1 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 35
And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
Original Language Analysis
וְקָלַ֤ע
And he carved
H7049
וְקָלַ֤ע
And he carved
Strong's:
H7049
Word #:
1 of 10
to sling; also to carve (as if a circular motion, or into light forms)
וְתִ֣מֹר֔וֹת
and palm trees
H8561
וְתִ֣מֹר֔וֹת
and palm trees
Strong's:
H8561
Word #:
3 of 10
(architectural) a palm-like pilaster (i.e., umbellate)
צִצִּ֑ים
flowers
H6731
צִצִּ֑ים
flowers
Strong's:
H6731
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
זָהָ֔ב
them with gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
them with gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
7 of 10
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
מְיֻשָּׁ֖ר
fitted
H3474
מְיֻשָּׁ֖ר
fitted
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
8 of 10
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
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 thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.
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 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.