1 Kings 6:16

He partitioned off the twenty cubits at the rear of the temple with cedar boards from floor to ceiling to form within the temple an inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.

Study Bible

And he built
The Hebrew root for "built" is "בָּנָה" (banah), which signifies not just the physical act of construction but also the establishment and creation of something significant and enduring. In the context of Solomon's Temple, this act of building is not merely architectural but deeply spiritual, symbolizing the establishment of a dwelling place for God's presence among His people. The construction of the Temple is a fulfillment of God's promise to David and a pivotal moment in Israel's history, representing a permanent place for worship and communion with God.

twenty cubits
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The specification of "twenty cubits" indicates precision and divine order in the construction of the Temple. This measurement reflects the careful planning and adherence to God's instructions, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reverence in creating a space for the divine presence. The dimensions also highlight the grandeur and sacredness of the inner sanctuary, setting it apart as a holy space.

on the rear of the house
The "rear of the house" refers to the innermost part of the Temple, which is the most sacred area. This positioning signifies the progression from the outer courts to the inner sanctum, symbolizing the journey of drawing closer to God. The rear location underscores the idea of separation from the profane and the movement towards holiness, reflecting the spiritual journey of believers seeking intimacy with God.

with boards of cedar
Cedar wood, known for its durability and pleasant aroma, was highly valued in ancient construction. The use of cedar in the Temple signifies strength, beauty, and longevity. Historically, cedar was imported from Lebanon, indicating the wealth and resources available to Solomon. Spiritually, cedar represents the incorruptible nature of God's dwelling place, a fitting material for the house of the Lord, symbolizing purity and divine protection.

from the floor to the ceiling
This phrase indicates the complete and thorough covering of the inner sanctuary with cedar, from the lowest to the highest point. It symbolizes the all-encompassing nature of God's presence, which fills every part of the sacred space. The vertical span from floor to ceiling also reflects the connection between earth and heaven, illustrating the Temple as a meeting point between the divine and the human.

he built it within as an inner sanctuary
The "inner sanctuary" is the Holy of Holies, the most sacred part of the Temple where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. This space was the earthly dwelling of God's presence, accessible only to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement. The construction of the inner sanctuary signifies the heart of worship and the focal point of Israel's spiritual life, representing the ultimate place of communion with God.

as the Most Holy Place
The "Most Holy Place" is a translation of the Hebrew "קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים" (qodesh ha-qodashim), meaning the holiest of all. This designation underscores the supreme sanctity of this space, set apart for God's presence. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him. The Most Holy Place is a foreshadowing of the ultimate access to God made possible through Jesus Christ, who tore the veil and opened the way for believers to enter into God's presence with confidence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, and the construction of the temple is one of his most significant achievements.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God. It was a central place for religious life and symbolized God's presence among His people.

3. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)
The innermost and most sacred area of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was separated by a veil and only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

4. Cedar Boards
The material used for the construction of the inner sanctuary. Cedar was valued for its durability and fragrance, symbolizing purity and permanence.

5. The Ark of the Covenant
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, it is the central focus of the Most Holy Place, representing God's covenant with Israel and His presence.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Sacred Space
The Most Holy Place was a physical representation of God's holiness and His desire to dwell among His people. As believers, we are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit, living lives that reflect God's holiness.

The Role of Obedience in Worship
Solomon's careful adherence to God's instructions for the temple's construction highlights the importance of obedience in our worship. True worship involves aligning our lives with God's will.

The Fulfillment in Christ
The Most Holy Place points to Jesus, who through His sacrifice, tore the veil and granted us direct access to God. This encourages us to approach God with confidence and gratitude.

The Importance of Preparation
Just as Solomon prepared the temple with great care, we should prepare our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring that we approach God with reverence and sincerity.

Symbolism of Materials
The use of cedar, a durable and fragrant wood, symbolizes the enduring and pleasing nature of a life dedicated to God. Our lives should be marked by qualities that are pleasing to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the Most Holy Place in Solomon's temple reflect God's desire for holiness among His people?

2. In what ways does the temple's design and function foreshadow the work of Christ as described in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principles of obedience and reverence seen in the temple's construction to our personal worship today?

4. What does the use of cedar wood in the temple's construction teach us about the qualities God desires in our lives?

5. How does understanding the role of the Most Holy Place enhance our appreciation of the access to God provided through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 26
Describes the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple. The design and materials used in the Tabernacle foreshadow the temple's construction.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Most Holy Place and the role of Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all.

2 Chronicles 3
Provides a parallel account of the temple's construction, offering additional details about the materials and dimensions.