1 Kings 6:20

And the oracle in the forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and [so] covered the altar [which was of] cedar.

And the oracle {H1687} in the forepart {H6440} was twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} in length {H753}, and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} in breadth {H7341}, and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} in the height {H6967} thereof: and he overlaid {H6823} it with pure {H5462} gold {H2091}; and so covered {H6823} the altar {H4196} which was of cedar {H730}.

This sanctuary was thirty-five feet long, wide and high; and it was overlaid with pure gold. In front of it he set an altar, which he covered with cedar.

The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.

And within the oracle was a space of twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof; and he overlaid it with pure gold: and he covered the altar with cedar.

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 6:20

This verse is part of a detailed description of King Solomon's construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 6 provides an architectural blueprint, highlighting the precise dimensions, materials, and craftsmanship involved in building this magnificent structure dedicated to the Lord. Verse 20 focuses specifically on the innermost and most sacred part of the Temple: the Holy of Holies, also known as the "oracle" or dĕbîr.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Holy of Holies: God's Dwelling Place: The "oracle" refers to the Most Holy Place, the inner sanctuary of the Temple. This was the exclusive chamber where the Ark of the Covenant was housed, symbolizing God's direct presence among His people. Its meticulous design and precious materials underscore its unparalleled sacredness.
  • Perfection and Completeness in Design: The dimensions—"twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof"—describe a perfect cube. This geometric perfection is highly symbolic, representing the completeness, holiness, and absolute nature of God. It echoes the dimensions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, suggesting divine order and ultimate reality.
  • Purity, Value, and Divine Glory: The command to "overlaid it with pure gold" emphasizes the immense value and purity associated with God's dwelling. Gold, being incorruptible and precious, symbolizes the eternal, unblemished nature of God and the glory of His presence. The "altar [which was of] cedar" that was also covered in gold likely refers to the altar of incense, which stood just outside the Holy of Holies, or possibly a specific cedar structure within the Most Holy Place itself, further highlighting the consecrated nature of everything associated with this sacred space.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "oracle" in this verse is dĕbîr (דְּבִיר). While it literally means "back part" or "inner sanctuary," it also carries the connotation of a "speaking place." This emphasizes that the Holy of Holies was not just a physical space but the very location where God would communicate and reveal His will to His chosen people, particularly through the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.

Practical Application

While the physical Temple no longer stands, the principles revealed through its construction remain profound. This verse reminds us of God's absolute holiness and His desire for a pure dwelling place. For believers today, the concept of God dwelling among us has transitioned from a physical structure to the indwelling Holy Spirit within individual believers. This calls us to live lives of purity, reverence, and devotion, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the living God. The meticulous detail and precious materials used in the Temple's construction serve as a timeless testament to the awe and respect due to the Almighty.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 6:2

    And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty [cubits], and the height thereof thirty cubits.

  • 1 Kings 6:3

    And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits [was] the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; [and] ten cubits [was] the breadth thereof before the house.

  • 1 Kings 6:22

    And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that [was] by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

  • 1 Kings 7:48

    ¶ And Solomon made all the vessels that [pertained] unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread [was],

  • Exodus 30:1

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

  • Exodus 30:3

    And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
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