1 Kings 6:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:20 provides a precise description of the inner sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, known as the "oracle" or Holy of Holies. It details its perfect cubic dimensions—twenty cubits in length, breadth, and height—and highlights that this most sacred space, along with an associated cedar altar, was meticulously overlaid with pure gold. This verse underscores the unparalleled holiness, divine perfection, and immense value attributed to the dwelling place of God's presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the highly detailed architectural account of Solomon's construction of the Temple, spanning [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). Following the general dimensions of the main sanctuary (the Holy Place) in verses 1-19, verse 20 specifically zooms in on the innermost chamber, the `dĕbîr`, or Holy of Holies. This meticulous description of its dimensions and materials emphasizes its unique sacredness and centrality to the entire structure. The subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Kings 6:21-28](/1_kings/6-21 "1 Kings 6:21-28 - Interior Details and Cherubim")) continue to elaborate on the interior furnishings and adornments of this sacred space, particularly the cherubim and the altar, further reinforcing the divine glory intended for this sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence for Israel. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking, fulfilling a vision first conceived by his father, King David (see [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant")). The Temple served as the permanent, centralized dwelling place for the Lord, replacing the movable Tabernacle of the wilderness wanderings. The use of precious materials like cedar from Lebanon (likely through trade with Phoenicia) and vast quantities of gold reflects the wealth of Solomon's kingdom and the common ancient Near Eastern practice of adorning temples with the finest available resources to honor the deity. The precise measurements and cubic design also echo architectural principles found in other ancient sacred structures, signifying order and divine perfection.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Construction of Solomon's Temple") and particularly in verse 20 is the **Divine Presence** and **Holiness of God**. The Holy of Holies was the symbolic dwelling place of Yahweh, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, representing God's direct presence among His people. The meticulous design, perfect cubic dimensions, and lavish use of **Pure Gold** underscore the themes of **Perfection, Completeness, and Unblemished Purity** associated with God Himself. This section also subtly points to the **Continuity and Development** from the Tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary, to the permanent, magnificent Temple, signifying God's enduring commitment to dwell with His people. The Temple's construction also reflects Solomon's **Royal Priesthood and Kingship**, as he orchestrates the building of God's house, fulfilling the covenant promise to David.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oracle (Hebrew, _dĕbîr'_):** This term refers to the innermost sanctuary of the Temple, the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies. While literally meaning "back part" or "inner room," its derivation from the root _dabar_ ("to speak") suggests a deeper significance: it was the "speaking place" or "place of divine utterance." This emphasizes that the Holy of Holies was not merely a chamber but the very locus where God would communicate His will and presence to His chosen people, particularly through the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ʾammāh'_):** A cubit was an ancient unit of linear measure, typically based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (approx. 45-53 cm). The repetition of "twenty cubits" for length, breadth, and height signifies a perfect cube. This geometric perfection is highly symbolic, representing completeness, wholeness, stability, and the absolute, unchangeable nature of God. It echoes the dimensions of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The Cubic New Jerusalem"), suggesting a divine order and ultimate reality.
* **Pure Gold (Hebrew, _sāgôr zāhāb'_):** The Hebrew phrase indicates refined, solid, or closed-off gold, emphasizing its unadulterated quality. Gold, being incorruptible, lustrous, and immensely valuable, universally symbolizes purity, divine glory, royalty, and eternity. Its lavish use in the Holy of Holies signifies the unparalleled value and unblemished nature of God's presence and the sacredness of His dwelling. It visually communicated the unapproachable glory and majesty of Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the oracle in the forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof":** This clause precisely defines the dimensions of the `dĕbîr`, the Holy of Holies. Its position "in the forepart" refers to its placement at the western, innermost end of the Temple. The perfect cubic shape (20x20x20 cubits) is a profound theological statement, signifying the absolute perfection, holiness, and completeness of God. Unlike the rectangular Holy Place, the cube speaks of ultimate divine order and a space entirely consecrated to the unblemished presence of the Almighty.
* **"and he overlaid it with pure gold":** This describes the lavish material used to cover the entire interior of the Holy of Holies. The use of "pure gold" (not merely gold plating over wood, but a thick, substantial overlay) signifies the immense value, purity, and glory associated with God's dwelling place. This act of overlaying transforms the physical space into a dazzling reflection of divine majesty, emphasizing that nothing less than the most precious and incorruptible material was fitting for the immediate presence of God.
* **"and [so] covered the altar [which was of] cedar":** This final phrase indicates that an altar, likely the Altar of Incense, situated either directly in front of or within the Holy of Holies, was also covered with gold. While the main Altar of Burnt Offering was outside, the Altar of Incense (mentioned in [1 Kings 7:48](/1_kings/7-48 "1 Kings 7:48 - Temple Furnishings")) stood in the Holy Place, directly before the veil separating it from the Holy of Holies. Its gold overlay, like that of the Holy of Holies, underscored its sacred function in mediating worship and prayer before God's immediate presence. The mention of "cedar" for this altar highlights the use of this durable and fragrant wood, further consecrated by the gold.

#### Literary Devices
The text in [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Description of the Holy of Holies") employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Precision and Detailing** are paramount, as the exact measurements and materials are meticulously enumerated. This serves not only as an architectural blueprint but also as a testament to the divine instruction and the human dedication involved in creating a dwelling worthy of God. The **Repetition** of "twenty cubits" emphatically highlights the perfect cubic form of the Holy of Holies, drawing attention to its symbolic significance of completeness and divine perfection. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is rich throughout the verse: the **cube** itself symbolizes stability, perfection, and the wholeness of God; **gold** represents purity, glory, incorruptibility, and immense value, reflecting the nature of the divine presence; and **cedar** signifies durability and majesty, further consecrated by the gold overlay. These devices collectively elevate the description from a mere architectural detail to a profound theological statement about the character of God and the nature of His dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The description of the Holy of Holies in 1 Kings 6:20, with its perfect dimensions and pure gold overlay, profoundly shapes our understanding of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. This innermost sanctuary was the earthly locus of God's dwelling, a place of supreme holiness and unapproachable glory, accessible only to the High Priest once a year. It communicated God's transcendence, His absolute purity, and His desire for a consecrated space among His people. The meticulous detail and precious materials underscore the reverence and awe due to the Almighty. This physical structure served as a tangible reminder of God's presence, yet also of the chasm between His holiness and human sin, a chasm that required specific, divinely ordained rituals for limited access.

* [Exodus 25:22](/exodus/25-22 "Exodus 25:22 - God's Promise to Speak from the Mercy Seat"): God promises to meet and speak with Moses from above the mercy seat between the cherubim in the Tabernacle's Most Holy Place, establishing the precedent for the "oracle" as a place of divine communication.
* [Hebrews 9:3-8](/hebrews/9-3 "Hebrews 9:3-8 - The Inner Sanctuary and its Limitations"): This New Testament passage describes the Holy of Holies and its restricted access under the Old Covenant, emphasizing that the way into the Most Holy Place was "not yet made manifest" as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The Cubic New Jerusalem"): The description of the New Jerusalem as a perfect cube, with its length, breadth, and height being equal, directly echoes the dimensions of the Holy of Holies, symbolizing the ultimate and complete dwelling of God with humanity in the eschatological age.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail and unparalleled sacredness of the Holy of Holies, as described in 1 Kings 6:20, offer profound lessons for believers today. While we no longer worship in a physical temple with a literal Holy of Holies, the principles it embodies remain eternally relevant. It reminds us of God's absolute holiness, His unblemished purity, and His desire for a consecrated dwelling place. For those in Christ, the concept of God dwelling among us has transitioned from a physical structure to the spiritual indwelling of the Holy Spirit within individual believers and the corporate body of Christ, the Church. This reality calls us to live lives of purity, reverence, and devotion, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the living God. The preciousness of the gold and the perfection of the cube challenge us to offer God nothing less than our best—our whole selves, consecrated and purified by His Spirit, reflecting His glory in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Temple's construction challenge our approach to worship and service today, knowing that God desires our best?**
* **In what ways do we, as individual believers and as the corporate Church, reflect the "pure gold" of God's character in our lives and communities?**
* **What does the restricted access to the Holy of Holies under the Old Covenant teach us about God's holiness, and how has this understanding been transformed through the work of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the "oracle" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "oracle" in 1 Kings 6:20 refers to the `dĕbîr` (דְּבִיר), which is the Hebrew term for the innermost sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, also known as the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies. This was the most sacred chamber within the Temple, designed to house the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's direct presence among His people. Its name, derived from a root meaning "to speak," also implies it was the place where God would communicate or "speak" to His High Priest.

**Why are the dimensions of the Holy of Holies a perfect cube (20x20x20 cubits)?**

Answer: The perfect cubic dimensions of the Holy of Holies are highly symbolic. In ancient thought, a cube represented perfection, completeness, stability, and wholeness. Theologically, it signifies the absolute holiness, unchangeable nature, and divine perfection of God. This geometric precision underscores that the space was entirely consecrated to the unblemished presence of the Almighty. This cubic form also finds an echo in the description of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The Cubic New Jerusalem"), suggesting a continuity of divine order and ultimate reality from the earthly dwelling of God to His eternal city.

**What is the significance of "pure gold" covering everything in the Holy of Holies?**

Answer: The lavish use of "pure gold" throughout the Holy of Holies carries profound symbolic weight. Gold, being incorruptible, lustrous, and immensely valuable, universally symbolizes purity, divine glory, royalty, and eternity. Its presence signifies the unparalleled value and unblemished nature of God's presence. It visually communicated the unapproachable glory, majesty, and absolute purity of Yahweh, emphasizing that nothing less than the most precious and incorruptible material was fitting for the immediate dwelling place of the Holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Holy of Holies in Solomon's Temple, with its perfect cubic dimensions and pure gold overlay, stands as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ and His redemptive work. This most sacred space, symbolizing God's dwelling and accessible only to the High Priest once a year, pointed to the ultimate inaccessibility of a holy God to sinful humanity under the Old Covenant. However, in Christ, the ultimate reality of God's dwelling among humanity is fully realized. Jesus is the true Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence, for in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). His incarnation, where "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), is the fulfillment of God's desire to tabernacle with His people. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, the veil of the Temple, which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way to God's immediate presence was now opened for all who believe. No longer confined to a physical structure, God's Spirit now indwells believers, making each one a "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The cubic perfection of the Holy of Holies also finds its ultimate echo in the New Jerusalem, described as a perfect cube in [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - The Cubic New Jerusalem"), where there is no longer a need for a separate temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")), indicating a complete and unhindered dwelling of God with His redeemed people for all eternity through 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.