1 Kings 7:4 Study Bible: There were beams in three rows, and window was over against window in three ranks.

◄ 1 Kings 7:4 ►

There were three rows of high windows facing one another in three tiers.

There were three rows of high windows
The design of the windows in Solomon's palace reflects the architectural sophistication of the time. The use of three rows suggests a focus on symmetry and balance, which were important in ancient Near Eastern architecture. High windows would allow for ample light and ventilation, crucial in the hot climate of Israel. This design choice may also symbolize the divine light and wisdom that Solomon was known for, as light often represents God's presence in Scripture (e.g., Psalm 119:105).

facing one another
The phrase indicates a deliberate architectural plan, where the windows were aligned to face each other, possibly to maximize light and airflow. This alignment could also symbolize harmony and order, reflecting the peace and prosperity of Solomon's reign. In a spiritual sense, it may suggest the idea of mutual reflection and accountability, as seen in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

in three tiers
The use of three tiers in the construction is significant, as the number three often holds symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing completeness and divine perfection. This could be seen as a reflection of God's perfect order and the completeness of His creation. The tiered structure might also be a precursor to later architectural developments, such as the tiered design of the Second Temple. Additionally, the number three is frequently associated with the Trinity in Christian theology, hinting at the divine nature of wisdom and order.

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 Palace of the Forest of Lebanon
A significant structure built by Solomon, known for its grandeur and intricate design, including the windows mentioned in this verse.

3. Windows with Beveled Frames
Architectural features that highlight the sophistication and attention to detail in Solomon's building projects.

Teaching Points

Attention to Detail in God's Work
Just as Solomon paid attention to the details in his construction projects, we should be diligent and meticulous in our service to God.

The Importance of Wisdom
Solomon's ability to build such magnificent structures was a result of the wisdom God granted him. We should seek God's wisdom in all our endeavors.

Symbolism of Light
The windows allowed light to enter, symbolizing the illumination that comes from God's presence. We should strive to let God's light shine in our lives and through our actions.

Legacy of Faithfulness
Solomon's buildings were a testament to his faithfulness and dedication. Our actions and creations should also reflect our commitment to God.

Balance of Beauty and Functionality
The design of the palace was both beautiful and functional, reminding us to balance aesthetics and purpose in our lives and ministries.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the attention to detail in Solomon's construction projects inspire you to approach your work or ministry?

2. In what ways can you seek and apply God's wisdom in your daily decisions, as Solomon did in his building projects?

3. How can you ensure that your life is a reflection of God's light, similar to how the windows allowed light into Solomon's palace?

4. What legacy are you building through your actions and commitments, and how does it reflect your faithfulness to God?

5. How can you balance beauty and functionality in your personal life and spiritual practices, drawing inspiration from Solomon's architectural designs?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 6
Describes the construction of the temple, providing context for Solomon's building projects and his dedication to creating spaces for worship and governance.

2 Chronicles 9
Offers additional details about Solomon's wealth and the splendor of his buildings, including the palace.

Proverbs 24:3-4
Speaks to the wisdom required in building a house, which can be related to Solomon's wisdom in constructing his palace and the temple.

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

Artistic, Beams, Cross-beams, Facing, Frames, Line, Lines, Opposite, Over-against, Placed, Ranks, Rows, Sets, Sight, Tiers, Window, Window-frames, Windows

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:1-12

     5207   architecture
     5437   palaces
     5776   achievement

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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