1 Kings 6:1-3
The Voice
6 During the second month called Ziv in the 4th year of Solomon’s reign, 480 years after the Israelites had departed from Egypt, Solomon began constructing the Eternal’s temple.
The timing of the construction of the temple reveals the incredible importance of this event. First, by connecting its construction to the exodus, the writer recognizes this as the culminating event of Israel’s journey from slavery to an autonomous, God-led nation. God is completing His promise to give Israel a nation. Second, by beginning construction in the spring, Solomon uses his resources for a peaceful endeavor instead of war. Kings have always attacked in the spring because of the favorable weather, so Solomon is putting his devotion to God over his desire for more power. This choice of peace over war fits with Solomon’s name, which means “peace,” and characterizes his reign.
2 The Eternal’s temple was 90 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 45 feet high. 3 The front porch of the temple was 30 feet long (the same measurement as the width) and 15 feet deep at the front.
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