1 Kings 6:10
He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar.
He built chambers all along the temple
The construction of chambers around the temple indicates the practical needs for storage and living quarters for priests and temple workers. These chambers were likely used to store temple treasures, offerings, and other necessary items for temple service. The design reflects the importance of the temple as a central place of worship and administration in Israel. The chambers also symbolize the provision and orderliness of God’s house, ensuring that everything needed for worship and sacrifice was readily available.

each five cubits high
A cubit is generally considered to be about 18 inches, making these chambers approximately 7.5 feet high. This height suggests a modest but functional space, sufficient for storage and possibly for the priests to use as living quarters. The specific measurement underscores the precision and care in the temple's construction, reflecting the divine order and attention to detail that God required for His dwelling place.

and attached to the temple with beams of cedar
Cedar wood was highly valued in ancient times for its durability, resistance to decay, and pleasant aroma. The use of cedar beams signifies the quality and permanence intended for the temple structure. Cedar was imported from Lebanon, indicating the extensive trade networks and the resources Solomon utilized to build the temple. This choice of material also connects to the construction of Solomon's palace and other significant buildings, emphasizing the grandeur and significance of the temple. The attachment of these chambers with cedar beams highlights the integration and unity of the temple complex, symbolizing the interconnectedness of worship, service, and community in the life of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, and the construction of the temple is one of his most significant achievements.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God. It was a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

3. Cedar Beams
Used in the construction of the temple, cedar wood was valued for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing strength and longevity.

4. Chambers
These were rooms built around the temple, possibly used for storage or housing the priests. They were integral to the temple's function and structure.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was built, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's Design
Solomon's construction of the temple according to God's specifications highlights the importance of obedience in our lives. We are called to follow God's instructions in our personal and communal worship.

The Significance of Sacred Spaces
The temple was a place where God's presence dwelled among His people. Today, we are reminded that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we should honor God with our lives.

The Role of Preparation and Excellence
The use of quality materials like cedar beams signifies the importance of giving our best to God. In our service and worship, we should strive for excellence, reflecting God's glory.

Community and Support
The chambers around the temple provided necessary support and functionality. In the body of Christ, we are called to support one another, ensuring that each member is cared for and equipped for service.

Legacy and Continuity
Solomon's temple was a fulfillment of God's promise to David. Our actions and faithfulness today can have lasting impacts on future generations, encouraging us to build a legacy of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's obedience in building the temple according to God's plan challenge us in our personal obedience to God's Word?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives reflect the holiness and dedication symbolized by the temple?

3. How can the concept of using quality materials in the temple's construction inspire us to offer our best in service to God and others?

4. What are some practical ways we can support and build up the community of believers, similar to the chambers supporting the temple?

5. How can we be intentional about leaving a legacy of faith for future generations, as seen in the fulfillment of God's promise through the temple?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-27
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple. The detailed instructions given to Moses reflect the importance of following God's design, similar to Solomon's adherence to God's plan for the temple.

2 Chronicles 3-4
These chapters provide a parallel account of the temple's construction, offering additional details and emphasizing the grandeur and significance of the temple.

Ephesians 2:19-22
Paul speaks of believers as being built together into a holy temple in the Lord, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical temple Solomon built.
CharacterW. M. Johnston, M. A.1 Kings 6:1-14
Church Architecture1 Kings 6:1-14
Church Building1 Kings 6:1-14
Solomon's Temple Viewed as a Type of the Glorified ChurchJ. H. Hill.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Heavenly TempleJ. S. Bird, B. A.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Law of BeautyN. D. Hillis, D. D.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Soul's TempleN. D. Hillis, D. D.1 Kings 6:1-14
The Temple BuiltMonday Club Sermons1 Kings 6:1-14
The Temple BuiltS. S. Times1 Kings 6:1-14
The Temple BuiltH. A. Nelson, D. D.1 Kings 6:1-14
People
David, Israelites, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem, Most Holy Place
Topics
Along, Attached, Beams, Boards, Buildeth, Built, Cedar, Cedar-wood, Chambers, Couch, Cubits, Fastened, Fifteen, Floors, Height, Held, Hold, Joined, Line, Rested, Resting, Rooms, Side-structure, Stories, Story, Structure, Taketh, Temple, Timber, Timbers, Walls
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 6:10

     4830   height

1 Kings 6:1-10

     5207   architecture

1 Kings 6:1-37

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Kings 6:9-10

     4424   cedar

Library
Great Preparations for a Great Work
'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The First Part
Of the Apocalyptical Commentaries, according to the Rule of the Apocalyptical Key, on the First Prophecy which is contained in the Seals and Trumpets; with an Introduction concerning the Scene of the Apocalypse. As it is my design to investigate the meaning of the Apocalyptical visions, it is requisite for me to treat, in the first place, of that celestial theatre to which John was called, in order to behold them, exhibited as on a stage, and afterwards of the prophecies in succession, examined by
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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