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1 Kings 6

38 verses

TL;DR

King Solomon constructs the Temple in Jerusalem with precise dimensions, cedar, and gold, fulfilling a divine promise of covenant and dwelling among the Israelites.

Summary

In the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, he began building the Temple with exact measurements of thirty cubits high, twenty cubits wide, and sixty cubits long. The structure employed cedar, stone, and gold, and its interior was divided into chambers and a holy place where the Ark of the Covenant would rest. The design included cherubim statues, carved cedar walls, and gold overlaying every part of the building. The LORD commanded Solomon to keep the statutes, promising to dwell among Israel and never forsake them. Solomon completed the Temple in seven years, finishing all its parts and making it a place of worship that reflected divine splendor and royal devotion.

Outline
  1. Construction details and dimensions of the Temple
  2. Interior ornamentation with cedar, gold, and cherubim
  3. Divine covenant and completion timeline
Themes
Royal devotion to GodArchitectural magnificenceCovenant fidelity
Keywords
SolomonTempleCedarGoldCherubimArk of the CovenantDivine PromiseJerusalemHouse of the LORD
People
SolomonDavidthe LORD
Places
JerusalemHouse of the LORD
Things
cedargoldcherubimArk of the Covenantstonechamberswindowsdoorswalls
Key Verses
  • 1 Kings 6:11: God’s promise of dwelling among Israel ties the Temple’s purpose to covenant faithfulness.
  • 1 Kings 6:23: Describes the cherubim’s size and placement, symbolizing divine guardianship.
  • 1 Kings 6:21: Shows the Temple’s gold overlay, emphasizing its preciousness and sanctity.
  • 1 Kings 6:38: Marks the completion of the Temple, completing the narrative arc of worship and divine presence.
Questions
  • How does the Temple’s physical grandeur reflect Solomon’s devotion to God?
  • What is the significance of the gold overlay in the context of ancient worship?
  • In what ways does the covenant with the LORD manifest through the Temple’s construction?
  • Why does the text emphasize precise measurements and materials?
  • What does the placement of the cherubim convey about divine guardianship?
  • How does the completion timeline influence our understanding of ancient building projects?
  • What lessons can be drawn about faithfulness to divine promises?
  • How does the Temple serve as a symbol for the relationship between Israel and God?
Sentiment

positive
Reverent and celebratory tone underscoring divine covenant and royal devotion.