1 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 10
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיָּצִ֙ועַ֙
chambers
H3326
הַיָּצִ֙ועַ֙
chambers
Strong's:
H3326
Word #:
3 of 14
spread, i.e., a bed; (architecture) an extension, i.e., wing or lean-to (a single story or collectively)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבַּ֖יִת
against all the house
H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת
against all the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
6 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
H520
אַמּ֖וֹת
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
וַיֶּֽאֱחֹ֥ז
and they rested
H270
וַיֶּֽאֱחֹ֥ז
and they rested
Strong's:
H270
Word #:
10 of 14
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּ֖יִת
against all the house
H1004
הַבַּ֖יִת
against all the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
And then he built chambers against all the house, five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of construction of the temple, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy. The temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.