1 Chronicles 28:18

KJV

And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out [their wings], and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the altar {H4196} of incense {H7004} refined {H2212} gold {H2091} by weight {H4948}; and gold {H2091} for the pattern {H8403} of the chariot {H4818} of the cherubims {H3742}, that spread out {H6566} their wings, and covered {H5526} the ark {H727} of the covenant {H1285} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and for the incense altar, refined gold by weight; and gold for the design of the chariot and the k'ruvim with their wings spread out to cover the ark for the covenant of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense; and the plans for the chariot of the gold cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

American Standard Version

and for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot, even the cherubim, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:18 meticulously records King David's divinely-inspired instructions to Solomon for the construction of the First Temple, specifically detailing the precise requirements for the altar of incense and the elaborate golden cherubim that were to overshadow the Ark of the Covenant. This verse underscores the profound holiness, immense value, and exact divine blueprint for God's dwelling place, emphasizing the purity of materials and the deep symbolic significance of these sacred elements within the Temple's overall design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the climax of King David's reign, as he publicly commissions his son Solomon to build the Temple. In [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge and Temple Plans"), David gathers all the leaders of Israel, presenting Solomon as God's chosen builder. Crucially, David asserts that the entire architectural plan, including the detailed specifications for every furnishing, was not of human origin but was revealed to him "by the Spirit" ([1 Chronicles 28:12](/1_chronicles/28-12 "1 Chronicles 28:12 - David received plans by the Spirit")) and that the "pattern" for everything was "from the hand of the LORD" ([1 Chronicles 28:19](/1_chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - All by the hand of the LORD")). This divine authorship elevates the Temple's design from a mere architectural project to a sacred, God-ordained undertaking, demanding absolute adherence to its precise specifications. Verse 18, therefore, exemplifies this meticulous level of detail in the divine blueprint, focusing on two of the most profoundly sacred components: the altar of incense and the cherubim associated with the Ark.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple by Solomon in the 10th century BCE marked a monumental shift in Israelite worship, transitioning from the mobile Tabernacle to a permanent, grand edifice in Jerusalem. This era saw the consolidation of the Israelite monarchy and the establishment of Jerusalem as the spiritual and political heart of the nation. The extensive use of "refined gold by weight," as specified here and throughout the Temple descriptions (e.g., [1 Kings 6:21-22](/1_kings/6-21-22 "1 Kings 6:21-22 - Gold in Solomon's Temple")), was characteristic of grand ancient Near Eastern temples. It signified not only the immense wealth and power of the commissioning monarch but, more significantly, the supreme value and holiness attributed to the deity being honored. Cherubim, depicted as winged, often composite creatures, were common motifs in ancient Near Eastern art, frequently serving as guardians of sacred spaces or attendants to deities. However, in Israelite theology, they held a unique significance, specifically associated with guarding the divine presence (as seen in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim guard Eden")) and serving as the throne or vehicle of Yahweh, particularly in relation to the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's tangible presence among His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Precision and Holiness**. The detailed instructions for God's dwelling place and its furnishings were not left to human discretion but demanded exact adherence to a divinely revealed pattern, reflecting God's absolute purity, order, and transcendent nature. The "refined gold by weight" speaks volumes about both the immense value and the unblemished purity required for objects intimately associated with God's presence. Secondly, the mention of the "chariot of the cherubims" and their covering of the Ark highlights the theme of **God's Majestic Presence and Sovereignty**. The cherubim, often linked to God's throne (as in [Psalm 99:1](/psalms/99-1 "Psalm 99:1 - God enthroned above the cherubim")), symbolize His transcendent power, His dynamic movement, and the profound sacredness of His immediate presence, particularly over the mercy seat of the Ark. Lastly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Continuity between the Tabernacle and Temple**. The altar of incense, the cherubim, and the Ark of the Covenant were central elements of the Tabernacle's design (e.g., [Exodus 25:10-22](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark and Cherubim") for the Ark and cherubim; [Exodus 30:1-10](/exodus/30-1-10 "Exodus 30:1-10 - Instructions for the Altar of Incense") for the altar of incense), now being incorporated into a permanent, grander structure. This continuity ensured that the theological significance and ritual practices established under Moses would endure in the new era of the Temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **refined (Hebrew, _zâqaq'_ H2212):** This primitive root means "to strain, (figuratively) extract, clarify; fine, pour down, purge, purify, refine." In the context of gold, it denotes a process of purification, often through smelting, to remove all impurities, resulting in metal of the highest possible quality and purity. When applied to the Temple furnishings, it signifies that only the most precious, unblemished, and thoroughly purified materials were deemed worthy for objects associated with God's holy presence, reflecting His absolute purity and the profound reverence due to Him. It speaks to the costly and sacrificial nature of true worship.
* **chariot (Hebrew, _merkâbâh'_ H4818):** This feminine noun typically refers to a "chariot" or "chariot-throne." While the cherubim themselves were stationary figures over the Ark, this unique phrase, "chariot of the cherubims," powerfully conveys the idea of God's mobile throne or vehicle of appearance. It does not imply a literal chariot for the cherubim to ride, but rather that the cherubim serve as the "seat" or "vehicle" upon which God's glory is enthroned or moves. This emphasizes His transcendence, sovereignty, and omnipresent power, particularly as He is depicted "riding upon a cherub" ([Psalm 18:10](/psalms/18-10 "Psalm 18:10 - God rides on a cherub")). It evokes a sense of divine majesty and dynamic, yet holy, presence.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_ H1285):** Derived from a root suggesting "cutting" (referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in half to seal an agreement), _bᵉrîyth_ signifies a "compact," "confederacy," or "league." In this verse, it refers to the "ark of the covenant of the LORD," highlighting the Ark as the tangible symbol of God's solemn agreement and relationship with Israel. The Ark contained the tablets of the Law, representing the terms of this covenant, and its presence underscored God's faithfulness to His promises and His intimate relationship with His chosen people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight;":** This clause specifies the material and the exactness required for the altar of incense. This altar, located in the Holy Place, was where incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints, was burned daily ([Exodus 30:7-8](/exodus/30-7-8 "Exodus 30:7-8 - Daily burning of incense")). The phrase "refined gold by weight" emphasizes the immense value, purity, and meticulous precision demanded for an object so intimately connected with the act of worship and communion with God. It implies that nothing less than the purest and most precisely measured materials were acceptable for God's service, reflecting His unblemished holiness.
* **"and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out [their wings],":** This part details the material and design for the cherubim. These were two golden cherubim, distinct from the larger, freestanding cherubim in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 6:23-28](/1_kings/6-23-28 "1 Kings 6:23-28 - The two large cherubim in the inner sanctuary")). These specific cherubim were an integral part of the Ark of the Covenant itself, fashioned out of the same piece of gold as the mercy seat ([Exodus 25:19](/exodus/25-19 "Exodus 25:19 - Cherubim fashioned from the mercy seat")). The phrase "pattern of the chariot of the cherubims" reinforces the divine blueprint and the symbolic role of these cherubim as the "throne" or "vehicle" upon which God's glory was manifested, emphasizing His majestic presence and sovereignty. Their "spread out wings" denote their protective posture and expansive reach, signifying their guardianship of the divine presence.
* **"and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.":** This final clause clarifies the specific function and location of these cherubim: they were positioned directly above the Ark of the Covenant, with their wings overshadowing the mercy seat. The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in Israel, containing the tablets of the Law, a jar of manna, and Aaron's staff ([Hebrews 9:4](/hebrews/9-4 "Hebrews 9:4 - Contents of the Ark")). It uniquely represented God's covenant presence among His people. The cherubim, therefore, served as guardians of this most holy space, visually reinforcing the inaccessibility and profound holiness of God's presence, from which He communed with His people ([Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God speaks from above the mercy seat")).

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is highly prominent, with "refined gold" symbolizing purity, divinity, and immense value, appropriate for objects dedicated to the supremely holy God. The "cherubim" themselves are powerful symbols of divine presence, guardianship, and the celestial realm, often associated with God's throne and the sanctity of His dwelling. The phrase "chariot of the cherubims" uses **metaphor** or **metonymy**, where the cherubim are not literally a chariot but represent the mobile throne or vehicle of God's glory, emphasizing His transcendent sovereignty and dynamic presence. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in specifying "by weight" and "pattern" highlights the **precision** and **divine authorship** of the Temple's design, reinforcing the idea that God is a God of perfect order and exactness, whose dwelling place must reflect His unblemished nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:18 powerfully bridges the material world with divine holiness, demonstrating that God's presence demands the absolute highest standards of purity, precision, and reverence. The detailed instructions for the Temple furnishings, particularly the use of refined gold and the specific design of the cherubim over the Ark, underscore the absolute sanctity of God's dwelling place. This meticulousness reflects God's own character—holy, perfect, and worthy of ultimate devotion. The continuity of these elements from the Tabernacle to the Temple reinforces the unchanging nature of God's covenant relationship with His people and the enduring principles of worship. The imagery of the cherubim as a "chariot" further emphasizes God's majestic sovereignty and His dynamic, yet holy, presence among His people, from which He rules and communes.

* [Exodus 25:17-22](/exodus/25-17-22 "The Mercy Seat and Cherubim")
* [Exodus 30:1-6](/exodus/30-1-6 "The Altar of Incense")
* [Psalm 80:1](/psalms/80-1 "God Enthroned Between the Cherubim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, with its profound emphasis on divine precision and the use of refined gold for sacred objects, calls believers to a deep reflection on the nature of our worship and service to God in the present age. While we no longer build physical temples of gold, the underlying principle remains eternally true: God is worthy of our absolute best, offered with purity, intentionality, and profound reverence. Our lives, as "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit")), should reflect the same commitment to holiness and devotion that was demanded for the ancient Temple. This means approaching God in prayer, worship, and daily living with a heart refined by faith, free from impurities, and dedicated wholeheartedly to His glory. It encourages us to consider the "weight" of our offerings—not merely in material terms, but in the sincerity, purity, and depth of our devotion. Just as every detail of the Temple was divinely ordained, so too should our lives be intentionally shaped by God's revealed will, striving for excellence in all that pertains to Him, recognizing that our very lives are an offering to the Most High.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in Temple construction challenge my approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can I offer "refined gold by weight"—my best, purest self—in my daily walk with God?**
* **How does the imagery of the "chariot of the cherubims" deepen my understanding of God's majestic presence and sovereignty in my life?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "refined gold by weight" for the altar of incense?**

Answer: The phrase "refined gold by weight" highlights two crucial aspects of God's requirements for His sanctuary. Firstly, "refined gold" (Hebrew, _zâqaq_ H2212, meaning purified) signifies the highest quality and purity of the material. This emphasizes that only the most precious and unblemished materials were deemed worthy for objects associated with God's holy presence, reflecting His absolute purity and the profound reverence due to Him. Secondly, "by weight" indicates meticulous precision, not just in the quality of the gold but in the exact quantity used. This underscores the divine blueprint's exactness and the importance of adhering precisely to God's instructions. For the altar of incense, where the prayers of the saints ascended to God ([Revelation 8:3-4](/revelation/8-3-4 "Revelation 8:3-4 - Incense with prayers of the saints")), this precision and purity symbolized the preciousness and acceptability of pure, heartfelt worship before a holy God.

**What does "the chariot of the cherubims" refer to, since cherubim don't literally ride chariots?**

Answer: The phrase "chariot of the cherubims" (Hebrew, _merkâbâh_ H4818, meaning chariot) is a powerful metaphorical expression, not a literal description of cherubim riding a vehicle. In biblical theology, particularly in the Old Testament, the cherubim are often depicted as the throne or vehicle upon which God's glory is manifested or moves. This imagery suggests God's supreme sovereignty, His dynamic presence, and His ability to move and act throughout creation. It connects to passages like [Psalm 18:10](/psalms/18-10 "Psalm 18:10 - God rides on a cherub") where God "rode upon a cherub and flew," and the elaborate visions of Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 1:4-28](/ezekiel/1-4-28 "Ezekiel 1:4-28 - Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim and God's throne-chariot")), where the cherubim are integrally linked to God's mobile throne. In 1 Chronicles 28:18, it refers to the cherubim over the Ark of the Covenant, which served as the seat of God's presence, thus metaphorically functioning as His "chariot-throne" from which He reigned and communed with Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Chronicles 28:18, with its profound emphasis on the divinely designed Temple, its precise golden furnishings, and the cherubim guarding God's presence, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple, in all its magnificence and meticulous design, was a shadow of a greater reality—God's ultimate desire to dwell perfectly and permanently among His people. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking profoundly of "the temple of his body" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus speaks of His body as the Temple")). Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the living embodiment of God's presence on earth, where humanity can truly meet God without the need for physical structures or animal sacrifices. The "refined gold" and precise measurements of the Temple foreshadow the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ, who is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His sacrifice was of infinite value and purity, offered "by weight" of divine justice and boundless love. The cherubim, guarding the Ark and God's holy presence, point to Christ as our superior High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, entered the true Most Holy Place—heaven itself—"not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's superior sacrifice")). Through Him, the way to God's presence, once guarded by cherubim and veiled by the Temple's design, is now opened for all believers, who are themselves made "living stones" in a spiritual house, with Christ as the foundational "cornerstone" ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Believers as living stones in a spiritual house")). Thus, the meticulous detail and profound holiness of the Temple find their perfect, accessible, and eternal reality in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 25:18

And thou shalt make two cherubims [of] gold, [of] beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

Exodus 25:22

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Exodus 30:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: [of] shittim wood shalt thou make it.

Exodus 30:10

And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it [is] most holy unto the LORD.

Psalms 80:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

Hebrews 9:5

And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

Psalms 18:10

And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.