1 Kings 6 - Introduction

VI.

Chapter s 6 and 7 form a section almost technically descriptive of the Temple and other building works of Solomon, (a) The general account of the building of the Temple occupies 1 Kings 6; (b) to this succeeds a briefer description of the other works of Solomon (1 Kings 7:1); (c) lastly, we have a full and detailed description of the work of Hiram for the ornaments and furniture of the Temple (1 Kings 7:13). The whole may be compared with 2 Chronicles 3:4, with the account in Josephus (Antt. viii. 3), and with the descriptions (in Exodus 25-27, Exodus 25:35) of the Tabernacle, which determined the construction of the Temple in many points. With some variations, depending on the nature of the prophetic vision, it may also be illustrated from Ezekiel 40-46. On the details of these Chapter s there has been much learned discussion; but most light has been thrown on it by the articles in the Dictionary of the Bible (TEMPLE, PALACE, JERUSALEM), written by Mr. Fergusson, who unites with antiquarian learning extensive acquaintance with the history and the details of architecture.