1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 10
And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.
Original Language Analysis
וּמְיֻסָּ֕ד
And the foundation
H3245
וּמְיֻסָּ֕ד
And the foundation
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
1 of 11
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
גְּדֹל֑וֹת
even great
H1419
גְּדֹל֑וֹת
even great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
5 of 11
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
אַמּֽוֹת׃
cubits
H520
אַמּֽוֹת׃
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
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 foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.
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.