1 kings 6:16 - He built twenty cubits on the back part of the house with boards of cedar from the floor to the ceiling. He built them for it within, for an inner sanctuary, even for the most holy place.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 6:16

What does "1 kings 6:16" mean?


This verse from 1 Kings 6:16 describes a specific aspect of the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:

"He built twenty cubits on the back part of the house...": This refers to the construction of a section that was 20 cubits long at the western end of the Temple. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly equal to the length of a forearm (around 18 inches or 45 centimeters). So, 20 cubits would be approximately 30-36 feet (9-11 meters).
"...with boards of cedar from the floor to the ceiling.": This indicates that this section was walled off entirely with cedar wood, covering it from floor to ceiling. Cedar was a highly valued and durable wood, known for its fragrance and resistance to decay, signifying its importance in this sacred space.
"He built them for it within, for an inner sanctuary...": The cedar-lined section was created to form an interior space within the larger structure of the Temple. This was not just any room, but an important sanctuary.
"...even for the most holy place.": This specifies the purpose of the 20-cubit section. It was designated as the "Most Holy Place," also known as the "Holy of Holies." This was the innermost sanctuary, the most sacred part of the Temple.

In summary, this verse explains that a 20-cubit section at the back (western end) of Solomon's Temple was constructed with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to create the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space within the Temple.

Significance:

Sacred Space: The verse highlights the importance of the Holy of Holies as the central focus of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence.
Preparation for the Ark: The Holy of Holies was built to house the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a symbol of God's covenant with Israel.
Splendor and Value: The use of cedar underscores the immense value and importance given to this sacred space, reflecting the dedication and resources invested in building the Temple.
Division and Access: The creation of this separate, enclosed space emphasizes its distinct sacredness. Access was restricted to the High Priest, and even he could only enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.

Therefore, this verse describes a key element in the construction of Solomon's Temple: the creation of the Holy of Holies, a physically defined and set-apart space designed as the most sacred area for God's presence and the Ark of the Covenant.

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