So Solomon built the temple and finished itThis phrase highlights Solomon's role in fulfilling the divine mandate given to his father, David, to build a house for the Lord (
1 Chronicles 22:6-10). The completion of the temple signifies the culmination of a significant period in Israel's history, marking a transition from the tabernacle, a mobile sanctuary, to a permanent dwelling place for God's presence. The temple's construction was a monumental task, taking seven years to complete (
1 Kings 6:38), and it symbolized the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant. The temple served as a central place of worship and a symbol of God's dwelling among His people, prefiguring the coming of Christ, who is described as the true temple (
John 2:19-21).
roofing it with beams and planks of cedar
The use of cedar wood, particularly from Lebanon, was a sign of wealth and prestige, as cedar was highly valued for its durability and fragrance. This choice of material reflects the temple's significance and the desire to honor God with the finest resources available. The cedar beams and planks also connect to the broader biblical narrative, as cedar was used in the construction of other significant structures, such as David's palace (2 Samuel 5:11) and the second temple (Ezra 3:7). The use of cedar in the temple's construction can be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as the "Branch" (Isaiah 11:1), symbolizing strength and eternal life. The temple's roof, made of these materials, provided a covering, pointing to Christ's role as our covering and protection from sin.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel. Known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, he was tasked with constructing the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites.
2.
The TempleThis refers to the First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, which was built in Jerusalem. It served as the primary place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.
3.
CedarA valuable and durable wood, cedar was used extensively in the construction of the temple. It symbolizes strength and longevity, reflecting the temple's intended permanence and beauty.
4.
JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, Jerusalem was the political and spiritual center of the nation. The temple's location in Jerusalem underscored its significance as the heart of Israelite worship.
5.
ConstructionThe event of building the temple was a monumental task that took seven years to complete. It involved skilled laborers and artisans, and it was a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the Lord.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's PlanSolomon's dedication to building the temple as instructed by God demonstrates the importance of obedience in fulfilling God's purposes. We are called to follow God's guidance in our lives, trusting His plans.
The Significance of WorshipThe temple was central to Israel's worship, reminding us of the importance of having a dedicated space and time for worship in our lives. Worship should be a priority, reflecting our relationship with God.
The Role of PreparationJust as David prepared for the temple's construction, we should prepare our hearts and lives for God's work. This involves spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and study, to be ready for God's calling.
Symbolism of MaterialsThe use of cedar in the temple construction symbolizes strength and beauty. In our spiritual lives, we should build with materials that reflect God's glory, such as faith, hope, and love.
Fulfillment of PromisesThe completion of the temple is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us, even when the process takes time.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Kings 6:9?
2.How does Solomon's temple construction in 1 Kings 6:9 reflect God's provision?
3.What does the temple's completion teach about diligence in fulfilling God's commands?
4.How can we apply Solomon's dedication to our personal spiritual growth today?
5.In what ways does 1 Kings 6:9 connect to New Testament teachings on worship?
6.How does building "with beams and boards of cedar" symbolize strength in our faith?
7.How does 1 Kings 6:9 reflect Solomon's dedication to God through temple construction?
8.What architectural significance does the temple's completion in 1 Kings 6:9 hold?
9.How does 1 Kings 6:9 demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promise to David?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 6?
11.Why does Leviticus 14:4-6 use cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop, and is there historical or archaeological evidence of their effectiveness in disease control?
12.How did Solomon's reign lead to Israel's division?
13.Psalm 29:5 states the Lord’s voice shatters the cedars of Lebanon; what evidence supports the claim that a divine voice can cause literal destruction of trees?
14.Why do biblical descriptions of Solomon’s temple differ from contemporary architectural styles?What Does 1 Kings 6:9 Mean
So Solomon built•1 Kings 6:1 records that “Solomon began to build the house of the LORD” in the fourth year of his reign, anchoring the project in real time and history.
• Building is an act of obedience to God’s command given through David (1 Chronicles 28:6–7). Solomon responds in faith, demonstrating that genuine devotion to God always acts, not merely intends (James 2:17).
• “Built” signals purposefulness; the temple is not an afterthought but the central focus of the kingdom’s early years (Matthew 6:33).
the temple• The verse uses “temple” (literally “house”) to stress that this is the dwelling place of the LORD among His people (Exodus 25:8).
• God’s desire to dwell with humanity traces from Eden (Genesis 3:8) through the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) to this permanent structure, and ultimately to Christ “tabernacling” among us (John 1:14).
• The temple’s location—Mount Moriah (2 Chronicles 3:1)—connects it to Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice that would open permanent access to God (Hebrews 10:19–22).
and finished it• Completion underscores God’s faithfulness: what He begins He brings to fulfillment (Philippians 1:6).
•1 Kings 6:14–15 reiterates, “So Solomon built the temple and finished it,” framing the structure as a testimony that God’s plans are never left half-done (Numbers 23:19).
• For Israel, a finished temple meant settled worship, clear focus, and covenant stability (Deuteronomy 12:10–11).
roofing it with beams and planks of cedar• Cedar, shipped from Lebanon through Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 5:8–10), was prized for durability and fragrance—fit for a holy dwelling (Psalm 92:12).
• Beams and planks describe a layered, meticulously crafted roof, reflecting the excellence God deserves (Colossians 3:23).
• The sweet-smelling cedar hints at worship rising as a pleasing aroma to the LORD (Ephesians 5:2).
• Practically, cedar’s resistance to decay protected the sacred interior, reminding believers that what is dedicated to God is meant to endure (1 Peter 1:4).
summary1 Kings 6:9 captures a moment of completed obedience: Solomon actively builds, dedicates the work to God, and finishes with excellence, using the best materials. The verse assures us that God invites His people into tangible partnership—plans conceived by Him, accomplished through willing hands—and that every detail, down to cedar beams, speaks of His worthiness and desire to dwell with those who honor Him.
(9)
And covered--that is, roofed the house with a roof of cedar beams and boarding thereon. Some have supposed that he "covered" the outside walls with cedar, so that the whole should still look like a wooden tabernacle; but this is not necessarily implied, and is in itself unlikely.
Verse 9. -
So he built the house and finished it [
i.e., the exterior (see on ver. 14)]
and covered [
i.e., roofed, same word
Deuteronomy 33:21;
Jeremiah 22:14;
Haggai 1:4. There is no reference to the lining of cedar which was applied to the interior. That is described in ver. 15]
the house with beams and boards [Heb.
rows, ranks. The same word is used of soldiers
2 Kings 11:8, 15]
of cedar. [It has been universally held till quite lately that the roof was either vaulted (Thenius) or flat (Bahr, Keil). But Mr. Fergussen has alleged some reasons for believing that it was a span or gable roof. It is true that Oriental buildings almost invariably have externally flat(internally arched) roofs. In Palestine, because of the scarcity of timber, no other form is possible. But the temple, as we have seen, was constructed after the model of the tabernacle, and the latter, as the name almost implies, and as necessity would require, had a ridged roof (see Dict. Bib. 3 p. 1453). It does not
necessarily follow, however, as Fergusson assumes, that the temple followed the tabernacle in this respect. It is obvious that when a "
house was built unto the name of the Lord," the form of the tent might be abandoned as inappropriate. It is true that this shape would be consecrated to them by many centuries of use, but it is also possible that in a house it would strike them as altogether
bizarre.]
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So [Solomon] builtוַיִּ֥בֶן(way·yi·ḇen)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129:To buildthe templeהַבַּ֖יִת(hab·ba·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A houseand finished it,וַיְכַלֵּ֑הוּ(way·ḵal·lê·hū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3615:To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spentroofingוַיִּסְפֹּ֤ן(way·yis·pōn)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5603:To hide by covering, to roof, wainscot, to reserveitהַבַּ֙יִת֙(hab·ba·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A housewith beamsגֵּבִ֔ים(gê·ḇîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1356:A log, well, cisternand planksוּשְׂדֵרֹ֖ת(ū·śə·ḏê·rōṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7713:Row, rank (of soldiers)of cedar.בָּאֲרָזִֽים׃(bā·’ă·rā·zîm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 729:Made of cedar
Links
1 Kings 6:9 NIV1 Kings 6:9 NLT1 Kings 6:9 ESV1 Kings 6:9 NASB1 Kings 6:9 KJV
1 Kings 6:9 BibleApps.com1 Kings 6:9 Biblia Paralela1 Kings 6:9 Chinese Bible1 Kings 6:9 French Bible1 Kings 6:9 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Kings 6:9 So he built the house and finished (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) 
