Definition: And he made a porch of pillars; the length thereof [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof thirty cubits: and the porch [was] before them: and the [other] pillars and the thick beam [were] before them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 7:6. It's a really interesting passage about how King Solomon built a special place for God to worship in Jerusalem! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse describes a large, rectangular platform (a porch) that was built for God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And he made a porch of pillars…” – This means Solomon created a structure with pillars – sturdy supports. “…the length thereof [was] fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof thirty cubits:” - "Cubits" were units of measurement in ancient times, roughly like feet or inches. So: Fifty cubits: This is the width of the porch – it was about 50 feet wide. Thirty cubits: This is the length of the porch – it was about 30 feet long. “and the porch [was] before them:” - This means the porch was positioned before the main pillars and beams that supported the structure. It was a central area for worship. “and the other pillars and the thick beam [were] before them.” – This is where it gets really significant. Solomon added more pillars and a very thick beam to the base of the porch, creating a strong and stable foundation. What’s the big picture? This verse tells us that Solomon was building a place dedicated to God, a sacred space for prayer and worship. It shows off his ambition and desire to make a magnificent temple – a place where people could come to connect with God directly. In essence, it's a description of a grand and important structure designed to honor the Lord. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in the Bible? Compare this to other examples of temple construction from the Old Testament?