MPV Commentary

Measures and Ornaments of the House.

The specifications for building the house of God were provided to Solomon by his father through written plans. The measurements are based on cubits, using the original Mosaic standard. However, there is ongoing debate about the exact length of a cubit, with some estimates ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The temple was a rectangular structure, approximately 140 feet long and 30 feet wide.

The porch, which ran along the front of the house, measured around 35-40 feet in length and 15-17.5 feet in width. Its height reached an impressive 180-210 feet, making it a striking feature of the temple's design. This towering entrance was reminiscent of ancient architectural styles found in places like Khorsabad and Edfou.

The main building consisted of the holy places, which included the outer chamber (see 1 Kings 6:17). The interior of the house was adorned with beautiful marble flooring, possibly featuring stones with veins of different colors to add visual interest. Underneath this floor lay a layer of fir planks. The walls were lined with intricately carved wooden boards, showcasing clusters of foliage and flowers, including pomegranates and lotus flowers. The entire interior, except for the floor, was overlaid with gold, either through gilding or using gold plates (1 Kings 6:1-38).