1 Kings 7:2

KJV

He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof [was] an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.

KJV (with Strong's)

He built {H1129} also the house {H1004} of the forest {H3293} of Lebanon {H3844}; the length {H753} thereof was an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} thereof fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}, and the height {H6967} thereof thirty {H7970} cubits {H520}, upon four {H702} rows {H2905} of cedar {H730} pillars {H5982}, with cedar {H730} beams {H3773} upon the pillars {H5982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For he built the House of the L'vanon Forest 175 feet long, eighty-seven-and-a-half feet wide and fifty-two-and-a-half feet high, on four rows of cedar posts, with cedar beams on the posts.

Berean Standard Bible

He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, with four rows of cedar pillars supporting the cedar beams.

American Standard Version

For he built the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was a hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:2 introduces the "House of the Forest of Lebanon," a magnificent and colossal structure within King Solomon's sprawling royal palace complex in Jerusalem. Named for the immense quantities of prized cedar wood imported from Lebanon used in its construction, this edifice measured an impressive one hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high. Supported by four rows of cedar pillars and adorned with cedar beams, it stood as a testament to Solomon's unprecedented wealth, power, and the architectural grandeur of his reign, serving as a prominent symbol of Israel's golden age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed account of King Solomon's extensive building projects in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on his royal complex after the completion of the Temple. While [1 Kings 6:38](/1_kings/6-38 "1 Kings 6:38 - Temple Completion") notes that the Temple of the Lord was completed in seven years, [1 Kings 7:1](/1_kings/7-1 "1 Kings 7:1 - Solomon's Palace Construction") explicitly states that Solomon spent thirteen years building his own palace complex. The description of the "House of the Forest of Lebanon" immediately follows this general statement, indicating its prominence as the first and perhaps most impressive structure within the royal precinct to be detailed. The meticulous enumeration of dimensions and materials in this chapter emphasizes the scale and opulence of Solomon's earthly kingdom, often drawing a subtle comparison or contrast with the divinely commanded specifications for the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked the zenith of ancient Israel's political and economic power, characterized by extensive trade networks and diplomatic relations. The construction of such monumental buildings was a hallmark of powerful monarchs in the ancient Near East, serving not only practical purposes but also as potent displays of wealth, prestige, and divine favor. The "cedar of Lebanon" was the most highly prized building material of the era, known for its durability, aromatic quality, and resistance to decay. Its acquisition involved significant international trade, notably with Hiram, King of Tyre ([1 Kings 5:1-12](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1-12 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram")). The sheer volume of cedar used in this "House of the Forest of Lebanon" underscored Solomon's immense resources and his ability to command vast labor and material from across the region, reflecting the unparalleled prosperity of his kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** The description of the "House of the Forest of Lebanon" contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Kings. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Solomon's Grandeur and Wealth**, showcasing the unprecedented prosperity and power that characterized his reign, fulfilling, in part, God's promise of wisdom and riches ([1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon")). Secondly, it highlights the **Architectural Magnificence and Human Achievement** of the era, demonstrating sophisticated engineering and design capabilities, which were often seen as reflections of the king's wisdom and the nation's advanced state. Lastly, the narrative's meticulous distinction between the Temple's construction and the subsequent building of Solomon's palace complex underscores the **Distinction Between Sacred and Secular Spheres**. While both were grand, the Temple was built first and dedicated to God, signifying spiritual priority, even as the royal dwelling emphasized the earthly reign's splendor and its potential for both blessing and eventual pitfalls, as seen in later chapters of [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House of the forest of Lebanon (Hebrew, בֵּית יַעַר הַלְּבָנוֹן, _bêt yaʿar hal-lĕbānôn_):** This unique designation likely refers to the structure's primary material (cedar from Lebanon) and its appearance, perhaps resembling a dense forest due to the numerous cedar pillars. While its exact function is debated, scholarly consensus suggests it served as a royal armory, a treasury, a grand hall for state affairs, or a combination thereof, given its massive dimensions and robust construction. It was a secular building, distinct from the Temple, yet equally impressive in its scale.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, אַמָּה, _ʾammâ_):** The cubit was a standard ancient unit of measurement, typically based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its precise length varied slightly, it is generally estimated at approximately 18 inches (45 cm). Therefore, the "House of the Forest of Lebanon" was roughly 150 feet (45 meters) long, 75 feet (22.5 meters) wide, and 45 feet (13.5 meters) high, making it an exceptionally large and imposing edifice for its time.
* **Cedar (Hebrew, אֶרֶז, _ʾerez_):** Referring specifically to the Cedrus libani, this wood was highly esteemed throughout the ancient Near East. It was prized not only for its impressive size, strength, and resistance to decay but also for its pleasant aroma. Its extensive use in Solomon's palace, as well as the Temple, symbolized luxury, permanence, and royal grandeur, reflecting the peak of Israel's material prosperity and architectural sophistication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon":** "He" refers to King Solomon, emphasizing his personal initiative and oversight in this massive construction project. The word "also" indicates that this building was part of a larger complex of structures he built for himself, following the completion of the Temple. The "house of the forest of Lebanon" was a distinct and renowned edifice within his royal precinct.
* **"the length thereof [was] an hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits":** These precise dimensions highlight the monumental scale of the building. At approximately 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high, it was a truly massive structure, designed to impress and accommodate significant royal functions, whether military, administrative, or ceremonial.
* **"upon four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams upon the pillars":** This describes the core structural elements of the building. The use of "four rows of cedar pillars" suggests a grand, colonnaded hall, perhaps with aisles or multiple internal divisions, providing immense support for the roof. The "cedar beams upon the pillars" indicates the comprehensive use of this precious wood throughout the load-bearing and roofing elements, underscoring the building's robust construction and luxurious finish.

#### Literary Devices
The description of the "House of the Forest of Lebanon" in 1 Kings 7:2 employs several literary devices to convey its grandeur and significance. **Architectural Description** is paramount, as the verse meticulously details the dimensions and materials, providing a vivid mental image of the structure. This precision serves to underscore the sheer scale and opulence of Solomon's reign, almost functioning as a form of **Ekphrasis**, a detailed description of a work of art or architecture. The repeated mention of "cedar" and "Lebanon" acts as **Symbolism**, associating the building with the highest quality, luxury, and the vast resources at Solomon's disposal, while also subtly hinting at his international connections. The immense dimensions themselves, particularly for an ancient structure, can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Solomon's achievements and wealth, perhaps even beyond typical human scale, to highlight his unique status among kings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of the "House of the Forest of Lebanon," alongside Solomon's other lavish building projects, serves as a powerful testament to the peak of Israel's earthly glory and prosperity under his reign. While undeniably impressive and a fulfillment of God's promise to bless Solomon with wealth and honor, these grand structures also subtly introduce a tension between human ambition and divine priorities. The extensive time and resources dedicated to the palace, compared to the Temple, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the kingdom's eventual decline, where the pursuit of earthly splendor and self-aggrandizement began to overshadow devotion to God. The narrative, therefore, invites reflection on the ephemeral nature of human achievements and the ultimate vanity of seeking glory apart from God, even when blessed by Him.

* [Deuteronomy 17:16-17](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16-17 - Warnings for the King")
* [Ecclesiastes 2:4-11](/ecclesiastes/2-4 "Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 - The Vanity of Toil and Pleasure")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Solomon's magnificent buildings, particularly the "House of the Forest of Lebanon," serves as a profound reminder of human ambition and achievement when blessed with abundant resources. For believers today, it underscores the principle of stewardship—how we manage the wealth, talents, and opportunities God provides. While Solomon's earthly splendor was immense and awe-inspiring, it ultimately points to a greater, eternal glory found in God's presence, which transcends any earthly construction. This passage challenges us to examine our own priorities: are we building monuments to ourselves, or are we investing in things of eternal value? It prompts us to consider whether our pursuits, however grand, are aligned with God's purposes or if they risk leading us away from Him, as they ultimately did for Solomon. True wisdom lies not just in acquiring resources but in discerning how to use them for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the scale and opulence of Solomon's "House of the Forest of Lebanon" reveal about his priorities at this stage of his reign?**
* **How do we, as individuals and communities, balance the pursuit of earthly success and comfort with our spiritual devotion and commitment to God?**
* **In what ways might our "building projects" (careers, possessions, reputation) become distractions from our ultimate purpose in Christ?**
* **How can we ensure that the resources, talents, and opportunities God has given us are stewarded in a way that truly honors Him and builds His eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the "House of the Forest of Lebanon"?**

Answer: While the Bible does not explicitly state its singular purpose, its immense size, robust construction, and the detailed descriptions in [1 Kings 10:16-17](/1_kings/10-16 "1 Kings 10:16-17 - Solomon's Shields") and [Isaiah 22:8](/isaiah/22-8 "Isaiah 22:8 - The Armory of the House of the Forest") suggest it likely served multiple functions. It is widely believed to have functioned as a royal armory, housing weapons and shields, a treasury for storing valuable goods, and potentially a grand hall for state receptions, judicial proceedings, or other official royal functions. Its name, derived from the vast amount of cedar, emphasizes its material and appearance rather than a specific function.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly glory and magnificent structures of King Solomon, particularly the "House of the Forest of Lebanon," serve as a poignant shadow of the far greater and eternal glory of Jesus Christ. Solomon, in his wisdom and unparalleled wealth, built a physical kingdom and a grand house for himself, symbolizing the peak of human achievement and earthly dominion. However, this earthly splendor was ultimately temporary and flawed, eventually leading to the division of his kingdom. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate builder of an eternal house, not made with human hands, but composed of living stones—His Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Christ")). While Solomon's house was built with the finest cedar, Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone ([Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")), upon whom the entire spiritual edifice rests. The wisdom and glory of Solomon, which drew the Queen of Sheba from afar ([1 Kings 10:1-13](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1-13 - The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon")), are infinitely surpassed by the wisdom and glory of Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Unlike Solomon's transient palace, Christ's kingdom is eternal, and His presence is the true Temple, as revealed in the New Jerusalem where there is no need for a physical temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")). Thus, Solomon's grand construction ultimately points to the superior and everlasting spiritual reality found in Christ, the ultimate King and Builder.

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 10:17

And [he made] three hundred shields [of] beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

2 Chronicles 9:16

And three hundred shields [made he of] beaten gold: three hundred [shekels] of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

Song Of Solomon 7:4

Thy neck [is] as a tower of ivory; thine eyes [like] the fishpools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bathrabbim: thy nose [is] as the tower of Lebanon which looketh toward Damascus.

1 Kings 10:21

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

1 Kings 9:19

And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.