not only had regular windows but also windows with beveled or artistic frames (1 Kings 7:4

NKJ). The Hebrew word for window, shaquph {shaw-koof}, used only in two places in the

Bible indicates the uniqueness of this type of frame (1 Kings 6:4; 7:4). The definition of the

word "shaquph" is narrow lights or windows with closed beams. In Solomon's house, "[there

were] windows [in] three rows, and light [was] against light [in] three ranks" (1 Kings 7:4 KJV).

There were three tiers of windows on each side, creating the image of light against light. This

was no doubt an architectural touch of beauty.

 Solomon's wife said, "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Behold, he is standing

behind our wall, He is looking through the windows, He is peering through the lattice (Song of

Songs 2:9 NASB). The Hebrew word for lattice is 'eshnab, which implies a window closed with

lattices, through which cold air passes. These windows were also able to be opened and closed

as modern day windows are (2 Kings 13:17) and were generally big enough for a grown man to

pass through (1 Samuel 19:12). Since glass windows had not yet been invented at this time,

Solomon's personal house actually had something like jalousie windows made out of a non glass

material to allow air flow, and to keep the rain and sun out, it is likely that the same type of

windows were used, or were beginning to be used in other buildings. Even in Ezekiel's temple,

prophesied about 381 years after the first temple was completed, contained shuttered windows

(Ezekiel 40:16).

Winding Stairs

 The doorway for the lowest side chamber {was} on the right side of the house; and they
 would go up by winding stairs to the middle {story,} and from the middle to the third (1
 Kings 6:8 NASB).

 Stairs were in use as far back as the building of the Tower of Babel. Many homes in Israel

used ladders or stairs to get up to the roof for various purposes (Nehemiah 8:16). In larger

buildings, such as Solomon's home, stairs were necessary since there were multiple floors.