1 Kings 6:36

KJV

And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he built {H1129} the inner {H6442} court {H2691} with three {H7969} rows {H2905} of hewed stone {H1496}, and a row {H2905} of cedar {H730} beams {H3773}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He built the inner courtyard with three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and one row of trimmed cedar beams.

American Standard Version

And he built the inner court with three courses of hewn stone, and a course of cedar beams.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:36 offers a precise architectural detail concerning the construction of the inner court of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the foundational materials—three rows of meticulously hewed stone and a single row of cedar beams—used for this sacred enclosure. This inner court, distinct from the larger outer courts, was specifically designated for the priests, underscoring its profound holiness and the meticulous craftsmanship dedicated to God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, spanning from [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Solomon Begins Temple Construction") to [1 Kings 7:51](/1_kings/7-51 "1 Kings 7:51 - Completion of Temple and Palace"). Specifically, [1 Kings 6:15-36](/1_kings/6-15 "1 Kings 6:15-36 - Details of the Temple Interior") describes the interior structure and materials of the main sanctuary, including the holy place and the most holy place (the oracle). Verse 36 acts as a bridge, concluding the description of the immediate Temple structure and setting the stage for the broader complex, including Solomon's own palace, described in [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Further Temple Details"). The meticulous detail here emphasizes the divine origin of the Temple's design, echoing the precise instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-40 - Instructions and Construction of the Tabernacle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple, built in the 10th century BCE, was the central place of worship for ancient Israel, replacing the portable Tabernacle. Its construction was a monumental undertaking, requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and international cooperation, particularly with Hiram, King of Tyre, who provided cedar wood and expert craftsmen (as detailed in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")). The use of "hewed stone" and "cedar beams" reflects the highest standards of ancient Near Eastern architecture. Hewed stone indicated superior craftsmanship, as stones were cut and shaped off-site to ensure quiet and efficient assembly on-site, a detail noted in [1 Kings 6:7](/1_kings/6-7 "1 Kings 6:7 - Stones Prepared Off-Site"). Cedar from Lebanon was a prized commodity, known for its durability, aromatic properties, and resistance to decay, often used in royal and sacred structures throughout the region, signifying luxury and permanence. The inner court, often referred to as the "priests' court," was a restricted area, symbolizing the holiness of God and the exclusive access granted to the Levitical priests for their sacred duties.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed description of the inner court in [1 Kings 6:36](/1_kings/6-36 "1 Kings 6:36 - Construction of the Inner Court") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and broader biblical narrative. First, it underscores the **Divine Blueprint and Precision** inherent in God's dwelling place. The meticulousness of the architectural details reflects the sacredness of the project and God's desire for order and excellence in worship, a theme consistently present from the Tabernacle's construction. Second, the use of "hewed stone" and "cedar beams" highlights the theme of **Quality and Excellence** dedicated to the Lord. Solomon spared no expense, using the finest and most durable materials available, signifying the profound reverence and honor due to God. This commitment to excellence serves as a model for devotion. Third, the distinct construction of the inner court reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. This area, reserved for the priests, visually and functionally demarcated a sacred boundary, emphasizing the set-apart nature of God's presence and the specific requirements for approaching Him, a concept rooted in the Mosaic Law and the design of the Tabernacle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Inner court (Hebrew: חָצֵר הַפְּנִימִית, _ḥāṣēr happənîmîṯ'_):** This term refers to the innermost enclosure of the Temple complex, directly surrounding the main sanctuary building. It was distinct from the larger outer courts (cf. [1 Kings 7:12](/1_kings/7-12 "1 Kings 7:12 - The Great Court")). Its designation as "inner" implies a higher degree of sanctity and restricted access. Only the priests were permitted to enter this court to perform their daily sacrificial duties and minister before the Lord. The specific construction details of this court emphasize its sacred boundary and its role as the immediate threshold to God's dwelling.
* **Hewed stone (Hebrew: אֶבֶן גָּזִית, _’even gāzîṯ'_):** This phrase denotes stones that were carefully cut, shaped, and dressed, as opposed to rough, unhewn stones. The use of "hewed stone" signifies superior craftsmanship, precision, and expense. [1 Kings 6:7](/1_kings/6-7 "1 Kings 6:7 - Stones Prepared Off-Site") explicitly states that these stones were prepared at the quarry, ensuring that no hammer, axe, or any iron tool was heard in the Temple while it was being built. This detail underscores the reverence for the sacred space and the desire for a perfect, undisturbed construction process, reflecting the purity and peace associated with God's presence.
* **Cedar beams (Hebrew: קְרֹת אֲרָזִים, _qərōṯ ’ărāzîm'_):** "Cedar" refers to the highly prized wood from the cedars of Lebanon, renowned for its strength, durability, aromatic properties, and resistance to decay. It was a luxury material, often associated with royal palaces and sacred structures (cf. [2 Samuel 7:2](/2_samuel/7-2 "2 Samuel 7:2 - David's House of Cedar")). Its inclusion in the inner court's construction, alongside hewed stone, highlights the immense value and reverence placed upon the Temple. The "beams" (or "rows" as translated in KJV) likely refer to courses of cedar planks or timbers used as a capstone, a decorative element, or perhaps part of a railing or upper structure, adding a touch of beauty and prestige to the solid stone foundation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he built the inner court":** This clause identifies King Solomon as the builder, continuing the narrative of his monumental construction project. The "inner court" is the specific focus, immediately surrounding the Temple building itself, distinguishing it from the larger "great court" mentioned later. This space was set apart for the priests and their sacred duties.
* **"with three rows of hewed stone":** This detail specifies the primary material and foundational structure of the inner court's walls. The use of "three rows" suggests a substantial and solid base, indicating stability and permanence. "Hewed stone" emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and high quality of the materials, prepared off-site to maintain the sanctity of the building process.
* **"and a row of cedar beams":** This final clause describes the complementary material used in the construction. The "row of cedar beams" likely refers to a course of cedar wood laid atop the stone rows, possibly as a decorative element, a capstone, or part of a structural component like a railing or an upper course. This addition of luxurious and durable cedar signifies the excellence and beauty dedicated to God's house, contrasting the solidity of stone with the elegance of wood.

#### Literary Devices
The description in [1 Kings 6:36](/1_kings/6-36 "1 Kings 6:36 - Construction of the Inner Court") employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The most prominent is **Precision and Detail**, where the exact number of rows and specific materials are meticulously listed. This hyper-specificity is not merely architectural reporting but serves to underscore the divine importance and sacredness of the Temple. Every element is intentional, reflecting a divine blueprint rather than human whim, thereby elevating the structure to a sacred artifact. There is also an element of **Contrast** in the materials: the heavy, solid "hewed stone" forms the foundational bulk, while the lighter, aromatic "cedar beams" likely provide a finishing touch or upper structure. This contrast highlights both the strength and beauty inherent in God's dwelling. Furthermore, the materials themselves carry **Symbolism**: hewed stone symbolizes permanence, strength, and the painstaking effort required for God's work, while cedar symbolizes luxury, beauty, and durability, representing the finest offering to the Lord. The entire description of the inner court also functions as **Metonymy**, where the part (the inner court) stands for the whole (the Temple's sanctity and exclusivity), emphasizing the sacred boundaries and the restricted access to God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of the inner court, as detailed in [1 Kings 6:36](/1_kings/6-36 "1 Kings 6:36 - Construction of the Inner Court"), is replete with theological significance. It speaks to God's desire to dwell among His people, yet in a manner that underscores His absolute holiness and transcendence. The meticulous design and costly materials reflect the reverence due to the Creator of the universe. The inner court's restricted access, reserved for priests, visually and functionally taught Israel about the necessary separation between the holy and the common, and the mediation required to approach God. This detail, therefore, not only describes a physical structure but also embodies profound theological truths about God's character, the nature of worship, and the conditions of divine-human encounter under the Old Covenant.

* [Exodus 40:33](/exodus/40-33 "The Tabernacle Court")
* [Ezekiel 40:28](/ezekiel/40-28 "Description of the Inner Court in the Visionary Temple")
* [Hebrews 9:1-7](/hebrews/9-1 "Earthly Sanctuary and Its Services")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise description of the inner court in [1 Kings 6:36](/1_kings/6-36 "1 Kings 6:36 - Construction of the Inner Court") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. While we no longer build physical temples of stone and cedar, the principles of dedication, excellence, and holiness remain eternally relevant. The meticulous craftsmanship and costly materials used for God's dwelling place challenge us to consider the quality of our own spiritual offerings. Are we giving God our "hewed stone" and "cedar beams"—our best efforts, our purest motives, our most refined talents—or are we settling for less? The inner court's restricted access reminds us of God's holiness and the privilege of drawing near to Him, a privilege now granted through Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate a life marked by reverence, intentionality, and a commitment to excellence in all areas of our lives, recognizing that our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit. Our lives, individually and corporately, should reflect the same care and devotion that Solomon poured into the physical Temple, becoming a beautiful and holy dwelling place for God's presence in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I offering God "hewed stone" and "cedar beams," and where might I be offering less than my best?**
* **How does the concept of the "inner court" and its restricted access inform my understanding of God's holiness and the privilege of worship?**
* **Considering that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, what practical steps can I take to live a life that reflects the same dedication and excellence seen in the Temple's construction?**
* **How does the quiet, precise construction of the Temple (stones prepared off-site) speak to the nature of spiritual growth and the building of God's kingdom today?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose and significance of the "inner court" of Solomon's Temple?**

Answer: The "inner court," also known as the "priests' court," was the most sacred outer area of the Temple complex, immediately surrounding the main sanctuary building (the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place). Its primary purpose was to provide a dedicated, holy space for the Levitical priests to perform their daily sacrificial rituals, minister before the Lord, and carry out their sacred duties. Its significance lay in its restricted access, serving as a physical boundary that emphasized God's holiness and the necessary separation between the sacred and the common. It was the closest point of approach for human beings to God's dwelling place, accessible only to those consecrated for service, thereby reinforcing the themes of mediation and divine transcendence within Israelite worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the inner court in [1 Kings 6:36](/1_kings/6-36 "1 Kings 6:36 - Construction of the Inner Court"), with its hewed stone and cedar beams, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, with its layers of courts and restricted access, served as a powerful shadow of a greater spiritual reality. In Christ, the ultimate "inner court" is opened, as He is the true and living Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection, Referring to His Body as the Temple")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus abolished the need for a physical inner court and priestly mediation, tearing the veil that separated humanity from God's most holy presence (cf. [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). Now, believers are invited to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" into the very presence of God, through the new and living way that Christ consecrated for us (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Most Holy Place")). Furthermore, the Church, composed of believers, is now God's spiritual temple, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household and Temple")). We, as "living stones," are being built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Thus, the excellence and holiness symbolized by the Temple's inner court are now realized in the indwelling Holy Spirit within individual believers and the corporate body of Christ, making us the dwelling place of God by the Spirit.

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 7:12

And the great court round about [was] with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.

Revelation 11:2

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months.

Exodus 38:9

¶ And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court [were of] fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

Exodus 38:20

And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, [were of] brass.

2 Chronicles 7:7

Moreover Solomon hallowed the middle of the court that [was] before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brasen altar which Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings, and the meat offerings, and the fat.

Exodus 27:9

¶ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

Exodus 27:19

All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, [shall be of] brass.