1 Kings 7:10

KJV

And the foundation [was of] costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the foundation {H3245} was of costly {H3368} stones {H68}, even great {H1419} stones {H68}, stones {H68} of ten {H6235} cubits {H520}, and stones {H68} of eight {H8083} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The foundation was of expensive stone blocks, very large ones - stones fourteen to eighteen feet long.

Berean Standard Bible

The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long.

American Standard Version

And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:10 provides a detailed description of the monumental foundation laid for King Solomon's personal palace and associated governmental structures. This verse underscores the immense scale, exceptional quality, and significant cost of these building projects, emphasizing the use of "costly stones" and "great stones" measured at ten and eight cubits, respectively. It highlights the unparalleled grandeur and stability intended for the king's residence, reflecting Solomon's extraordinary wealth, power, and commitment to constructing enduring symbols of his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy account of Solomon's extensive building programs in Jerusalem, immediately following the detailed description of the construction of the Temple of the Lord in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Building of the Temple"). While the Temple took seven years to complete, [1 Kings 7:1](/1_kings/7-1 "1 Kings 7:1 - Solomon's Palace Construction Begins") transitions to Solomon's own royal complex, which astonishingly took thirteen years to build. Verse 10 specifically focuses on the foundational elements of these secular structures, setting the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Hall of Pillars, the Hall of the Throne, and finally, Solomon's own residence and the house for Pharaoh's daughter. The inclusion of such precise detail regarding the foundation emphasizes the permanence and solidity of these royal edifices, drawing a subtle comparison, yet also a distinction, between the sacred and royal constructions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and imperial expansion for Israel. As a powerful monarch in the Ancient Near East, Solomon engaged in monumental building projects not only out of necessity but also as a means of displaying his immense wealth, wisdom, and the favor of God upon his kingdom. The construction of grand palaces and public buildings was a common practice among ancient rulers, serving as tangible symbols of their authority and enduring legacy. The use of "costly stones" indicates the import of rare, high-quality materials, likely quarried and transported with considerable effort and expense, possibly from distant regions. The "cubit" was a standard unit of measurement in the ancient world, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 centimeters), based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Thus, stones of ten cubits would be roughly 15 to 17.5 feet long, and eight cubits would be about 12 to 14 feet long, truly massive blocks requiring advanced engineering and a vast labor force.
* **Key Themes:** The description in [1 Kings 7:10](/1_kings/7-10 "1 Kings 7:10 - The Foundation of Solomon's Palace") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Kings. Firstly, it highlights the **Grandeur and Scale of Solomon's Reign**, showcasing his unparalleled wealth and power, which is further elaborated upon in [1 Kings 10:23](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23 - Solomon's Unparalleled Wealth and Wisdom"). The sheer size and cost of the foundation stones underscore the opulence and ambition of his building projects, reflecting the zenith of Israel's earthly kingdom. Secondly, the emphasis on a robust foundation speaks to the theme of **Permanence and Stability**. Just as a physical structure requires an unshakeable base to endure, so too did Solomon aim to establish a kingdom and a legacy that would last. This theme subtly foreshadows the eventual decline of the kingdom, reminding the reader that even the most magnificent human endeavors are ultimately subject to divine will and human faithfulness. Thirdly, the use of "costly stones" signifies **Excellence and Quality in Craftsmanship**, demonstrating a commitment to the highest standards in every aspect of the royal construction, mirroring the meticulous detail given to the Temple's construction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Costly stones (Hebrew, אֲבָנִים יְקָרוֹת, _'avanim yeqarot'_):** This phrase denotes stones that are precious, valuable, and likely rare or difficult to acquire. The term "costly" implies not only significant monetary expense but also the high quality, beauty, and perhaps the exotic origin of the materials. These were not ordinary building blocks but select, premium stones chosen for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and symbolic representation of the king's immense resources and refined taste.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, אַמָּה, _'ammah'_):** An ancient unit of linear measurement, typically based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its precise length varied slightly across different cultures and periods (generally between 18 and 21 inches or 45-53 cm), its mention here in specific dimensions (ten cubits and eight cubits) is crucial. It serves to convey the monumental scale of the stones, making them tangible to the reader. A ten-cubit stone would be approximately 15 to 17.5 feet (4.5-5.3 meters) long, and an eight-cubit stone around 12 to 14 feet (3.6-4.2 meters) long. These were truly colossal blocks, requiring immense effort in quarrying, shaping, and transporting, highlighting the advanced engineering capabilities and vast labor force at Solomon's disposal.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the foundation [was of] costly stones":** This opening clause immediately establishes the superior quality and value of the materials used for the base of Solomon's palace. The "foundation" (Hebrew: יְסוֹד, _yesod_) is the critical, unseen element that supports the entire structure. By specifying "costly stones," the text emphasizes that even the hidden parts of the royal complex were built with the utmost extravagance and excellence, reflecting the king's unparalleled wealth and commitment to enduring construction.
* **"even great stones":** This phrase reinforces the sheer physical size and mass of the stones. "Great" (Hebrew: גְּדֹלוֹת, _gedolot_) here refers to their immense dimensions, not just their quality. This detail further impresses upon the reader the monumental scale of the undertaking and the formidable engineering challenge involved in handling such massive blocks, implying tremendous labor and advanced techniques.
* **"stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits":** This final clause provides concrete, specific measurements, leaving no doubt about the extraordinary size of these foundational elements. By giving exact dimensions in cubits, the narrator quantifies the "greatness" of the stones, allowing the audience to visualize the colossal scale. This precision underscores the meticulous planning and execution involved in Solomon's grand architectural projects, highlighting both the king's vision and the skilled craftsmanship of his builders.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 7:10 is **Descriptive Language**, specifically through the use of **Precise Detail** and **Emphasis**. The text does not merely state that the foundation was strong; it elaborates with specific adjectives ("costly," "great") and exact measurements ("ten cubits," "eight cubits"). This meticulous detailing serves to create a vivid mental image of the sheer monumentality and opulence of Solomon's building projects. The repetition of "stones" and the progression from general quality ("costly") to general size ("great") to specific dimensions ("ten cubits," "eight cubits") builds a sense of awe and reinforces the extraordinary nature of the construction. This detailed description functions to underscore Solomon's unparalleled wealth and the grandeur of his reign, implicitly establishing him as a king of immense power and resources, capable of undertaking projects of such colossal scale.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous description of the foundation of Solomon's palace, built with costly and immense stones, carries profound theological and thematic weight. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the importance of a solid and enduring base, not only in physical construction but also in spiritual and moral life. Just as Solomon's grand structures required an unshakeable foundation to withstand the test of time, so too does a life of faith, character, and purpose demand a robust and unyielding spiritual underpinning. The quality and costliness of the stones suggest that what is truly valuable and lasting requires significant investment, effort, and a commitment to excellence, reflecting the divine standard for building a life that honors God. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true stability and longevity come from building on a foundation that is divinely appointed and eternally secure.

* [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone in Zion")
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Christ as the Foundation")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Solomon's foundation in 1 Kings 7:10 invites us to consider the foundations upon which we are building our own lives, our families, and our communities. Are we investing in "costly stones"—principles of truth, integrity, love, and faith—or are we settling for cheaper, less durable materials? The immense size of these ancient stones speaks to the need for a foundation that is not merely adequate but truly massive and unyielding, capable of bearing the weight of life's challenges and the tests of time. Just as Solomon's palace was meant to endure, our spiritual and moral structures should be built with an eye toward eternity, ensuring they can withstand storms and pressures. This verse challenges us to examine the hidden aspects of our lives—the core beliefs, values, and commitments that form our true base—and to ensure they are as solid and well-laid as those described for the king's house.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "costly stones"—values, beliefs, or commitments—are you using to build the foundation of your life?**
* **In what areas of your life (e.g., relationships, finances, spiritual disciplines) do you need to strengthen your foundation, moving from temporary fixes to enduring principles?**
* **How does the permanence intended for Solomon's foundation inspire you to build your life with an eternal perspective?**

### FAQ
**Why is so much detail given to Solomon's building projects, especially his palace, after the Temple?**

Answer: The extensive detail given to Solomon's building projects, including his palace and the Temple, serves several crucial purposes within the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to David concerning a lasting dynasty and a son who would build a house for His name ([2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David")). Solomon's ability to undertake such massive and costly endeavors demonstrates his unparalleled wealth, wisdom, and the peace granted during his reign, all of which were divine blessings. Secondly, the grandeur of these structures, particularly the Temple, was a physical manifestation of God's glory dwelling among His people and a testament to Israel's elevated status among nations. The palace, while secular, was inextricably linked to the king's role as God's anointed ruler, and its magnificence reflected the glory of the kingdom itself. Finally, the detailed descriptions, including the foundation in [1 Kings 7:10](/1_kings/7-10 "1 Kings 7:10 - The Foundation of Solomon's Palace"), provide historical authenticity and emphasize the immense scale of these undertakings, which required vast resources, skilled labor, and meticulous planning, solidifying the historical record of Solomon's golden age.

**What is the significance of the "cubit" measurement in this context?**

Answer: The mention of specific cubit measurements ("ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits") is highly significant because it quantifies the "greatness" of the stones, allowing the reader to grasp the truly monumental scale of the foundation. While the cubit was a standard ancient unit of measurement (roughly 18-21 inches), its application here to stones of such length (15-17.5 feet and 12-14 feet) highlights the extraordinary engineering and logistical challenges involved. It underscores that these were not ordinary building blocks but massive, custom-cut monoliths. This detail serves to impress upon the audience the immense power, wealth, and sophisticated capabilities of Solomon's kingdom, demonstrating his ability to command vast resources and skilled labor to construct structures of unparalleled grandeur and durability. It transforms a general statement of "great stones" into a concrete, awe-inspiring reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The description of Solomon's foundation, built with "costly stones" and "great stones" of immense size, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ as the true and eternal foundation for God's ultimate spiritual temple. Solomon's physical palace, though magnificent and built for permanence, was ultimately temporary and subject to the decay of an earthly kingdom. In contrast, the New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the **chief cornerstone** upon whom God is building an eternal, spiritual house—the Church. As [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Cornerstone in Zion") prophesied, God would lay in Zion a "tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation." This prophecy is explicitly applied to Christ in [1 Peter 2:6-7](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6-7 - Christ, the Living Stone") and [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets"), where believers are described as being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." The "costly stones" of Solomon's foundation foreshadow the infinite value and preciousness of Christ's person and His atoning sacrifice, which forms the unshakeable base of our salvation and eternal hope. Just as Solomon's foundation ensured the stability of his earthly kingdom, Christ's foundation guarantees the eternal security and flourishing of God's spiritual kingdom, inviting all who hear His words to build their lives upon Him, the only true and enduring rock ([Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-25 - Building on the Rock")).

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

Revelation 21:19

And the foundations of the wall of the city [were] garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation [was] jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;

Revelation 21:20

The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

Isaiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Isaiah 54:11

¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Corinthians 3:11

¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.