This verse describes the dimensions and construction materials for a rebuilding project authorized by King Cyrus. Let's break it down:
"whose height shall be sixty cubits, and the breadth sixty cubits": This indicates that the structure to be built should be a cube, with both its height and width measuring sixty cubits. The "cubit" was an ancient unit of measurement based on the length of a forearm, generally considered to be about 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Therefore, 60 cubits would be around 90 feet (27 meters) in height and width.
"with three rows of hewn stones, and one row of new wood of that country": This specifies the materials and construction method. "Hewn stones" are stones that have been cut and shaped for building. The structure is to be built with three layers of these prepared stones, alternating with one layer of new wood sourced from the local area ("that country"). This construction technique provides strength and stability, and the wood layer may have served to add flexibility or insulation.
"and the expenses therof to be given out of the house of king Cyrus": This states that the cost of the construction project will be paid for by King Cyrus's treasury. It emphasizes royal authorization and financial support for the endeavor.
Context and Significance:
To understand the meaning fully, it's crucial to know the context. 1 Esdras (also known as 3 Esdras in some traditions) is a book found in the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament) and some versions of the Vulgate (the Latin translation of the Bible). It covers events related to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
The verse is part of a decree by King Cyrus, who, according to the biblical narrative, allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. The dimensions and materials specified in this verse likely refer to the Temple or a part of its reconstruction.
In summary, the verse means that King Cyrus authorized a rebuilding project (likely related to the Temple in Jerusalem), specifying its dimensions as a 60-cubit cube, its construction using alternating layers of hewn stones and local wood, and the funding to come from the royal treasury. It highlights Cyrus's support for the Jewish people and their religious practices.
This verse describes the dimensions and construction materials for a rebuilding project authorized by King Cyrus. Let's break it down:
"whose height shall be sixty cubits, and the breadth sixty cubits": This indicates that the structure to be built should be a cube, with both its height and width measuring sixty cubits. The "cubit" was an ancient unit of measurement based on the length of a forearm, generally considered to be about 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Therefore, 60 cubits would be around 90 feet (27 meters) in height and width.
"with three rows of hewn stones, and one row of new wood of that country": This specifies the materials and construction method. "Hewn stones" are stones that have been cut and shaped for building. The structure is to be built with three layers of these prepared stones, alternating with one layer of new wood sourced from the local area ("that country"). This construction technique provides strength and stability, and the wood layer may have served to add flexibility or insulation.
"and the expenses therof to be given out of the house of king Cyrus": This states that the cost of the construction project will be paid for by King Cyrus's treasury. It emphasizes royal authorization and financial support for the endeavor.
Context and Significance:
To understand the meaning fully, it's crucial to know the context. 1 Esdras (also known as 3 Esdras in some traditions) is a book found in the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament) and some versions of the Vulgate (the Latin translation of the Bible). It covers events related to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
The verse is part of a decree by King Cyrus, who, according to the biblical narrative, allowed the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple. The dimensions and materials specified in this verse likely refer to the Temple or a part of its reconstruction.
In summary, the verse means that King Cyrus authorized a rebuilding project (likely related to the Temple in Jerusalem), specifying its dimensions as a 60-cubit cube, its construction using alternating layers of hewn stones and local wood, and the funding to come from the royal treasury. It highlights Cyrus's support for the Jewish people and their religious practices.
