerfully evident, particularly in the pervasive use of cedar. As a precious, durable, and aromatic wood, cedar symbolizes the permanence, glory, and sacredness of God's dwelling, conveying a sense of majesty and enduring presence. The implied Perfection of the Most Holy Place, later revealed as a perfect cube, further symbolizes the completeness, flawlessness, and divine order inherent in God's presence and His dwelling. Finally, the strategic 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 fully grasps its supreme importance and set-apartness.
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 omnipresence fills the heavens and the earth, He chose to particularize His presence in a specific, consecrated space, emphasizing His absolute holiness and the necessity for humanity to approach Him exclusively on His terms. This chamber, veiled and accessible only to the High Priest, served as a tangible, yet awe-inspiring, 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 and more direct access to God's presence, not through a physical structure and ritual, but through a perfect mediator and a once-for-all sacrifice. The Temple's inner sanctum thus becomes a powerful symbol of God's profound desire to dwell intimately with His people, while simultaneously upholding His absolute purity, sovereignty, and the sacredness of His being.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous construction of the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6:16, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute holiness and the profound reverence due to His presence. The costly materials, precise dimensions, and the strict separation of this chamber speak to the immeasurable value God places on His dwelling among His people, inviting us to deeply 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 of the Temple has been torn, symbolizing our direct access to God, the underlying principle of a set-apart space for God's glory endures. This calls us to cultivate an inner sanctuary of purity, devotion, and intentional communion with Him in our hearts. This verse challenges us to reflect on what we truly consider "most holy" in our own lives, and how we honor the indwelling Spirit of God, ensuring that our thoughts, words, and actions reflect the preciousness and sacredness of His presence within us, living lives worthy of His indwelling.
Questions for Reflection
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, functioning as God's earthly throne room where His glory (Shekinah) was believed to uniquely 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 this solemn entry occurred only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This ritual was prescribed with strict requirements, including specific garments, sacrifices, and the burning of incense to create a cloud, lest he die in God's holy presence, as detailed in Leviticus 16:2-4 and Leviticus 16:12-14. This extremely limited access profoundly underscored the absolute holiness of God and the necessary 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 served as the innermost sanctuaries, housing the Ark of the Covenant, and both were strictly separated by a veil. The dimensions of the Temple's Most Holy Place (20x20x20 cubits) were precisely double the dimensions of the Tabernacle's Most Holy Place (10x10x10 cubits), reflecting the greater permanence and grandeur of the Temple structure compared to the portable Tabernacle. Despite the difference in scale, both maintained the same sacred function and relative position within their respective larger sanctuaries, highlighting God's consistent dwelling pattern with His people from the wilderness journey to their 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 for humanity, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical veil that separated humanity from God's immediate, manifest presence in the earthly Temple was dramatically torn from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's crucifixion, as recorded in Matthew 27:51, signifying that the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity had been completely 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 and atoning blood, thereby securing eternal redemption for all who believe, as beautifully articulated in Hebrews 9:11-12. Through His finished sacrifice, Christ became the "new and living way" into God's presence, granting every believer bold and unhindered access to the Father's throne of grace Hebrews 10:19-22. Furthermore, Christ Himself declared His body to be the true temple, which would be raised in three days John 2:19-21, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are now collectively the temple of God 1 Corinthians 3:16 and individually a dwelling place for God 1 Corinthians 6:19. Thus, the physical Most Holy Place, with its cedar walls and sacred separation, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing forward to the spiritual reality of intimate, unhindered communion with God made possible only through the perfect, complete, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.