1 Kings 6:6 | Bible Study Tools

The nethermost chamber [was] five cubits broad, and the middle [was] six cubits broad, and the third [was] seven cubits broad: for without [in the wall] of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that [the beams] should not be fastened in the walls of the house.

The nethermost ^{H8481} chamber ^{H3326}^{H3326} was five ^{H2568} cubits ^{H520} broad ^{H7341}, and the middle ^{H8484} was six ^{H8337} cubits ^{H520} broad ^{H7341}, and the third ^{H7992} was seven ^{H7651} cubits ^{H520} broad ^{H7341}: for without in the wall of ^{H2351} the house ^{H1004} he made ^{H5414} narrowed rests ^{H4052} round about ^{H5439}, that the beams should not be fastened ^{H270} in the walls ^{H7023} of the house ^{H1004}.

The lowest floor of the annex was eight-and-three-quarters feet wide, the middle floor ten-and-a-half feet wide and the third floor twelve-and-a-quarter feet wide; for he had made the outer part of the wall of the house step-shaped, so that the beams of the annex would not have to be attached to the house walls.

The bottom floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven cubits. He also placed offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls.

The nethermost story was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad; for on the outside he made offsets in the wall of the house round about, that the beams should not have hold in the walls of the house.

Commentary

1 Kings 6:6 offers a fascinating glimpse into the meticulous architectural design and construction of King Solomon’s First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically details the varying dimensions of the side chambers built around the main sanctuary and explains the ingenious method used to support them without physically attaching beams to the Temple’s sacred walls.

Context

This verse is part of a comprehensive account in 1 Kings chapter 6, which describes the seven-year process of building the magnificent Temple. Solomon's Temple was designed to be the permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the central site for Israelite worship, signifying God's presence among His people. The extraordinary detail provided in these chapters underscores the divine importance and sacred nature of this monumental undertaking, reflecting God's own order and perfection.

Key Architectural Details and Significance

Varying Widths: The side chambers, built on three levels, increased in breadth as they ascended. The lowest level ("nethermost chamber") was five cubits broad, the middle level six cubits broad, and the highest level ("third") was seven cubits broad. This stepped design likely provided structural stability and perhaps allowed for more space on the upper levels.
Innovative Support System: The verse explains that "without [in the wall] of the house he made narrowed rests round about." These "rests" were essentially ledges or rebates carved into the exterior of the main Temple wall. These ledges served as direct supports for the floor beams of the side chambers.
Preservation of Sanctity: The critical reason for this unique construction method was "that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house." This design choice prevented any holes or penetrations into the holy walls of the Temple itself. It demonstrates a profound reverence for the sanctity and structural integrity of God's dwelling place, a principle also evident in the silent construction process mentioned in 1 Kings 6:7, where no hammer, axe, or iron tool was heard on site.

Linguistic Insights

The unit of measurement, "cubit" (Hebrew: ammah), was a standard ancient measure, typically representing the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The precise cubit measurements highlight the exactitude and intentionality behind the Temple's design.

Practical Application

The meticulous details of the Temple's construction, even down to how its side chambers were supported, offer several enduring principles for believers:

Excellence in Service: God values careful planning, precision, and excellence in all undertakings, especially those dedicated to His glory. The Temple's construction serves as a model for our own efforts in serving Him.
Reverence for the Sacred: The deliberate design to avoid marring the main Temple walls teaches us to approach sacred things, God's presence, and His work with deep respect, care, and integrity.
Divine Wisdom in Design: Just as King Solomon received extraordinary wisdom for this complex architectural feat, we are reminded that God provides the wisdom and resources necessary for every task He calls us to. This aligns with the encouragement to seek wisdom and guidance from God in all our ways, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.