Old Testament
1 Kings 6:1
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480 years after the children of Israel came out of Egypt, in the 4th year of Solomon's reign over Israel, during the month of Zif — the 2nd month — he began building the house of the LORD.
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And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.
What 1 Kings 6:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse marks a significant moment in Israel's history. It tells us that 480 years after the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt, King Solomon began constructing a temple dedicated to God. This temple was not just a building; it represented a place where people could connect with the divine. The timing is important, as it shows the fulfillment of God's promise to His people. Solomon's reign was a time of peace and prosperity, allowing him to focus on this monumental task. The month of Zif, when the construction began, signifies new beginnings and growth. This moment reflects the culmination of years of hope and faith, as the Israelites finally had a permanent place to worship. It reminds us that significant achievements often take time and patience, and that honoring our commitments can lead to lasting legacies. Solomon's dedication to building the temple illustrates the importance of creating spaces for spiritual connection and community. This act of devotion is a powerful reminder of the value of faith in our lives.
How to apply 1 Kings 6:1 to your life
Consider what commitments you have made in your life. Are there areas where you can dedicate time and effort to create something meaningful? Just as Solomon built the temple, you can build connections and spaces that foster growth and spirituality in your community. Reflect on how you can honor your commitments today.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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Illustrated scene from Solomon's story: Building the Temple (1 Kings 6:1–38)
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Solomon
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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Keep studying 1 Kings 6:1
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 6:1 mean?
1 Kings 6:1 indicates that 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt, King Solomon began building the temple for the Lord during his fourth year of reign. This event marks a significant milestone in Israel's history, symbolizing a permanent place for worship and connection with God.
What is the significance of the month Zif in 1 Kings 6:1?
The month Zif, mentioned in 1 Kings 6:1, is the second month of the Hebrew calendar and symbolizes new beginnings and growth. It is significant because it marks the start of the temple's construction, reflecting hope and the fulfillment of God's promise.
How does 1 Kings 6:1 relate to the theme of commitment?
1 Kings 6:1 illustrates commitment through Solomon's dedication to building the temple, which required significant time and resources. This act reflects the importance of honoring commitments to create lasting legacies and meaningful spaces for worship.
What can we learn from Solomon's temple construction in 1 Kings 6:1?
From Solomon's temple construction, we learn the value of patience and dedication in achieving significant goals. It encourages us to invest time and effort into creating meaningful connections and spaces that foster community and spirituality.
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