The Hebrew word Bûwl, represented by H945, is the name for the eighth Hebrew month. Its base definition is tied to the sense of rain, but its single biblical appearance solidifies its identity as a specific month in the calendar. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, making its context highly specific and significant.
The sole use of H945 is found in 1 Kings 6:38, which chronicles the completion of Solomon's temple. The verse states that in the eleventh year of Solomon's reign, "in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished." This singular mention permanently links the name Bûwl to the culmination of the seven-year effort to build the house of the Lord, a pivotal moment in the history of Israel.
Several related words from its context help illuminate its significance:
- H3391 yerach (month): This word, defined as a lunation or month, is used directly before Bûwl to establish the timeframe. It appears in contexts of counting time Exodus 2:2 and marking feasts 1 Kings 8:2.
- H1004 bayith (house): This is the object that was finished in the month of Bûwl. While it can mean a family or household Joshua 24:15, here it refers specifically to the temple, the house of the Lord Psalms 27:4.
- H1129 bânâh (to build): This root verb describes the action completed in Bûwl. It is used both for the physical construction of the temple and for the broader concept that God is the ultimate builder of his house Psalms 127:1.
The theological weight of H945 is derived entirely from its association with the temple's completion.
- A Mark of Fulfillment: The month Bûwl serves as a timestamp for when the temple was "finished" (H3615). This same Hebrew verb for completion is used to describe God finishing the creation of the heavens and the earth, lending profound significance to the temple's construction Genesis 2:1.
- Sacred Timing: Its identification as the "eighth (H8066) month" is noteworthy. The number eight is connected to sacred events, such as the eighth day for holy convocations and offerings Leviticus 23:36 or for circumcision Leviticus 12:3, often signifying a new beginning or dedication.
- Divine Order: The temple was finished "according to all the fashion (H4941) of it." The word for fashion, mishpâṭ, also means judgment, ordinance, or due order, implying the project was completed according to a precise divine plan, not just human design Deuteronomy 32:4.
In summary, H945 Bûwl is more than just an ancient name for a month. Though appearing only once, it functions as a permanent memorial in scripture, marking the specific moment when the first temple, the earthly dwelling place for God's name, was brought to completion. It highlights a moment of fulfillment, divine order, and the successful culmination of a monumental, seven-year national project.
TRV