1 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 21
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַבַּ֛יִת
the house
H1004
הַבַּ֛יִת
the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
זָהָֽב׃
gold
H2091
זָהָֽב׃
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
6 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וַיְעַבֵּ֞ר
and he made a partition
H5674
וַיְעַבֵּ֞ר
and he made a partition
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
8 of 14
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
זָהָֽב׃
gold
H2091
זָהָֽב׃
gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
10 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
11 of 14
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
הַדְּבִ֔יר
the oracle
H1687
הַדְּבִ֔יר
the oracle
Strong's:
H1687
Word #:
12 of 14
the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary
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
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.
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.