What is the context?
Olive-wood doors lead into the inner sanctuary, while folding cypress doors mark the other sanctuary entrance. The carved cherubim, palm trees and flowers continue on the doors, covered with gold.
The inner courtyard is built with dressed stone and trimmed cedar. The account ends by returning to the dates: the foundation was laid in Solomon’s fourth year, in the second month, and the work was finished in his eleventh year, in the eighth month.
The concluding summary says that Solomon built the temple in seven years and that it was completed in every detail according to its specifications.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Gill understands the seven years as a rounded account of the period. The more detailed dates extend from the second month of one year to the eighth month seven years later.
Wesley emphasizes the scale and care of the whole project when explaining why it took time. The notice is about sustained work brought to completion.
The final attention to details and dates closes the description of the building itself. The next chapter will turn to other royal construction and the temple’s furnishings.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.