1 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 29
And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֵת֩
H853
וְאֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַבַּ֜יִת
of the house
H1004
הַבַּ֜יִת
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
מֵסַ֣ב׀
round about
H4524
מֵסַ֣ב׀
round about
Strong's:
H4524
Word #:
5 of 14
a divan (as enclosing the room); abstractly (adverbial) around
קָלַ֗ע
And he carved
H7049
קָלַ֗ע
And he carved
Strong's:
H7049
Word #:
6 of 14
to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)
פִּתּוּחֵי֙
with carved
H6603
פִּתּוּחֵי֙
with carved
Strong's:
H6603
Word #:
7 of 14
sculpture (in low or high relief or even intaglio)
וְתִֽמֹרֹ֔ת
and palm trees
H8561
וְתִֽמֹרֹ֔ת
and palm trees
Strong's:
H8561
Word #:
10 of 14
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
צִצִּ֑ים
flowers
H6731
צִצִּ֑ים
flowers
Strong's:
H6731
Word #:
12 of 14
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
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 he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
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.