This verse, 1 Kings 6:1, provides a specific historical marker in the Bible, dating the beginning of the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon. Let's break down each component:
"In the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt...": This refers to the Exodus, when the Israelites were liberated from slavery in Egypt. The verse states that 480 years had passed since that monumental event. This number serves as an anchor point to place Solomon's Temple construction within the broader timeline of Israelite history. However, it's important to note that the precise accuracy of this number is debated among biblical scholars. Some view it as a literal chronological calculation, while others interpret it as a symbolic representation of a generation or a significant period.
"in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel...": This narrows down the timing to the fourth year of Solomon's rule as king. This is a more specific regnal year, tying the event to a particular king's reign.
"in the month Ziv, which is the second month...": This identifies the month in which the Temple construction began. "Ziv" is the ancient Hebrew name for the second month of the Hebrew calendar. This month corresponds roughly to April-May in the Gregorian calendar.
"he began to build Yahweh’s house.": This clearly states the purpose of the dating: to mark the beginning of the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The phrase "Yahweh's house" refers to the Temple, which was intended to be the central place of worship for the Israelites, dedicated to their God, Yahweh.
In summary, the verse establishes a timeframe for the start of the Temple construction by:
Connecting it to the Exodus event, providing a broad historical context.
Linking it to the specific reign of King Solomon.
Pinpointing the month in which the construction started.
Clearly stating that the project was the building of the Temple for Yahweh.
The verse is significant because it provides a specific, though possibly debated, chronological marker within the biblical narrative, placing the construction of the Temple in a particular historical period. It also emphasizes the importance of the Temple as a central element of Israelite religious life and identity.
This verse, 1 Kings 6:1, provides a specific historical marker in the Bible, dating the beginning of the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon. Let's break down each component:
"In the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt...": This refers to the Exodus, when the Israelites were liberated from slavery in Egypt. The verse states that 480 years had passed since that monumental event. This number serves as an anchor point to place Solomon's Temple construction within the broader timeline of Israelite history. However, it's important to note that the precise accuracy of this number is debated among biblical scholars. Some view it as a literal chronological calculation, while others interpret it as a symbolic representation of a generation or a significant period.
"in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel...": This narrows down the timing to the fourth year of Solomon's rule as king. This is a more specific regnal year, tying the event to a particular king's reign.
"in the month Ziv, which is the second month...": This identifies the month in which the Temple construction began. "Ziv" is the ancient Hebrew name for the second month of the Hebrew calendar. This month corresponds roughly to April-May in the Gregorian calendar.
"he began to build Yahweh’s house.": This clearly states the purpose of the dating: to mark the beginning of the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The phrase "Yahweh's house" refers to the Temple, which was intended to be the central place of worship for the Israelites, dedicated to their God, Yahweh.
In summary, the verse establishes a timeframe for the start of the Temple construction by:
Connecting it to the Exodus event, providing a broad historical context.
Linking it to the specific reign of King Solomon.
Pinpointing the month in which the construction started.
Clearly stating that the project was the building of the Temple for Yahweh.
The verse is significant because it provides a specific, though possibly debated, chronological marker within the biblical narrative, placing the construction of the Temple in a particular historical period. It also emphasizes the importance of the Temple as a central element of Israelite religious life and identity.