And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.
1 KINGS 6:15KJVWhat does 1 Kings 6:15 mean?
1 Kings 6:15 describes how Solomon lined the inside walls, floor, and ceiling of the temple with cedar wood and covered the floor with planks of fir. The verse gives a detailed account of the materials and craftsmanship used to finish the temple’s interior.
Solomon is overseeing the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, a major project for Israel. This verse highlights the care and quality invested in the temple, using valuable woods like cedar and fir to create a beautiful and lasting place for worship. The focus is on the physical details, showing the temple’s importance and the resources dedicated to it.
The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 6:15
- בָּנָה (banah, "built"): This word emphasizes the act of constructing or establishing, showing Solomon’s active role in shaping the temple’s interior.
- אֶרֶז (’erez, "cedar"): Cedar was a prized wood in the ancient world, known for its durability and pleasant scent. Its use here underlines the temple’s grandeur and the desire for lasting beauty.
- בְּרוֹשׁ (berosh, "fir"): Fir wood, used for the floor, was also valued for its strength. The mention of different woods for different parts of the temple points to thoughtful design and the use of the best materials available.
Why 1 Kings 6:15 matters
- This verse clears up that the temple’s interior was not left as bare stone but was carefully finished with high-quality wood, reflecting both beauty and reverence.
- The detailed description connects to the wider passage by showing the lengths Solomon went to honor God with the best resources and skilled craftsmanship.
- Understanding the materials used helps readers appreciate the temple’s significance in Israel’s history and why it was considered a marvel of its time.