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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Kings 6:15–38. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
The allegorical meaning of the fact that the house of the Lord was built in seven years is plain, because, of course, the holy church is being built of the souls of the elect for the entire duration of this world, which is also completed in a period of six days, and it too brings its growth to an end with the end of the world. Or, at all events, it is built in seven years on account of the import of the grace of the Spirit through which the church alone gets the authority to be the church. For Isaiah enumerates the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit without which no one can either become a believer or keep the faith or by the merit of faith attain the crown. On the other hand, the fact that it was in the eighth year and in the eighth month of that year that the house was completed in all its parts and all its specifications has to do with the world to come and the day of judgment when the holy church will already have reached such a degree of perfection that it will not be possible to find anything to add to it. For it will then have what that dutiful devotee suppliantly asked of the Lord, saying, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” For it is well known that the day of judgment is often represented typologically in the Scriptures by the number eight from the fact that it follows this world, which lasts for seven days. This is also why the prophet gave the title “For the eighth” to the psalm he used to sing through fear of this severe judge, beginning with the words “Lord, rebuke me not in your indignation, nor chastise me in your wrath,” and so forth.But there arises the rather important question as to how the house of the Lord is said to have been completed in all its parts in the eighth month and in all its specifications, whereas in what follows one reads that its dedication was completed in the seventh month. On the other hand, it is not credible that Solomon, though he built the temple in seven years and completed it in the eighth month of the eighth year, nevertheless deferred the dedication of the completed building until the seventh month of the ninth year. Hence it seems more likely that the house was built in seven years and seven months so that the solemn ceremony of dedication might be celebrated in the same seventh month, and, as the Chronicles relate, on the twenty-third day of that month Solomon sent the people away to their tents, and thus after one week when the eighth month had come around, the house of the Lord was found to be complete and already finished, that is to say, both in all its parts and in its actual dedication. Unless perhaps one should think that after the dedication of the temple some extra features were added for its services up to the beginning of the eighth month, the king speeding up the work so that the temple would be dedicated in the seventh month, … and that in this way the two things might turn out to be true, namely, both that the temple had been completed in the eighth month in all its parts and specifications and that it had been dedicated in the seventh month.
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Summary
First Kings 6:38 meticulously records the triumphant completion of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, precisely dating this monumental achievement to the eleventh year of his reign, in the month Bul, which corresponds to the eighth month of the Hebrew calendar. The verse emphasizes the absolute completeness and perfect adherence to the divine blueprint, stating that "the house [was] finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it." This culmination of seven years of dedicated construction marked a profound moment in Israel's history, establishing the central sanctuary for Yahweh's worship and fulfilling a long-standing divine promise to the Davidic dynasty.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the definitive climax of the detailed architectural narrative concerning the construction of Solomon's Temple, a process initiated in 1 Kings 6:1. The preceding verses, particularly 1 Kings 6:2-37, meticulously describe the Temple's precise dimensions, the lavish materials employed (such as cedar, cypress, and gold), and the intricate decorative elements. This extensive description underscores the immense resources, meticulous craftsmanship, and profound significance attributed to the House of the Lord. The precise dating in 1 Kings 6:38 provides a crucial chronological anchor, signaling the conclusion of the building phase and setting the stage for the subsequent account of Solomon's other significant building projects in 1 Kings 7, followed by the climactic dedication of the Temple in 1 Kings 8.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction of the Temple was the preeminent undertaking of Solomon's reign, fulfilling the divine covenant made to his father, King David, that his son would build a lasting house for God's name. This project not only solidified Jerusalem's status as the religious and political heart of the united monarchy but also served as a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people. The reference to "the month Bul" is significant, as it uses an ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month (corresponding to October-November), indicating the use of a widely recognized regional calendar alongside the Israelite numerical designation. The impressive seven-year duration of the construction attests to the scale of the undertaking, the vast labor force (including both Israelite conscripts and skilled Phoenician artisans from Tyre), the immense material resources marshaled, and the sophisticated administrative and logistical capabilities of Solomon's kingdom. The Temple was far more than a mere edifice; it was the physical embodiment of God's dwelling among Israel, destined to be the central locus for national worship, sacrifice, and pilgrimage for centuries to come.
Key Themes
The completion of the Temple in 1 Kings 6:38 encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights Divine Design and Meticulous Execution. The phrase "finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it" underscores the absolute completeness and the strict adherence to the detailed architectural plans, which were understood to have been divinely revealed to David and passed on to Solomon (compare 1 Chronicles 28:11-19). This emphasizes the critical importance of precise obedience to God's instructions in sacred undertakings. Secondly, the "seven years in building it" signifies Perseverance and Dedication, reflecting a sustained period of immense effort, resource allocation, and unwavering commitment from King Solomon and the Israelite people to establish a central dwelling place for the Lord's presence. This long duration demonstrates the cost and commitment involved in serving God's purposes. Finally, the Temple's completion cemented its role as the Centrality of God in National Life, symbolizing His covenant presence and His centrality to the identity and worship of His people, where His name was to dwell (1 Kings 8:29).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This is an ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month of the Hebrew civil calendar, roughly corresponding to October-November in the Gregorian calendar. Its inclusion alongside the numerical designation ("the eighth month") provides a precise historical anchor for the Temple's completion. The use of this older, pre-exilic calendar name, also found in other ancient Near Eastern texts, indicates its widespread usage in the region and lends historical authenticity to the biblical account.
The verb "kâlâh" means to complete, to bring to an end, or to perfect. Here, it emphasizes the absolute conclusion of the construction project. The repetition of the idea of completion within the verse ("finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it") underscores that nothing was left undone; the Temple was brought to a state of perfect readiness and entirety according to its original, divinely-inspired blueprint. This signifies a work brought to its intended consummation.
While "mishpâṭ" most commonly means "judgment" or "justice," in architectural or procedural contexts, it refers to the prescribed manner, design, or plan. The phrase "according to all the fashion of it" indicates that the Temple was built in precise conformity to its detailed specifications and design. This highlights the meticulous adherence to the divinely revealed architectural blueprints, signifying perfect execution of God's will for His dwelling place, leaving no room for human improvisation or deviation.
Verse Breakdown
"And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which [is] the eighth month"
This initial clause provides the precise chronological markers for the Temple's completion. The "eleventh year" refers to the eleventh year of King Solomon's reign. The "month Bul" is the ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month of the Hebrew civil calendar, which aligns with October-November. This dual dating system (ancient name and numerical designation) ensures clarity and historical specificity, underscoring the monumental significance of the event and the meticulous record-keeping associated with such a national and religious undertaking.
"was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it"
This segment declares the absolute and comprehensive completion of the Temple. "Throughout all the parts thereof" signifies that every component, from the foundational stones to the intricate roof, from the inner sanctuary (Most Holy Place) to the outer courts and surrounding structures, was fully constructed and perfected. "According to all the fashion of it" emphasizes that the building adhered perfectly to its original design and specifications, implying a divine blueprint that was faithfully executed without deviation or compromise. This speaks to the perfection and completeness required for a dwelling place of the holy God.
"So was he seven years in building it"
This final clause summarizes the total duration of the construction project. The seven-year period (from the fourth year of Solomon's reign, as noted in 1 Kings 6:1, to the eleventh year) highlights the immense scale of the undertaking, the unwavering dedication required, and the significant resources invested. The number seven, often associated with completeness, perfection, and divine action in biblical numerology, subtly reinforces the idea of a divinely ordained and perfectly executed work, brought to its sacred conclusion.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. Precision is vividly evident in the meticulous chronological details ("eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month"), which not only provide historical accuracy but also underscore the monumental nature of the event. Repetition of the idea of completion, conveyed through the phrases "finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it," emphasizes the thoroughness, perfection, and comprehensive nature of the work. The Symbolism of "seven years" subtly reinforces the idea of completeness, divine perfection, and the sacred nature of the project, as seven is a recurring number of divine action, covenant, and fullness in Scripture. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Culmination, bringing to a definitive close the preceding detailed architectural descriptions and preparing the reader for the subsequent narrative of the Temple's dedication and its role in Israel's worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The completion of Solomon's Temple, as recorded in 1 Kings 6:38, signifies the glorious fulfillment of God's promise to David and the establishment of a tangible dwelling place for the Lord among His people. This monumental act underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His profound desire to dwell in intimate communion with humanity. It also highlights the human responsibility to diligently and precisely execute divine commands, as Solomon and the Israelites meticulously followed the divinely-inspired plans for the sanctuary. The Temple's completion was not merely an architectural feat but a profound theological statement about God's immanent presence, His holiness, and the centrality of worship in the life of the nation. It served as a tangible reminder of God's sovereignty and His exclusive covenant relationship with Israel, a designated place where atonement could be made, prayers offered, and communion with God could be sought.
Reflection and Application
The completion of Solomon's Temple, after seven years of dedicated and meticulous labor, offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, faithfulness, and diligent effort in our own spiritual endeavors and kingdom assignments. Just as the Temple was built "throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it," we are called to pursue spiritual growth, personal sanctification, and service with diligence, attention to detail, and unwavering adherence to God's revealed will. Significant undertakings for God's kingdom often require sustained effort, immense patience, and a long-term vision, rather than instant gratification. This verse encourages us to "finish well" whatever God has called us to build, whether it's the development of Christ-like character, the establishment of a ministry, or contributing to the spiritual house of God, the Church. It challenges us to critically examine whether our own lives and ministries are truly being built according to God's "fashion" or divine design, reflecting His glory and purpose in every part, ensuring that our efforts align with His blueprint for our lives and for His kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the "seven years" in building the Temple?
The seven-year duration of the Temple's construction (from the fourth to the eleventh year of Solomon's reign) highlights the immense scale, complexity, and national commitment involved in the project. It required vast resources, a massive skilled labor force, and meticulous planning and execution. Beyond the practicalities, the number seven itself often carries significant symbolic weight in biblical numerology, representing completeness, perfection, or divine fullness (e.g., the seven days of creation in Genesis 1). Thus, the seven years not only denote a precise historical period but also subtly reinforce the idea that the Temple was a perfectly completed work, divinely ordained and brought to fruition in a manner that reflected divine blessing and perfection.
What was the "month Bul"?
The "month Bul" was an ancient Canaanite name for the eighth month of the Hebrew civil calendar. This corresponds roughly to our modern months of October and November. The biblical text often employs both older Canaanite calendar names (like Bul for the eighth month, or Ziv for the second month, as seen in 1 Kings 6:1) and their numerical designations ("the eighth month") to provide clear and unambiguous chronological markers for significant historical events. Its inclusion here adds to the historical precision of the account, firmly anchoring the Temple's completion to a specific, identifiable point in time within the ancient Near Eastern context.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Kings 6:38 marks the completion of a magnificent physical structure, its ultimate and profound fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Temple, as the preeminent dwelling place of God's presence among His people, served as a powerful foreshadowing of the incarnate Christ, who is the true and perfect dwelling of God. As John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," literally meaning He "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent" among humanity, signifying that in Jesus, God's very presence was no longer confined to a building but was fully embodied in a person. Jesus Himself boldly proclaimed, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," a statement which the Gospel of John clarifies referred to "the temple of His body" (John 2:21). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ became the ultimate and eternal access point to God, thereby superseding the need for a physical temple for atonement and worship. Furthermore, the New Testament reveals that believers, both individually and corporately, are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19) and are being "built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (Ephesians 2:21-22). Thus, the meticulous completion of Solomon's Temple, built "according to all the fashion of it," beautifully points forward to the perfect, complete, and eternally effective work of Christ, who perfectly embodies God's presence and perfectly builds His spiritual house, the Church, according to God's eternal and flawless design.