1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 3
And it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.
Original Language Analysis
וְסָפֻ֣ן
And it was covered
H5603
וְסָפֻ֣ן
And it was covered
Strong's:
H5603
Word #:
1 of 13
to hide by covering; specifically, to roof (passive participle as noun, a roof) or wainscot; figuratively, to reserve
מִמַּ֙עַל֙
above
H4605
מִמַּ֙עַל֙
above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
3 of 13
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַצְּלָעוֹת֙
upon the beams
H6763
הַצְּלָעוֹת֙
upon the beams
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
5 of 13
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֔ים
pillars
H5982
הָֽעַמּוּדִ֔ים
pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
8 of 13
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
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 it was covered with cedar above upon the beams, that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, 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.