1 Kings 7:9

All these i.e. The whole of the buildings described in the previous verses.

according to the measures of hewed stones Better not to be taken as in construction, but with R.V. even hewn stones according to measure. The word is literally -according to measures," and this the R.V. explains on the margin as -after diversmeasures." But this is what is meant by their text.

within and without Though the inside face of the walls was to be covered with cedar, and so put out of sight, the same care was taken with the dressing of that part of the stone work, as with all that was to remain uncovered.

toward the great court Better, unto. What appears to be meant in the verse is a strong expression of the excellency of the stone work. This is said to have been of the same character from the base to the coping of all the walls, and then is added, that it was the same from the front part of the buildings to the back. The front part, which was the house of the forest, is not mentioned, but it said that the good work extended unto the great court, which lay farthest back of all the buildings.