Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Kings 6

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Solomon’s fourth year as king was about 967 BC. If the number 480 in the Bible is taken as actual calendar years, then Israel’s exodus from Egypt would have happened about 1446 BC. Others understand the number as symbolic, meaning 12 generations of 40 years each. This view places the exodus later, around 1270 BC (see Exodus Book Introduction, “The Date of the Exodus”).

Like the tabernacle before it, the temple (literally house) was where God met with his people. David had gathered materials for its construction (1 Chronicles 22:2–4, 14) and had created plans for the temple, which he gave to Solomon (1 Chronicles 28:11–12). The temple’s floor plan was similar to the tabernacle's but was twice as long and wide, and taller (compare Exodus 26:3, 15–30; 36:26–34).

Unlike the tabernacle, the temple had an entry room (or porch) on the east side and two freestanding pillars in front of the entrance (1 Kings 7:15–22).

The Lord had an encouraging message for Solomon. Since God appeared to Solomon before (1 Kings 3:5) and after (1 Kings 9:2) this event, a prophet likely delivered this word. The message reminded the king of God’s earlier promise (1 Kings 3:14): If Solomon stayed faithful to God, the temple he was building would become God's eternal home.

The focus shifts to the inside of the temple. Although the temple site is not mentioned here, the Chronicler identified it as the former threshing floor of Araunah (1 Chronicles 21:18–25; 2 Chronicles 3:1). This site is traditionally believed to be Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:2). Solomon’s Temple was in the northeastern corner of Jerusalem, now known as the "old city." This is the area now associated with the Dome of the Rock.

cedar paneling: The interior walls were covered with cedar wood from floor to ceiling, hiding all exterior stones. This created a stunning and carefully crafted look, showing great expense.

• The inner sanctuary of the temple, following the tabernacle's design, was covered inside with solid gold. A curtain (2 Chronicles 3:14) and gold chains separated it from the main room. Like the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, the inner sanctuary was a perfect cube. It held the ark of the covenant of the LORD, symbolizing God's presence. The place of atonement was on top of the ark (Exodus 25:17), where the high priest sprinkled sacrificial blood each year to atone for the Israelites (Leviticus 16:1–19).

• The altar for the Most Holy Place was in the main room, where priests burned incense daily (Exodus 30:34–38; 37:25–29). The altar was made of cedar and covered with gold.

• Like the inner sanctuary, the main room was also fully covered with gold, reminding priests of God's presence. The main room contained ten golden lampstands, ten tables (2 Chronicles 4:7–8), and other furnishings (1 Kings 7:48–50).

In the inner sanctuary were two cherubim (see study note on 1 Chronicles 28:18) made of olive wood and covered with gold. They stood like guards facing the door (2 Chronicles 3:13), and their wings together stretched from wall to wall. Along with the two smaller cherubim facing each other on top of the ark (Exodus 25:17–21), they represented the powerful presence of the Most Holy God.

The inner courtyard around the temple was only for priests (2 Chronicles 4:9). It had the bronze altar (2 Chronicles 4:1), the bronze Sea (1 Kings 7:23–26; 2 Chronicles 4:2–5), and ten carts. Each cart could hold a basin of water for purification (1 Kings 7:27–40; 2 Chronicles 4:6).

In his eleventh year and eighth month, the month of Bul: The year was 960 BC.