It's easy to skim past the precise timing, but notice how the text grounds the start of the temple building not just in Solomon's reign, but specifically in the four hundred and eightieth year after the Exodus. This isn't just a date; it emphasizes the long, patient unfolding of God's redemptive plan, showing that this momentous project was years in the making, a culmination of divine timing.
In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD. The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After generations of wandering and then settling in the promised land, the people of Israel are finally building a permanent home for God's presence. This verse kicks off the detailed account of Solomon constructing the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a project that would take seven years to complete and symbolize God's covenant faithfulness. It marks a pivotal moment of national identity and spiritual focus, fulfilling a promise God made to David.
Imagine waiting centuries for a promise to be fulfilled. This verse marks a monumental moment generations in the making.
This verse isn't just a date; it's a marker of deep historical significance. Four hundred and eighty years is a long time! That's roughly 18-20 generations of Israelites who lived, struggled, and hoped, but never saw the permanent dwelling place for God's presence among them.
From the Exodus out of Egypt, a pivotal act of God's deliverance, to the building of the Temple, countless events unfolded: crossing the Red Sea, wandering in the wilderness, conquering the Promised Land, the era of the Judges, and the establishment of the monarchy.
All these experiences, both triumphs and failures, were part of the journey leading to this singular moment. The building of the Temple wasn't a sudden whim but the culmination of a long-held divine plan and human anticipation.
Why build now? This verse reveals that God's timing for His dwelling place is precise and purposeful.
The verse pinpoints the exact year (480th after Exodus), the specific year of Solomon's reign (4th), and even the month (Ziv, the second month). This precision isn't for historical record-keeping alone; it underscores God's sovereignty and meticulous planning.
The Right Time for the Right Place
Israel had to journey through significant phases before the Temple could be built:
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Only when Israel was established, relatively secure, and had a unified leadership under Solomon was it the appropriate time for this monumental structure. God's presence among His people, especially in such a central way as the Temple, required a foundation of peace and established worship.
This wasn't just a building project; it was an act of devotion and a testament to God's magnificent presence.
The ultimate purpose stated is clear: 'he began to build the house of the LORD.' This project was dedicated entirely to God.
A House for God's Name
Solomon's Temple was intended to be more than just a building. It was to be:
While Solomon was the king and the builder, the motivation and glory were to be God's. This sets a precedent for all subsequent worship, reminding us that our efforts in building up the church or honoring God should always be for His ultimate glory.
Understand the original words
Mitsrayim · Hebrew Noun
The historical location where the Israelites were enslaved, serving as a biblical symbol of bondage, sin, and the power of the world, from which God sovereignly delivers His people.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
An intimate, covenantal title for the God of Israel (Yahweh). It denotes His eternal existence, faithfulness to His covenant, and personal relationship with His people.
bayith · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, this refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. It is the place where God chose to cause His Name and presence to dwell among His people, serving as the focal point of worship and sacrifice.
ammah · Hebrew Noun
A standard unit of measurement in the ancient Near East, traditionally based on the length of a human forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, often used in architectural descriptions of tabernacles and temples.
This verse anchors the start of the Temple's construction in a specific year, counting back from the Exodus. This timing highlights the Temple not as an arbitrary structure, but as the fulfillment of God's long-standing promises and presence with Israel after their liberation and journey.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, led by Moses, depart from slavery in Egypt, marking a pivotal moment of liberation and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1445-1405 BC
Wilderness Wandering
The Israelites wander in the desert for 40 years, a period of testing, judgment, and covenant renewal under God's guidance.
c. 1405 BC
Entry into Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites cross the Jordan River and begin the conquest of the Promised Land.
c. 1070-1010 BC
Reign of King David
David unites the tribes, establishes Jerusalem as the capital, and prepares plans and materials for the Temple.
c. 967 BC— this verse
Solomon Begins Temple Construction
In his fourth year, Solomon starts building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a project intended to be the center of Israel's worship and national identity.
c. 960 BC
Completion of the Temple
After seven years of construction, the Temple is completed, fulfilling David's vision and becoming a symbol of God's presence among His people.
This passage marks the foundational moment of Israel's exodus from Egypt, directly linking to the 480 years mentioned in 1 Kings 6:1 as the time elapsed before the Temple's construction.
2 Samuel 7:1-17Here, God promises David that his descendant will build a house for the Lord, setting the stage for Solomon's Temple and fulfilling a key prophetic promise made generations earlier.
Deuteronomy 12:10-11This passage instructs Israel that the Lord will choose a place for His name to dwell, highlighting the significance of Jerusalem and the Temple as the central sanctuary God Himself ordained.
1 Chronicles 22:6-10It details David's commission to his son Solomon to build the Temple, emphasizing that it was God who chose Solomon and gave him the task, mirroring the divine appointment mentioned in relation to the building's commencement.
Psalm 132:1-5This psalm recalls David's vow to find a dwelling place for the Lord, echoing the deep desire for God's presence in a permanent sanctuary that was finally realized with the construction of the Temple.
It's easy to skim past the precise timing, but notice how the text grounds the start of the temple building not just in Solomon's reign, but specifically in the four hundred and eightieth year after the Exodus. This isn't just a date; it emphasizes the long, patient unfolding of God's redemptive plan, showing that this momentous project was years in the making, a culmination of divine timing.
After generations of wandering and then settling in the promised land, the people of Israel are finally building a permanent home for God's presence. This verse kicks off the detailed account of Solomon constructing the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a project that would take seven years to complete and symbolize God's covenant faithfulness. It marks a pivotal moment of national identity and spiritual focus, fulfilling a promise God made to David.
After generations of wandering and then settling in the promised land, the people of Israel are finally building a permanent home for God's presence. This verse kicks off the detailed account of Solomon constructing the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, a project that would take seven years to complete and symbolize God's covenant faithfulness. It marks a pivotal moment of national identity and spiritual focus, fulfilling a promise God made to David.
"In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD. Th…" — It's easy to skim past the precise timing, but notice how the text grounds the start of the temple building not just in Solomon's reign, but specifically in the four hundred and eightieth year afte…
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Last reviewed October 2026
