1 Kings 6:31

And for the entering of the oracle he made doors [of] olive tree: the lintel [and] side posts [were] a fifth part [of the wall].

And for the entering {H6607} of the oracle {H1687} he made {H6213} doors {H1817} of olive {H8081} tree {H6086}: the lintel {H352} and side posts {H4201} were a fifth part {H2549} of the wall.

For the entrance to the sanctuary he made doors of olive-wood, set within a five-sided door-frame.

For the entrance to the inner sanctuary, Solomon constructed doors of olive wood with five-sided doorposts.

And for the entrance of the oracle he made doors of olive-wood: the lintel and door-posts were a fifth part of the wall.

Commentary

1 Kings 6:31 describes a specific detail in the construction of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse focuses on the doors leading into the innermost sanctuary, known as "the oracle," or the Most Holy Place.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, a monumental undertaking that symbolized the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people, Israel. After the Tabernacle, the Temple was the permanent structure where God's presence was believed to reside in a special way. The book of 1 Kings dedicates significant chapters (starting from 1 Kings 6:1) to detailing its precise dimensions, materials, and adornments, emphasizing the sacredness and grandeur of the edifice. The "oracle" or Most Holy Place was the most sacred area, separated from the Holy Place by a veil and accessible only to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).

Key Themes

  • Sacredness and Holiness: The choice of olive wood for the doors of the oracle underscores the profound holiness of this inner sanctuary. Olive wood was considered precious and durable, often associated with anointing oil and divine consecration, making it fitting for the entry to the very presence of God.
  • Divine Precision and Craftsmanship: The statement that "the lintel and side posts were a fifth part of the wall" highlights the meticulous attention to detail and exact measurements in the Temple's construction. This reflects not only Solomon's dedication but also the divine instruction for building a sanctuary worthy of the Lord, emphasizing order, proportion, and excellence in worship (Exodus 25:9).
  • Limited Access to God's Presence: These doors symbolized the restricted access to God's immediate presence under the Old Covenant. Only the High Priest could enter this holy space, and only at specified times, signifying the awe and reverence due to God's absolute holiness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "oracle" in the KJV text translates the Hebrew word dฤ•bรฎr (ื“ึฐึผื‘ึดื™ืจ), which literally means "the speaking place" or "the innermost sanctuary." This term emphasizes that the Most Holy Place was not merely a chamber but the designated spot from which God would speak to His people, particularly through the High Priest (Exodus 25:22).

Practical Application

While we no longer have a physical Temple with an "oracle" in the same way, the principles of reverence for God's presence and dedication to His worship remain. The detailed and costly construction of the Temple teaches us about the importance of offering our best to God and approaching Him with awe and respect. For believers today, the barrier symbolized by these doors and the Temple veil was torn at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:51), signifying that we now have direct access to God's presence through Christ's sacrifice. This access, however, does not diminish God's holiness but rather highlights the incredible grace by which we can now boldly approach Him (Hebrews 4:16).

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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

  • Hebrews 10:19

    ยถ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

  • Hebrews 10:20

    By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

  • John 14:6

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  • Ephesians 3:18

    May be able to comprehend with all saints what [is] the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

  • John 10:9

    I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
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