◄ 1 Kings 7:10 ►
The foundations were laid with large, costly stones, some ten cubits long and some eight cubits long.
Study Bible
The foundations
In the context of ancient architecture, the foundation is crucial for the stability and longevity of a structure. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for the foundational truths of the Christian faith, which are essential for a believer's life. The Hebrew word for "foundations" is "מוסדות" (mosadot), which implies a base or support. Just as a building requires a strong foundation, so does our faith require a solid grounding in the Word of God.

were laid
This phrase indicates intentionality and careful planning. The Hebrew verb "יסד" (yasad) means to establish or set in place. It suggests that the construction of the temple was not haphazard but was executed with precision and purpose. In our spiritual lives, laying down principles and values with intention is crucial for growth and stability.

with large, costly stones
The use of "large, costly stones" signifies the importance and grandeur of the temple. These stones were not ordinary; they were chosen for their size and value, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. The Hebrew word for "costly" is "יקר" (yaqar), meaning precious or valuable. This can be likened to the preciousness of our faith and the value God places on His dwelling place, both in the temple and within us as believers.

some ten cubits and some eight cubits in size
The specific mention of "ten cubits and some eight cubits" highlights the precision and care in the construction process. A cubit, an ancient measurement, is approximately 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The variation in size could indicate the adaptability and resourcefulness in using available materials. Spiritually, this can remind us of the diversity within the body of Christ, where different gifts and roles contribute to the whole, each with its unique purpose and measure.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace. Known for his wisdom and wealth, Solomon's reign was marked by extensive building projects.

2. Temple of Solomon
Although 1 Kings 7 primarily describes Solomon's palace, it is part of the larger account of Solomon's building projects, including the temple, which was a central place of worship for Israel.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Solomon's temple and palace were constructed, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

4. Hiram of Tyre
A skilled craftsman mentioned earlier in the chapter, who was instrumental in the construction of the temple and palace, though not directly in this verse.

5. Foundation Stones
The large, costly stones used in the construction, symbolizing strength, stability, and the grandeur of Solomon's reign.
Teaching Points
The Importance of a Strong Foundation
Just as Solomon used large, costly stones for the foundation of his palace, our lives must be built on the solid foundation of Christ and His teachings.

Investing in What Lasts
The use of costly stones reflects the value placed on the structure. Similarly, we should invest our time and resources in things of eternal value.

Symbolism of Stones in Scripture
Stones often symbolize strength and permanence in the Bible. Reflect on how Christ is referred to as the cornerstone in the New Testament.

God's Provision for His Work
The resources and skills needed for Solomon's building projects were provided by God. Trust in God's provision for the tasks He calls us to.

Legacy of Faithful Building
Solomon's construction projects left a lasting legacy. Consider what kind of spiritual legacy you are building through your actions and decisions.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the use of large, costly stones in the foundation of Solomon's palace teach us about the importance of a strong foundation in our spiritual lives?

2. How can we apply the principle of investing in what lasts to our daily decisions and priorities?

3. In what ways does the symbolism of stones in the Bible enhance our understanding of Jesus as the cornerstone?

4. How can we trust in God's provision for the tasks He has called us to, as seen in the resources provided for Solomon's building projects?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are building a lasting spiritual legacy, similar to the enduring structures of Solomon's time?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 5-6
These chapters provide context for Solomon's building projects, including the temple, highlighting the resources and labor involved.

1 Chronicles 22
David's preparation for the temple construction, emphasizing the importance of laying a strong foundation for God's house.

Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders, which underscores the importance of a solid foundation, both physically and spiritually.
Sermons
Building God's House and One's OwnJ. Parker, D. D.1 Kings 7:1-12
The Satisfaction of Completing a Work1 Kings 7:1-12
People
Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan
Topics
Base, Costly, Cubits, Eight, Foundation, Foundations, Highly, Huge, Laid, Large, Masses, Measuring, Precious, Priced, Quality, Square, Stone, Stones, Ten
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:10

     5317   foundation

1 Kings 7:1-12

     5207   architecture
     5437   palaces
     5776   achievement

1 Kings 7:9-12

     4366   stones
     5340   house

1 Kings 7:9-14

     5212   arts and crafts

Library
Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

Links
1 Kings 7:10 NIV
1 Kings 7:10 NLT
1 Kings 7:10 ESV
1 Kings 7:10 NASB
1 Kings 7:10 KJV

1 Kings 7:10 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Kings 7:9
Top of Page
Top of Page