◄ 1 Kings 6:37 ►
The foundation of the house of the LORD was laid in the fourth year of Solomon's reign, in the month of Ziv.
Study Bible
The foundation of the house of the LORD
This phrase refers to the beginning of the construction of the temple, a significant event in Israel's history. The temple was to be the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The foundation signifies the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God, replacing the portable tabernacle used during the wilderness wanderings. The temple's construction fulfills God's promise to David that his son would build a house for His name (2 Samuel 7:12-13).

was laid in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign
Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him to undertake such a monumental project. The fourth year indicates a period of preparation and planning before the actual construction began. This timing also reflects Solomon's commitment to fulfilling his father David's vision for the temple. The number four in biblical numerology often signifies completeness and universality, suggesting the temple's role in unifying the nation under God's covenant.

in the month of Ziv
Ziv is the second month of the ancient Hebrew calendar, corresponding to April-May in the Gregorian calendar. This timing is significant as it falls in the spring, a season associated with new beginnings and renewal. The choice of this month for laying the foundation may symbolize a new era for Israel, with the temple serving as a focal point for religious and national identity. The month of Ziv is also mentioned in 1 Kings 6:1, linking the start of the temple's construction to the Exodus, as it marks 480 years since the Israelites left Egypt, highlighting God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was tasked with building the temple, fulfilling the promise God made to David, his father.

2. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

3. The Foundation
The beginning phase of the temple's construction, signifying the start of a significant spiritual and national project.

4. The Fourth Year
Indicates the timeline of Solomon's reign when the construction began, showing the importance of timing in God's plans.

5. The Month of Ziv
Corresponds to the second month of the Hebrew calendar, highlighting the historical and cultural context of the event.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Foundations
Just as the temple's foundation was crucial, our spiritual lives require a strong foundation in Christ and His teachings.

God's Timing
The construction began in the fourth year, reminding us that God's plans unfold in His perfect timing, and we must trust His schedule.

Generational Faithfulness
Solomon's work on the temple was a continuation of David's vision, illustrating the importance of passing down faith and responsibilities.

Symbolism of the Temple
The temple as a dwelling place for God points to the New Testament truth that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Commitment to God's Work
The dedication to building the temple challenges us to commit to the work God has called us to, with diligence and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the laying of the temple's foundation teach us about the importance of having a strong spiritual foundation in our lives?

2. How can we discern and align ourselves with God's timing in our personal and communal endeavors?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our faith and responsibilities are passed down to the next generation?

4. How does understanding the temple's significance in the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of being the temple of the Holy Spirit today?

5. What practical steps can we take to remain committed and diligent in the work God has called us to, despite challenges and delays?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Samuel 7
God's promise to David about his offspring building a house for His name, which is fulfilled through Solomon.

1 Chronicles 22
David's preparations for the temple, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan across generations.

Exodus 12
The establishment of the Hebrew calendar, providing context for the month of Ziv.

1 Kings 8
The completion and dedication of the temple, showing the fulfillment of the foundation laid in 1 Kings 6:37.

Ephesians 2
The concept of believers being built into a spiritual house, drawing a parallel to the physical temple.
Sermons
The Glorious House of the LordJ. Waite 1 Kings 6:37, 38
People
David, Israelites, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem, Most Holy Place
Topics
Base, Foundation, Founded, Fourth, Laid, Month, Temple, Zif, Ziv
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 6:37

     5317   foundation

1 Kings 6:1-37

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Kings 6:15-38

     5207   architecture

1 Kings 6:37-38

     4951   month
     5119   Solomon, life of

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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