1 Kings 6:16

And hee built twentie cubites on the sides of the house, both the floore, and the walles with boards of Cedar: he euen built them for it within, euen for the Oracle, euen for the most holy place. 1 Kings 6:16 (KJV)

In the verses that precede 1 Kings 6:16, King Solomon begins the monumental task of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God among His people. The verse records that the side of the house measured twenty cubits. A cubit was an ancient unit of length roughly equal to the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger—about 18 inches (45 centimeters). Thus twenty cubits correspond to approximately thirty feet (nine meters), indicating the width of the side walls of the inner sanctuary.

The verse explicitly mentions that both the floor and the walls were built with boards of cedar. Cedar was prized for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay, making it an appropriate material for a structure intended to endure. While some commentators note that the specific reference to cedar paneling appears in the preceding verse (1 Kings 6:15), the KJV wording of 1 Kings 6:16 itself includes the cedar boards, underscoring the quality of the materials used for the most sacred portions of the Temple.

The passage also highlights that these cedar boards were installed “within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place.” The term “oracle” (Hebrew ḥōrēb) designates the innermost sanctuary, later known as the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. By emphasizing the construction of the oracle, the verse draws attention to the sanctity of this inner chamber as the focal point of God’s presence.

Symbolically, the precise dimensions and premium materials of the Temple point to God’s desire for a tangible, honored dwelling among His people. The careful planning and grandeur of the structure foreshadow the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan in the person of Jesus Christ, who is described as the true dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14). For believers today, the passage invites reflection on the importance of honoring God’s presence in our own lives, striving to build “inner houses” of integrity, beauty, and devotion.

Overall, 1 Kings 6:16 provides a concise yet rich detail about the Temple’s side‑wall measurement, the use of cedar, and the dedication of the most holy place. This detail contributes to our understanding of the grandeur, careful planning, and theological significance embedded in the construction of God’s house.