1 Kings 6:16
And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls with boards of cedar: he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.
1 Kings 6:16 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 1 Kings 6:16 describes the construction of the temple that King Solomon built for the Lord. The 20 cubits mentioned in the verse refer to the width of the temple on each side. The use of cedar boards for both the floor and walls symbolizes the strength and durability of the structure, as cedar wood was known for its quality and longevity. The mention of the oracle and the most holy place highlights the significance of these areas within the temple. The oracle was where God's presence was believed to dwell, making it the most sacred part of the temple. By building the temple with such care and attention to detail, King Solomon demonstrated his reverence for God and his commitment to creating a worthy place for worship. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting sacred spaces in the service of the Lord.
Theological Overview
One important theological interpretation of this verse from 1 Kings 6:19 is the significance of the measurements and materials used in the construction of the temple. The twenty cubits mentioned in the verse symbolize completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. This demonstrates the meticulous care and attention to detail that was put into creating a sacred space for God. The use of cedar wood, known for its durability and aromatic qualities, emphasizes the idea of offering the best to God in worship. The mention of the oracle and the most holy place highlights the sanctity of these inner chambers within the temple, where the presence of God was believed to dwell. Overall, this verse underscores the reverence and dedication required in the construction of a place where God's presence could be honored and worshipped.
1 Kings 6:16 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he built twenty cubits on the hinder part of the house with boards of cedar from the floor unto the walls [of the ceiling] : he built [them] for it within, for an oracle, even for the most holy place.
World English Bible
He built twenty cubits on the hinder part of the house with boards of cedar from the floor to the ceiling: he built them for it within, for an oracle, even for the most holy place.
Douay-Rheims
And he built up twenty cubits with boards of cedar at the hinder part of the temple, from the floor to the top: and made the inner house of the oracle to be the holy of holies.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he built twentie cubites in the sides of the house with boards of cedar, from the floore to the walles, and he prepared a place within it for the oracle, euen the most holy place.