1 Kings 6:21

KJV

So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Solomon {H8010} overlaid {H6823} the house {H1004} within {H6441} with pure {H5462} gold {H2091}: and he made a partition {H5674} by the chains {H7572}{H7572} of gold {H2091} before {H6440} the oracle {H1687}; and he overlaid {H6823} it with gold {H2091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo overlaid the interior of the house with pure gold and had chains of gold placed before the sanctuary, which itself he overlaid with gold.

Berean Standard Bible

So Solomon overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold, and he extended gold chains across the front of the inner sanctuary, which was overlaid with gold.

American Standard Version

So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he drew chains of gold across before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 6:21 vividly portrays the unparalleled opulence of Solomon’s Temple, detailing the comprehensive overlay of its interior, including the main sanctuary and the innermost "oracle," with pure gold. This verse underscores the immense value and sacredness attributed to the dwelling place of God, not merely as a grand architectural achievement, but as a tangible expression of Israel's profound devotion and a testament to the incomparable glory, holiness, and majesty of the Lord, for whom no expense was considered too great.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the meticulous architectural and construction narrative of Solomon's Temple, primarily found in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple") and continuing into [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Palace and Temple Furnishings"). Specifically, [1 Kings 6:14-22](/1_kings/6-14 "1 Kings 6:14-22 - Temple Interior Construction") focuses on the interior finishing, detailing the use of cedar, cypress, and, most prominently, gold. Verse 21, following descriptions of the inner sanctuary's dimensions and the carving of cherubim and palm trees, emphasizes the complete gold overlay of both the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This detailed account serves to highlight the divine inspiration and meticulous execution of the Temple's design, reinforcing its status as a sacred space built according to God's precise instructions, echoing the careful construction of the Tabernacle in [Exodus](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). The lavishness described here sets the stage for the dedication in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"), where God's glory fills the completed structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence. This era provided the resources and stability necessary for monumental building projects, chief among them the Temple. The construction fulfilled King David's fervent desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant, a task divinely entrusted to his son Solomon ([2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - God's Covenant with David")). In the ancient Near East, temples were often adorned with precious metals, symbolizing the deity's power and the patron's wealth. However, the sheer scale of gold used in Solomon's Temple, as described in this verse and throughout [1 Kings 10:14-29](/1_kings/10-14 "1 Kings 10:14-29 - Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom"), was exceptional, distinguishing Yahweh's dwelling from those of pagan deities. This extravagance was not merely for aesthetic appeal but carried profound symbolic weight, signifying royalty, divinity, purity, and the incomparable majesty of the God of Israel, who deserved the very best from His people.
* **Key Themes:** The lavish description in this verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Glory and Presence**. The Temple, particularly its innermost sanctuary, was designed to be the earthly dwelling place of Yahweh, and the extensive use of pure gold reflected His incomparable glory, majesty, and absolute worthiness. Secondly, the "partition by the chains of gold before the oracle" highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. The Most Holy Place was set apart, accessible only to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:2-4](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2-4 - Instructions for Aaron's Entry into the Holy Place")), emphasizing God's transcendent holiness and the necessity of ritual purity for approaching Him. Finally, the entire construction project, culminating in such splendor, embodies the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness and Costly Worship**. It demonstrates Israel's commitment to honoring the God who had faithfully led them and established His covenant, providing a central place for their national worship and sacrificial system as outlined in [the Mosaic Law](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). The gold represents the costly devotion due to a faithful God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **overlaid (Hebrew, _tsâphâh'_):** This verb (H6823) signifies "to cover," "to plate," or "to sheet over," particularly with metal. It implies a complete and thorough application, indicating that the gold was not merely an accent but a comprehensive cladding of the interior surfaces. In the context of the Temple, its repeated use underscores the intentional and extensive sanctification of the space through the application of the most precious metal, signifying its complete dedication for God's exclusive use.
* **pure (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** This term (H5462), often translated as "pure" or "refined," denotes gold of the highest quality—unadulterated and flawless. Its use emphasizes that only the best, most perfect material was deemed suitable for the Lord's dwelling. This choice speaks not just to material wealth but profoundly symbolizes the absolute purity and holiness of God Himself, and by extension, the unblemished nature required for anything associated with His divine presence.
* **oracle (Hebrew, _dᵉbîyr'_):** This noun (H1687) refers specifically to the innermost sanctuary of the Temple, the Holy of Holies (or Most Holy Place), where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. The root of _dᵉbîyr_ is related to "to speak," suggesting "the speaking place" or "the place of the oracle," from which God would communicate His will to His people, primarily through the high priest. It was the most sacred and restricted space, representing the very throne room of God on earth, the focal point of His manifest presence among Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold:"** This initial clause establishes the primary action and location. "The house" refers to the main sanctuary or nave (the Holy Place). Solomon's act of "overlaying" signifies a complete cladding, transforming the entire interior into a shimmering expanse of the most precious metal. The use of "pure gold" emphasizes the unparalleled glory, holiness, and worthiness of the God for whom this magnificent structure was built, reflecting a desire to offer nothing less than the absolute best to the Divine.
* **"and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle;"** This clause describes the sacred boundary separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the "oracle"). This "partition," likely a veil or a gate, was adorned or secured by "chains of gold," further emphasizing the sanctity and inaccessibility of the innermost sanctuary. This golden barrier served as a physical and symbolic demarcation, reinforcing the absolute holiness of God's immediate presence and the restricted, ritualistic access permitted under the Old Covenant.
* **"and he overlaid it with gold."** This concluding clause reiterates and confirms the complete gold overlay, specifically referring to the "oracle" itself. The repetition underscores the thoroughness and extravagance of the gold application, ensuring that even the most sacred, hidden space—where only the high priest entered once a year—was entirely covered in the most precious and pure metal. This final detail reinforces the ultimate reverence for God's dwelling and the profound value placed on the very presence of Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of divine glory and human devotion. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the phrase "overlaid... with gold," which appears twice, emphasizing the sheer scale, thoroughness, and comprehensive nature of the gold application throughout the Temple's interior. This repetition creates a sense of overwhelming opulence and dedicated craftsmanship. **Symbolism** is paramount, with "pure gold" representing not merely material wealth but divine glory, holiness, purity, and the supreme value of God's presence. The gold transforms the earthly structure into a tangible reflection of heavenly splendor and incorruptibility. The "partition by the chains of gold" serves as a powerful symbol of **separation** and the transcendent holiness of God, marking the strict boundary between the accessible Holy Place and the utterly sacred Most Holy Place. This barrier underscores humanity's limited and mediated access to the divine presence under the Old Covenant, highlighting God's unapproachable majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The extensive use of pure gold in Solomon's Temple, particularly within the "oracle," profoundly communicates God's incomparable glory, holiness, and majesty. It served as a tangible, visible representation of the invisible God's worthiness, demonstrating that no earthly material or human effort was too great to honor Him. This lavishness also underscored the sanctity of the space where God's presence was uniquely manifested among His people, reinforcing the covenant relationship and the centrality of worship. The Temple, in its golden splendor, was a constant reminder of God's dwelling among Israel, a theme that began with the Tabernacle in the wilderness and pointed forward to a greater, ultimate dwelling. The gold also speaks to the preciousness of God's covenant promises and the unblemished perfection of His character.

* [Exodus 25:11](/exodus/25-11 "Exodus 25:11 - Gold Overlay of the Ark of the Covenant")
* [Hebrews 9:3-5](/hebrews/9-3 "Hebrews 9:3-5 - Description of the Most Holy Place and its Furnishings")
* [Revelation 21:18](/revelation/21-18 "Revelation 21:18 - The New Jerusalem Built of Pure Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple with its golden interior no longer stands, the spiritual lessons embedded in 1 Kings 6:21 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse calls us to reflect on the immense glory and holiness of God, inspiring awe, reverence, and profound respect in our worship and daily lives. Just as no expense was spared for God's dwelling place then, we are reminded that our lives, our resources, and our very beings should be wholly dedicated to Him. The New Testament teaches that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), implying a call to live lives of purity, integrity, and devotion. We are to reflect God's glory not in literal gold, but in character, conduct, and a life transformed by His presence. Our reverence for God should be so profound that we strive for excellence in all we do for His kingdom, understanding that our actions and attitudes are a living testimony to His worth and a reflection of His indwelling Spirit. This calls for a commitment to holiness and a willingness to offer our "pure gold" – our best efforts, our deepest affections, and our most precious resources – in service and worship to the One who is infinitely worthy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of the Temple's gold interior challenge or deepen your understanding of God's glory, holiness, and the value He places on His dwelling?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as "temples of the Holy Spirit," reflect God's purity, dedication, and glory in our daily lives and interactions?**
* **What "gold" (our talents, time, resources, passions) are we called to "overlay" our lives with in service and worship to God, demonstrating our ultimate reverence for Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was so much gold used in the Temple's construction, especially in the Most Holy Place?**

Answer: The extensive use of pure gold in Solomon's Temple, particularly in the Most Holy Place, served multiple profound purposes. Firstly, it was a tangible expression of God's supreme glory and majesty. Gold, being the most precious, incorruptible, and radiant metal known in the ancient world, was deemed worthy of adorning the dwelling place of the Creator of the universe. It symbolized divine purity, holiness, and royalty, reflecting the incomparable value of God Himself. Secondly, it underscored the sacredness and set-apart nature of the Temple, especially the "oracle" where the Ark of the Covenant resided and God's presence was uniquely manifested. The lavishness communicated that this was no ordinary building, but a consecrated space for divine encounter, a place where heaven touched earth. Finally, it represented the immense devotion and wealth of the Israelite nation under Solomon, demonstrating their commitment to honoring the Lord and establishing a central place for their covenant worship, fulfilling the vision given to [King David](/1_chronicles/22-14 "1 Chronicles 22:14 - David's Preparations for the Temple") and demonstrating Israel's prosperity under God's blessing, as seen in [1 Kings 10](/1_kings/10 "1 Kings 10 - The Queen of Sheba and Solomon's Wealth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The golden splendor of Solomon's Temple, particularly the "oracle" veiled by golden chains, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, with its intricate design and precious materials, was a shadow pointing to a greater, spiritual reality. The "oracle" or Most Holy Place, where God's presence dwelt behind a partition, symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Access was limited and ritualistic, requiring the blood of animal sacrifices. However, in Christ, this barrier is forever removed. Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")), and through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the veil of the Temple was miraculously torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Veil of the Temple Torn")), signifying that direct, unhindered access to God's presence is now available to all who believe. The "pure gold" of the Temple foreshadows the unblemished perfection, divine glory, and absolute holiness of Christ, who is the very image of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")) and in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Supremacy")). He is not merely a dwelling place for God, but God Himself, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem reveals a city with streets of pure gold, where there is no need for a temple because "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")), embodying the eternal, unhindered presence of God with His redeemed people, a reality far more glorious and enduring than any earthly structure, made possible by 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 26:32

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim [wood] overlaid with gold: their hooks [shall be of] gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

Exodus 26:33

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy.

Exodus 36:34

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings [of] gold [to be] places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exodus 26:29

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings [of] gold [for] places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

1 Kings 6:5

And against the wall of the house he built chambers round about, [against] the walls of the house round about, [both] of the temple and of the oracle: and he made chambers round about:

2 Chronicles 3:7

He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

2 Chronicles 3:9

And the weight of the nails [was] fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.