1 Kings Chapter 6 · Verse 34
And the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.
Original Language Analysis
בְרוֹשִׁ֑ים
were of fir
H1265
בְרוֹשִׁ֑ים
were of fir
Strong's:
H1265
Word #:
4 of 14
a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)
צְלָעִ֜ים
leaves
H6763
צְלָעִ֜ים
leaves
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
6 of 14
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
הָֽאַחַת֙
of the one
H259
הָֽאַחַת֙
of the one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
גְּלִילִֽים׃
were folding
H1550
גְּלִילִֽים׃
were folding
Strong's:
H1550
Word #:
9 of 14
a valve of a folding door (as turning); also a ring (as round)
קְלָעִ֛ים
leaves
H7050
קְלָעִ֛ים
leaves
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
11 of 14
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
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 the two doors were of fir tree: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.
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.