1 Kings 7:3 Study Bible: It was covered with cedar above atop the beams which were on the pillars, and the pillars numbered forty-five; fifteen in a row.

◄ 1 Kings 7:3 ►

The house was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the pillars--forty-five beams, fifteen per row.

The house was roofed with cedar
Cedar wood was highly valued in ancient times for its durability, pleasant aroma, and resistance to decay and insects. It was often used in the construction of significant buildings, including temples and palaces. The use of cedar in the roofing of this house signifies the importance and grandeur of the structure. Cedar was imported from Lebanon, indicating the extensive trade networks and the wealth of Solomon's kingdom. This choice of material also reflects the influence of Phoenician craftsmanship, as Hiram, king of Tyre, was a key ally in providing resources and skilled labor for Solomon's building projects.

above the beams that rested on the pillars
The architectural design of using beams resting on pillars suggests a sophisticated understanding of construction techniques. This method provided stability and support for the roof, allowing for larger and more open interior spaces. The use of pillars is reminiscent of other ancient Near Eastern architecture, where columns were not only functional but also decorative. The pillars could symbolize strength and permanence, qualities associated with Solomon's reign. This construction method is also seen in the design of the Temple, indicating a consistency in architectural style and a reflection of divine order and beauty.

forty-five beams, fifteen per row
The specific mention of forty-five beams, arranged in three rows of fifteen, highlights the meticulous planning and organization involved in the construction. The number fifteen may have symbolic significance, as numbers often do in biblical texts. It could represent completeness or divine order, as seen in other scriptural contexts. The precise arrangement of the beams suggests a well-thought-out design, ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the building. This attention to detail reflects Solomon's wisdom and the resources available to him, fulfilling the promise of a prosperous and well-ordered kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the construction of the temple and his palace, demonstrating his wisdom and wealth.

2. The House of the Forest of Lebanon
A significant structure in Solomon's palace complex, named for its extensive use of cedar wood, reminiscent of the forests of Lebanon.

3. Cedar Wood
A valuable and durable material used extensively in ancient construction, symbolizing strength and longevity.

4. Pillars
Architectural elements that provided support and were often ornately decorated, symbolizing stability and grandeur.

5. The Construction of Solomon's Palace
An event that showcases the prosperity and architectural advancements during Solomon's reign.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Cedar
Cedar wood, used extensively in Solomon's constructions, symbolizes strength, durability, and beauty. As believers, we are called to build our lives on the strong foundation of God's Word, ensuring that our faith is resilient and enduring.

God's Provision and Blessing
The grandeur of Solomon's palace reflects God's provision and blessing upon Israel. We should recognize and be grateful for the blessings in our lives, using them to honor God and serve others.

Spiritual Architecture
Just as Solomon's buildings were meticulously planned and constructed, we are called to be intentional in building our spiritual lives. This involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers.

Legacy and Influence
Solomon's constructions left a lasting legacy. We should consider the legacy we are building through our actions and decisions, aiming to leave a positive, godly influence on those around us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of cedar wood in Solomon's palace reflect the values and priorities of his reign?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our spiritual lives are built on a strong and enduring foundation, similar to the cedar pillars in Solomon's palace?

3. How can we recognize and utilize the blessings God has given us to serve His purposes, as seen in the grandeur of Solomon's constructions?

4. What steps can we take to be intentional in our spiritual growth and development, drawing parallels to the careful planning of Solomon's architectural projects?

5. How can we evaluate the legacy we are building in our own lives, and what changes might we need to make to ensure it aligns with God's will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 6
Describes the construction of the temple, providing context for the architectural style and materials used in Solomon's other buildings.

2 Chronicles 9
Offers additional details about Solomon's wealth and the grandeur of his constructions, including the House of the Forest of Lebanon.

Psalm 92:12
Compares the righteous to a cedar of Lebanon, highlighting the symbolic significance of cedar as a representation of strength and righteousness.

Isaiah 2:13
Mentions the cedars of Lebanon in a prophetic context, symbolizing pride and loftiness.

Sermons

Building God's House and One's Own	J. Parker, D. D.	1 Kings 7:1-12
The Satisfaction of Completing a Work		1 Kings 7:1-12

People

Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon

Places

Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan

Topics

Beams, 45, Cedar, Chambers, Columns, Covered, Fifteen, Forty, Forty-five, Lay, Line, Paneled, Pillars, Rested, Row, Side-chambers, Sides, Supports

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:1-3

5119 Solomon, life of

1 Kings 7:1-12

     5207   architecture
     5437   palaces
     5776   achievement

1 Kings 7:2-3

4424 cedar

Library

Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

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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