1 Kings 6:18

The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen.

Study Bible

The inside of the temple
This phrase refers to the inner sanctum of Solomon's Temple, a sacred space designed for the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew word for "temple" is "הֵיכָל" (heikal), which denotes a large and significant structure. The temple was the center of Israelite worship and symbolized God's presence among His people. Its construction was a fulfillment of God's promise to David, Solomon's father, and represented a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant.

was cedar
Cedar wood, known in Hebrew as "אֶרֶז" (erez), was highly valued in ancient times for its durability, fragrance, and resistance to decay. The use of cedar in the temple's construction signifies the importance and sacredness of the building. Cedar was imported from Lebanon, indicating the extensive trade networks and alliances Solomon maintained. The choice of cedar also reflects the temple's intended permanence and beauty, as it was a material fit for a king and, more importantly, for the King of Kings.

carved with gourds and open flowers
The carvings of "gourds" and "open flowers" (Hebrew: פְּקָעִים וּפְטוּרֵי צִצִּים, peqa'im u'peturei tzitzim) are decorative elements that adorned the temple's interior. These motifs are reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, symbolizing life, fertility, and divine blessing. The artistic craftsmanship reflects the creativity endowed by God to human artisans, and the beauty of creation itself. Such intricate designs would inspire worshippers to contemplate the glory and majesty of God, who is the ultimate Creator.

Everything was cedar
This repetition emphasizes the completeness and uniformity of the temple's interior design. The phrase underscores the exclusivity of cedar as the chosen material, highlighting its significance and the care taken in the temple's construction. It also suggests a sense of purity and holiness, as the temple was set apart for God's presence. The use of a single material throughout the interior creates a cohesive and harmonious environment, suitable for worship and reflection.

no stone was visible
The phrase "no stone was visible" indicates that the stone structure of the temple was entirely covered with cedar wood. This detail signifies the transformation of raw materials into a sacred space, where the focus is on the beauty and sanctity of the worship environment rather than the mundane aspects of construction. It also reflects the idea that God's dwelling place is not just a physical structure but a spiritual sanctuary, where the visible points to the invisible reality of God's presence. The covering of stone with cedar can be seen as a metaphor for the covering of human imperfection with divine grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple. His reign was marked by wisdom and prosperity, and he was tasked with constructing the temple as a permanent dwelling place for God among His people.

2. The Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence with His people. The temple was a fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for God's name.

3. Cedar Wood
A valuable and durable wood used extensively in the construction of the temple. It was imported from Lebanon and was known for its quality and fragrance.

4. Gourds and Open Flowers
Decorative carvings that adorned the interior of the temple, symbolizing beauty and the abundance of creation.

5. Israel
The nation chosen by God to be His people, for whom the temple was built as a place of worship and sacrifice.

Teaching Points

The Beauty of Holiness
The intricate carvings of gourds and flowers in the temple remind us that God values beauty and creativity. Our worship spaces and lives should reflect the beauty of holiness, pointing others to the Creator.

The Importance of Quality in Worship
The use of cedar, a high-quality material, signifies the importance of offering our best to God. In our worship and service, we should strive for excellence, giving God our first and finest.

Symbolism of Creation
The carvings of gourds and flowers symbolize the abundance and diversity of God's creation. This reminds us to appreciate and steward the natural world as a reflection of God's glory.

God's Presence Among His People
The temple was a physical representation of God's presence with Israel. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that reflects God's presence in the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of cedar wood in the temple's construction reflect the value God places on quality and excellence in our worship and service?

2. In what ways can the beauty and creativity seen in the temple's design inspire us to incorporate beauty into our own worship practices?

3. How does the symbolism of gourds and open flowers in the temple relate to the themes of creation and abundance found throughout Scripture?

4. What lessons can we learn from the construction of the temple about the importance of preparing a place for God's presence in our lives today?

5. How can we, as the temple of the Holy Spirit, reflect God's presence and holiness in our daily interactions and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction reflect the care and reverence required in creating a dwelling place for God.

2 Chronicles 3-4
These chapters provide a parallel account of the temple's construction, offering additional details and emphasizing the grandeur and holiness of the temple.

Psalm 92:12-14
This passage uses the imagery of flourishing trees, such as the cedar, to describe the righteous. It connects to the use of cedar in the temple, symbolizing strength and longevity.