1 Kings 6:34

KJV

And the two doors [were of] fir tree: the two leaves of the one door [were] folding, and the two leaves of the other door [were] folding.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the two {H8147} doors {H1817} were of fir {H1265} tree {H6086}: the two {H8147} leaves {H6763} of the one {H259} door {H1817} were folding {H1550}, and the two {H8147} leaves {H7050} of the other {H8145} door {H1817} were folding {H1550}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and two doors of cypress-wood; the two leaves of the one door were folding, as were the two leaves of the other.

Berean Standard Bible

The two doors were made of cypress wood, and each had two folding panels.

American Standard Version

and two doors of fir-wood: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 6:34 meticulously details the inner doors of Solomon's Temple, specifically those separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). Made of "fir tree" (cypress) and designed with "folding" leaves, these doors underscore the profound sacredness and restricted access to God's unique dwelling place under the Old Covenant, highlighting the meticulous divine design and the precious materials employed in the construction of the Lord's house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the highly detailed architectural account of Solomon's Temple construction, spanning [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple") and [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings"). Chapter 6 meticulously describes the Temple's dimensions, materials, and internal structure, moving from the outer courts inward. Verses [1 Kings 6:31-35](/1_kings/6-31 "1 Kings 6:31-35 - The Doors of the Temple") specifically focus on the doors leading into the inner sanctuary, first the outer doors of the Holy Place (vv. 31-33), and then, in verse 34, the crucial doors separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This progression emphasizes the increasing sanctity as one approaches the divine presence, culminating in the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant would reside. The precise description of the materials and folding mechanism highlights the deliberate design of every element of God's dwelling.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking, marking a significant shift from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent dwelling for God's presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, temples were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved the finest materials and skilled craftsmanship, reflecting the deity's status and the patron king's wealth and devotion. "Fir tree" (Hebrew: *beroshim*), often identified as cypress wood, was highly valued for its durability, resistance to decay, and pleasant aroma, making it an ideal choice for a structure intended to last for generations. Its use alongside cedar ([1 Kings 6:9](/1_kings/6-9 "1 Kings 6:9 - Temple Materials")) signifies the precious and enduring nature of the sanctuary. The "folding" design of the doors was a practical and elegant solution for large, heavy doors, allowing them to open inward without obstructing the limited space within the sanctuary, while also providing a secure and imposing barrier.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "1 Kings - The Reigns of Israel's Kings"):
* **Sacred Separation and Holiness:** The "two doors" described here were the ultimate physical barrier to the Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant resided and God's presence was uniquely manifest. This design emphasized the profound sanctity and restricted access to this area, reinforcing the Old Covenant principle that God is holy and His presence is not to be approached lightly. Only the High Priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, was permitted to enter this sacred space ([Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - High Priest's Access to the Most Holy Place")).
* **Divine Design and Craftsmanship:** The meticulous detail given to the materials ("fir tree") and the mechanism ("folding") of these doors underscores the precision and excellence demanded in the Temple's construction. Every element, from the grand cedar timbers to these inner doors, was crafted with care, reflecting the importance and divine purpose of the structure built for God. This attention to detail mirrors God's own meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), emphasizing that God's dwelling place must be built according to His exact specifications.
* **Symbolism of Access and Mediation:** While these doors symbolized separation and restricted access under the Old Covenant, their very existence within the Temple's design implicitly pointed to a future and ultimate access. The physical barriers of the Temple, including these doors and the veil that would later replace them, foreshadowed the need for a mediator and a new way to approach God, a theme powerfully developed in the New Testament, particularly in the [Book of Hebrews](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Doors (Hebrew, _dəlātôt'_):** This plural noun refers to the two main leaves of the double door. In the context of the Temple, doors were not merely functional but highly symbolic, marking transitions between spaces of differing sanctity. These specific doors guarded the most sacred space, signifying a profound boundary.
* **Fir tree (Hebrew, _bərôšîm'_):** This term refers to cypress wood, a durable, aromatic, and highly valued timber in the ancient Near East, often used alongside cedar for significant construction projects. Its selection for the Temple's inner doors indicates the preciousness and enduring nature of the materials dedicated to God's house, as well as the meticulous attention to quality.
* **Folding (Hebrew, _ṣəlāʿîm'_):** This word, often translated "leaves" or "folding leaves," describes a specific type of door construction where each door leaf was composed of two panels that folded inward upon themselves. This mechanism allowed for a wide opening while requiring less swing space than a single, large leaf, signifying both the grandeur of the entrance and its secure, deliberate closure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the two doors [were of] fir tree:"** This clause immediately identifies the material of the innermost doors of the Temple. The choice of "fir tree" (cypress) emphasizes the preciousness and durability of the wood, indicating that even the functional elements of the sanctuary were of the highest quality, befitting the dwelling place of God. This also contrasts with the cedar used for the main structure, showing a variety of choice woods.
* **"the two leaves of the one door [were] folding,"** This specifies the construction of one of the two main doors. Each "door" was comprised of two "leaves" or panels, which were designed to fold. This "folding" mechanism (likely a bi-fold or double-leaf door) allowed the large, heavy doors to open efficiently into the sacred space, highlighting both their grand scale and their practical design.
* **"and the two leaves of the other door [were] folding."** This repeats the description for the second of the two doors, confirming that both doors leading into the Most Holy Place were identically constructed with this folding design. The repetition emphasizes the symmetry, precision, and consistent high quality of the craftsmanship applied to the most sacred entrance in the Temple.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Detailing** and **Repetition** to convey its message. The meticulous **Detailing** of the materials ("fir tree") and the specific construction ("folding") reflects the overall narrative style of [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Temple's Construction"), which emphasizes the precise fulfillment of divine instructions and the grandeur of the Temple. This detailed description not only provides architectural information but also underscores the significance and sacredness of the space being described. The **Repetition** of "the two leaves...were folding" for both doors highlights the symmetry and consistency of the design, reinforcing the idea of a perfectly crafted and divinely ordered sanctuary. While not explicitly stated, these physical elements carry **Symbolism**, representing the sacred boundary between the human and divine, and the restricted access to God's immediate presence under the Old Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The doors of the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple represent a profound theological statement about God's holiness and humanity's fallen state. They were a tangible barrier, signifying that direct access to God's immediate presence was restricted, permissible only for the High Priest, and then only once a year, after extensive purification rituals. This physical separation underscored the infinite chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, emphasizing the need for a mediator and atonement. The elaborate craftsmanship and precious materials of these doors further highlighted the immense value and sanctity of the divine presence they guarded, reinforcing the reverence and awe required when approaching the Lord.

* [Exodus 26:33](/exodus/26-33 "Exodus 26:33 - The Veil of the Tabernacle") - Describes the veil in the Tabernacle, serving a similar purpose to these doors, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Restrictions on Entering the Most Holy Place") - States the divine command that Aaron (the High Priest) should not come at any time into the Most Holy Place except on the Day of Atonement, reinforcing the restricted access.
* [Hebrews 9:8](/hebrews/9-8 "Hebrews 9:8 - The Holy Spirit Signifies Restricted Access") - Explains that the Holy Spirit signified by the Tabernacle's design that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet open as long as the first tabernacle was still standing, directly connecting the Old Covenant barriers to a future fulfillment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate and restrictive doors of Solomon's Temple serve as a powerful reminder of the profound separation that once existed between a holy God and sinful humanity. For ancient Israelites, these doors were a constant visual sermon, teaching them about God's unapproachable holiness and their own need for mediation. Today, as believers under the New Covenant, we look back at these doors not as barriers, but as symbols that point to the radical transformation wrought by Christ. The tearing of the Temple veil at Jesus' death ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil")) signified the complete removal of this spiritual barrier, granting us direct access to God's presence through Christ's atoning sacrifice. This verse, detailing an ancient barrier, serves as a profound reminder of the incredible privilege and intimacy we now have with God, an intimacy that was once unimaginable. It calls us to live lives worthy of such access, approaching God with both boldness and reverence, understanding the immense cost of our redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the Temple's doors in 1 Kings 6:34 deepen your appreciation for the holiness of God?**
* **In what ways does the concept of restricted access in the Old Covenant highlight the radical nature of the access we now have through Christ?**
* **If the physical doors of the Temple no longer separate us from God, what spiritual or emotional "doors" might still hinder our intimacy with Him today?**

### FAQ
**Why were the doors to the Most Holy Place so elaborate and restrictive?**

Answer: The doors to the Most Holy Place were elaborate and restrictive for several profound theological and practical reasons. Theologically, they served as a tangible symbol of God's absolute holiness and the inherent sinfulness of humanity. The Most Holy Place was where God's unique presence resided, specifically above the Ark of the Covenant, and it was considered too sacred for common access. The elaborate construction, using precious "fir tree" (cypress) wood and a "folding" mechanism, underscored the immense value and sanctity of the space. Practically, the doors provided security for the Ark of the Covenant and ensured that only the High Priest, on the Day of Atonement and according to strict divine protocol ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")), could enter. This design reinforced the Old Covenant system of mediation and atonement, where a barrier existed between God and His people, necessitating a priestly intercessor and sacrificial rituals for reconciliation. This barrier, however, foreshadowed a greater access that would be provided in the future through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "fir tree" doors of the Most Holy Place, meticulously described in [1 Kings 6:34](/1_kings/6-34 "1 Kings 6:34 - The Temple's Inner Doors"), stand as a powerful Old Testament shadow pointing directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ. These doors symbolized the profound separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, a barrier that only the High Priest could briefly and ritually pass through once a year. However, in Christ, this ancient barrier is utterly demolished. The ultimate fulfillment of these restrictive doors is found in the tearing of the Temple veil from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death on the cross ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil")). This dramatic event signified that the way to God's presence was no longer through physical barriers or an earthly priesthood, but through the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus Himself declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")). He is our great High Priest, who has entered the true heavenly sanctuary, not by means of animal blood, but by His own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Thus, the very doors that once restricted access now serve as a powerful testament to the boundless and intimate access to God that is freely available to all believers through faith in Jesus, our open door to the Father's presence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

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

Ezekiel 41:23

And the temple and the sanctuary had two doors.

Ezekiel 41:25

And [there were] made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubims and palm trees, like as [were] made upon the walls; and [there were] thick planks upon the face of the porch without.

1 Kings 5:8

And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: [and] I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.