1 Kings 6:19

The Temple’s Interior · 1 Kings 6:14–22
Read 1 Kings 6

Translations

Modern
Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there.
Traditional
And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.
Literal
And the inner sanctuary in the midst of the house on the inside, he prepared to set there the ark of the covenant of YHWH.
Latin
Oraculum autem in medio domus, in interiori parte fecerat, ut poneret ibi arcam fœderis Domini.

Original

Hebrew
English
Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there.

Notes

  • The inner sanctuary of the temple, following the tabernacle's design, was covered inside with solid gold. A curtain (2 Chronicles 3:14) and gold chains separated it from the main room. Like the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle, the inner sanctuary was a perfect cube. It held the ark of the covenant of the LORD, symbolizing God's presence. The place of atonement was on top of the ark (Exodus 25:17), where the high priest sprinkled sacrificial blood each year to atone for the Israelites (Leviticus 16:1–19).

  • The altar for the Most Holy Place was in the main room, where priests burned incense daily (Exodus 30:34–38; 37:25–29). The altar was made of cedar and covered with gold.

  • Like the inner sanctuary, the main room was also fully covered with gold, reminding priests of God's presence. The main room contained ten golden lampstands, ten tables (2 Chronicles 4:7–8), and other furnishings (1 Kings 7:48–50).

The focus shifts to the inside of the temple. Although the temple site is not mentioned here, the Chronicler identified it as the former threshing floor of Araunah (1 Chronicles 21:18–25; 2 Chronicles 3:1). This site is traditionally believed to be Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:2). Solomon’s Temple was in the northeastern corner of Jerusalem, now known as the "old city." This is the area now associated with the Dome of the Rock.

The construction of the Temple and palace complex, along with the temple's dedication celebration, are key events in the 1 Kings account of Solomon's time. The temple, built to honor God, was Israel's most important building. Therefore, the writer of 1 Kings documented its construction details thoroughly.

Theme notes and profiles

Solomon Ancient Law Codes Solomon’s Wisdom

Events

Parallels

2 Chronicles 3:5–9

Glossary

Archaeology and the Bible Calendars (Ancient and Modern) Kings, Books of First and Second Temple Zif Ziv

Topics

Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Temple: Solomon's: Description of Temple: Solomon's: The Ark of the Covenant Temple: Solomon's: The Oracle (Holy of Holies) in the First Temple: Divided Into: The Oracle or Most Holy Place