6:1ff For more information on the purpose of the Temple, see the note on 2 Chronicles 5:1ff.
6:4 These narrow, recessed windows were near the tops of the walls to help light the center of the Temple.
6:7 In honor of God, the Temple in Jerusalem was built without the sound of a hammer or any other tool at the building site. This meant that the stone had to be “prefinished” (cut and shaped) miles away at the quarry. The people’s honor and respect for God extended to every aspect of constructing this house of worship. This detail is recorded not to teach us how to build a church but to show us the importance of demonstrating care, concern, honor, and respect for God and his sanctuary.
6:13 This verse summarizes the Temple’s main purpose. God promised that his eternal presence would never leave the Temple as long as one condition was met: The Israelites had to obey God’s law. Knowing how many laws they had to follow, we may think this condition was difficult. But the Israelites’ situation was much like ours today: They were not cut off from God for failing to keep some small part of a law. Forgiveness was amply provided for all their sins, no matter how large or small. As you read the history of the kings, you will see that lawbreaking was the result, not the cause, of estrangement from God. The kings abandoned God in their hearts first and then failed to keep his laws. When we close our hearts to God, we soon lose his power and presence.
6:14 The concept of Solomon’s Temple was more like a palace for God than a place of worship. As a dwelling place for God, it was fitting for it to be ornate and beautiful. It had small inside dimensions because most worshipers would gather outside.