HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. – A large hall built by Solomon, whose purpose is still debated; some see it as a hall for solemn ceremonies, others as a stable.
Its location within the Temple complex and the royal palace is still a matter of hypothesis. The construction made extensive use of cedar from Lebanon, hence its name. It measured 100 x 50 x 30 cubits (approx. m. 55 x 27.50 x 16.50). The roof was supported by 45 columns of the same wood, arranged in 3 rows of 15 columns each (1 Kings 7:2-5). On the upper level, above the side aisles, there were perhaps chambers intended for storing weapons, while in the higher walls of the central nave there may have been windows (1 Kings 10:17; Isa. 22:8).
BIBL.: F. Nötscher, Biblische Altertumskunde, Bonn 1940, pp. 244-47.