1 Kings 6:37

KJV

In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif:

KJV (with Strong's)

In the fourth {H7243} year {H8141} was the foundation {H3245} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} laid {H3245}, in the month {H3391} Zif {H2099}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The foundation of the house of ADONAI was laid in the fourth year, in the month of Ziv.

Berean Standard Bible

The foundation of the house of the LORD was laid in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, in the month of Ziv.

American Standard Version

In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of Jehovah laid, in the month Ziv.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:37 precisely marks the commencement of the physical construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. This verse pinpoints the laying of the foundation for what would become the central edifice for Israelite worship and the symbolic dwelling place of God, providing a crucial chronological anchor within the broader narrative of the Temple's building and dedication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed account of King Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on the monumental task of building the Temple in Jerusalem, which spans [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Preparations for the Temple") through [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"). Following extensive preparations detailed in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Preparations for the Temple"), including the procurement of materials and skilled labor through alliances with Hiram of Tyre, [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - Temple Construction Begins") establishes the overarching timeframe for the Temple's construction, stating it began 480 years after the Exodus. Verse 37 then provides a more specific chronological marker for the *start* of the physical building, indicating the precise year and month the foundation was laid. The subsequent verses in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Temple Dimensions and Construction") meticulously describe the Temple's dimensions, materials, and internal structure, emphasizing the grandeur and sacredness of the edifice from its very inception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a central temple was a common practice in the ancient Near East, where temples served as the dwelling places of gods and centers of political and religious life. However, Israel's Temple was unique in its dedication to the one true God, Yahweh. Solomon's project was immense, requiring vast resources and international cooperation, reflecting the wealth and power of his kingdom at its zenith. The "fourth year" of Solomon's reign places this event early in his 40-year rule, indicating a swift move to fulfill the divine mandate given to his father, David, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David"). The "month Zif" (or Ziv) was the second month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to April/May, a time of spring and new beginnings, which would have been an auspicious and practical time to commence such a significant construction project in the region, following the rainy season.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 6:37](/1_kings/6-37 "1 Kings 6:37 - Foundation of the Temple Laid") contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Mandate and Human Obedience**, as Solomon's undertaking was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for His name ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David")). Secondly, the meticulous chronological detail highlights the theme of **Divine Timing and Historical Precision**, emphasizing that this sacred work was not haphazard but unfolded according to God's precise plan. Thirdly, the laying of the "foundation" speaks to the theme of **Foundational Importance**, symbolizing that great and enduring works, especially those dedicated to God, require a solid and deliberate groundwork. Finally, the phrase "house of the LORD" reinforces the central theological theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**, signifying the Temple's role as the physical locus of God's presence, worship, and covenant relationship with Israel, a concept profoundly explored throughout [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foundation (Hebrew, מוּסָדָה, _mûsādāh'_):** This noun refers to the base or substructure upon which a building is erected. In the context of the Temple, it signifies the crucial initial step in a massive and sacred undertaking. The laying of the foundation implies permanence, stability, and the establishment of a lasting structure. Spiritually, it often symbolizes the essential, underlying principles or truths upon which something significant is built, as seen in the New Testament's reference to Christ as the foundation.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, בֵּית יְהוָה, _bêṯ Yahweh'_):** This is a profound theological designation for the Temple. "House" (_bêṯ_) denotes not just a physical structure but also a dwelling place, a family, or an established lineage. Coupled with "LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant name of God), it signifies the Temple as the specific, consecrated place where God's presence was manifested among His people, where His name was invoked, and where covenant worship and sacrifice were offered. It emphasizes the Temple's sacred purpose as the earthly center of God's relationship with Israel.
* **Zif (Hebrew, זִו, _ziv'_):** This ancient Canaanite name for the second month of the Hebrew calendar (corresponding to April/May) means "radiance," "bloom," or "splendor." Its use here is not merely a chronological marker but subtly adds a layer of symbolic meaning. The month of blossoming and new life fittingly marks the commencement of a glorious and divinely ordained project, hinting at the beauty and spiritual vitality that the Temple was intended to embody for Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the fourth year":** This phrase provides a precise chronological anchor, dating the event to the fourth year of King Solomon's reign. This specificity highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the biblical authors and underscores the historical reality and significance of the Temple's construction. It also places the event early in Solomon's rule, demonstrating his immediate commitment to this divine mandate.
* **"was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid":** This is the central action of the verse. It describes the crucial initial step in the Temple's construction—the laying of its foundational stones. The passive voice ("was laid") subtly emphasizes that while human hands performed the work, the ultimate impetus and divine oversight belonged to God. The "house of the LORD" identifies the specific purpose of the building as a sacred dwelling for Yahweh, setting it apart from any ordinary structure.
* **"in the month Zif":** This provides a further, more granular chronological detail, specifying the exact month within the fourth year. The mention of "Zif" (the second month) not only adds historical precision but also carries a symbolic resonance, as previously noted, aligning the start of this sacred project with a time of natural beauty, growth, and new beginnings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Chronological Precision**, using specific temporal markers ("fourth year," "month Zif") to ground the narrative in historical reality and emphasize the deliberate, divinely orchestrated timing of the Temple's construction. This precision lends an air of authenticity and importance to the event. Furthermore, there is subtle **Symbolism** embedded in the mention of "the month Zif," which, meaning "radiance" or "bloom," subtly connects the natural world's renewal and beauty with the spiritual significance and glory of the Temple's inception. The phrase "house of the LORD" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the physical structure stands for the divine presence and covenant relationship it facilitates, emphasizing that the building is not merely stone and wood but a consecrated space for God's dwelling among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The laying of the Temple's foundation in 1 Kings 6:37 represents a pivotal moment in salvation history, marking the tangible beginning of God's chosen dwelling place among His people. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly to David concerning a lasting dynasty and a house built for His name. This event solidified Israel's identity as a nation with a central place of worship, where atonement could be made and God's presence experienced. The meticulous detail of the timing emphasizes divine intentionality and the sacred nature of the endeavor, laying the groundwork for the rich theological themes of God's immanence, the importance of consecrated space, and the necessity of a proper foundation for spiritual endeavors.

* [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "God's Promise to David's Son")
* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "God's Cornerstone in Zion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail surrounding the laying of the Temple's foundation in 1 Kings 6:37 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as the magnificent Temple, a symbol of God's presence, began with a carefully laid, unseen foundation, so too must our spiritual lives and endeavors be built upon a solid and unshakeable base. This verse reminds us that true spiritual growth and lasting impact are not built on superficiality or haste, but on deliberate, foundational principles—the truths of God's Word, the character of Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to examine the "foundations" of our faith: are we rooted in Christ, or are we building on shifting sand? Furthermore, the divine timing emphasized in the text encourages patience and trust in God's perfect orchestration of events, reminding us that while we are called to diligent work, the ultimate success and flourishing of His kingdom initiatives rest in His sovereign hand. This passage inspires us to commit to foundational truths and to build our lives and ministries with the same intentionality and reverence that characterized the building of God's ancient house.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foundations" are you currently laying in your spiritual life, and are they aligned with God's Word and purpose?**
* **How does the emphasis on divine timing in this verse encourage or challenge your approach to personal goals or ministry endeavors?**
* **In what ways can your life, as a "temple of the Holy Spirit," reflect the sacredness and intentionality seen in the building of Solomon's Temple?**

### FAQ

**Why is the specific date, "the fourth year" and "month Zif," so important?**

Answer: The specific dating in [1 Kings 6:37](/1_kings/6-37 "Foundation of the Temple Laid") serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the historical accuracy and meticulous record-keeping characteristic of biblical narratives, grounding this monumental event in verifiable time. This precision lends credibility to the account. Secondly, it highlights the divine intentionality behind the Temple's construction. The fact that the foundation was laid early in Solomon's reign (his fourth year) demonstrates his immediate obedience to God's command and the urgency with which this sacred project was undertaken. Finally, the mention of "month Zif" (April/May) not only provides a practical seasonal context for construction but also carries symbolic weight, as Zif means "radiance" or "bloom," subtly connecting the commencement of this glorious house for the LORD with a time of natural beauty and new beginnings. This level of detail emphasizes that the Temple was not a casual undertaking but a divinely ordained and precisely timed endeavor.

**What is the significance of the "house of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "house of the LORD" (Hebrew: _bêṯ Yahweh_) is profoundly significant. It refers to the Temple not merely as a building but as the designated dwelling place for God's presence among His people, Israel. This concept dates back to the Tabernacle in the wilderness ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")), where God commanded Israel to "make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." The Temple was the permanent, stationary fulfillment of this desire, serving as the central hub for Israelite worship, sacrifice, and covenant renewal. It was where God's name would dwell ([1 Kings 8:29](/1_kings/8-29 "God's Name Dwells in the Temple")), where His glory would be manifested ([1 Kings 8:11](/1_kings/8-11 "God's Glory Fills the Temple")), and where the people could draw near to Him. The laying of its foundation therefore marked the physical embodiment of God's commitment to be present with His chosen nation, a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness.

**How does the "foundation" of the Temple relate to spiritual foundations today?**

Answer: The laying of the Temple's foundation in [1 Kings 6:37](/1_kings/6-37 "Foundation of the Temple Laid") serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual foundations. Just as a physical structure requires a strong, stable base to endure, so too do our lives of faith. The New Testament frequently picks up this theme, most notably in [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "Christ the Only Foundation"), where Paul explicitly states, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." This means that the ultimate and only true foundation for our salvation, our spiritual growth, and our eternal hope is Christ Himself. Building on this foundation involves hearing and obeying His words ([Matthew 7:24](/matthew/7-24 "The Wise and Foolish Builders")), growing in knowledge of Him, and living according to His principles. Just as the Temple's foundation was meticulously laid, our spiritual foundations must be deliberately and firmly established in Christ to withstand the storms of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 6:37 details the laying of the foundation for a physical structure, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity, fully realized in Jesus Christ. The Temple, as the "house of the LORD," was a temporary and symbolic representation of God's presence, limited by its physical boundaries and the need for ongoing sacrifices. However, in the New Testament, Jesus declares Himself to be greater than the Temple ([Matthew 12:6](/matthew/12-6 "Jesus Greater Than the Temple")), and later, He speaks of His own body as the Temple that would be destroyed and raised in three days ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). This signifies that Jesus Himself is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God, the very embodiment of God's presence on earth. Furthermore, through His atoning work, believers are incorporated into His body, becoming "living stones" built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones")), a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the meticulous laying of the Temple's foundation in Solomon's day points forward to the perfect, unshakeable foundation of Christ, upon whom God's new, eternal dwelling—His Church—is being built, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where God will truly dwell with His people forever ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "God Dwells with His People")).

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 6:1

¶ And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 3:2

And he began to build in the second [day] of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.