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Commentary on 1 Kings 6 verses 15–38
Here, I. We have a particular account of the details of the building.
1.The wainscot of the temple. It was of cedar (Kg1 6:15), which was strong and durable, and of a very sweet smell. The wainscot was curiously carved with knops (like eggs or apples) and flowers, no doubt as the fashion then was, Kg1 6:18.
2.The gilding. It was not like ours, washed over, but the whole house, all the inside of the temple (Kg1 6:22), even the floor (Kg1 6:30), he overlaid with gold, and the most holy place with pure gold, Kg1 6:21. Solomon would spare no expense necessary to make it every way sumptuous. Gold was under foot there, as it should be in all the living temples: the abundance of it lessened its worth.
3.The oracle, or speaking-place (for so the word signifies), the holy of holies, so called because thence God spoke to Moses, and perhaps to the high priest, when he consulted with the breast-plate of judgment. In this place the ark of the covenant was to be set, Kg1 6:19. Solomon made every thing new, and more magnificent than it had been, except the ark, which was still the same that Moses made, with its mercy-seat and cherubim; that was the token of God's presence, which is always the same with his people whether they meet in tent or temple, and changes not with their condition.
4.The cherubim. Besides those at the ends of the mercy-seat, which covered the ark, (1.) Solomon set up two more, very large ones, images of young men (as some think), with wings made of olive-wood, and all overlaid with gold, Kg1 6:23, etc. This most holy place was much larger than that in the tabernacle, and therefore the ark would have seemed lost in it, and the dead wall would have been unsightly, if it had not been thus adorned. (2.) He carved cherubim upon all the walls of the house, Kg1 6:29. The heathen set up images of their gods and worshipped them; but these were designed to represent the servants and attendants of the God of Israel, the holy angels, not to be themselves worshipped (see thou do it not), but to show how great he is whom we are to worship.
5.The doors. The folding doors that led into the oracle were but a fifth part of the wall (Kg1 6:31), those into the temple were a fourth part (Kg1 6:33); but both were beautified with cherubim engraven on them, Kg1 6:32, Kg1 6:35.
6.The inner court, in which the brazen altar was at which the priests ministered. This was separated from the court where the people were by a low wall, three rows of hewn stone tipped with a cornice of cedar (Kg1 6:36), that over it the people might see what was done and hear what the priests said to them; for, even under that dispensation, they were not kept wholly either in the dark or at a distance.
7.The time spent in this building. It was but seven years and a half from the founding to the finishing of it, Kg1 6:38. Considering the vastness and elegance of the building, and the many appurtenances to it which were necessary to fit it for use, it was soon done. Solomon was in earnest in it, had money enough, had nothing to divert him from it, and many hands made quick work. He finished it (as the margin reads it) with all the appurtenances thereof, and with all the ordinances thereof, not only built the place, but set forward the work for which it was built.
II. Let us now see what was typified by this temple. 1. Christ is the true temple; he himself spoke of the temple of his body, Joh 2:21. God himself prepared him his body, Heb 10:5. In him dwelt the fulness of the Godhead, as the Shechinah in the temple. In him meet all God's spiritual Israel. Through him we have access with confidence to God. All the angels of God, those blessed cherubim, have a charge to worship him. 2. Every believer is a living temple, in whom the Spirit of God dwells, Co1 3:16. Even the body is such by virtue of its union with the soul, Co1 6:19. We are not only wonderfully made by the divine providence, but more wonderfully made anew by the divine grace. This living temple is built upon Christ as its foundation and will be perfected in due time. 3. The gospel church is the mystical temple; it grows to a holy temple in the Lord (Eph 2:21), enriched and beautified with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, as Solomon's temple with gold and precious stones. Only Jews built the tabernacle, but Gentiles joined with them in building the temple. Even strangers and foreigners are built up a habitation of God, Eph 2:19, Eph 2:22. The temple was divided into the holy place and the most holy, the courts of it into the outer and inner; so there are the visible and the invisible church. The door into the temple was wider than that into the oracle. Many enter into profession that come short of salvation. This temple is built firm, upon a rock, not to be taken down as the tabernacle of the Old Testament was. The temple was long in preparing, but was built at last. The top-stone of the gospel church will, at length, be brought forth with shoutings, and it is a pity that there should be the clashing of axes and hammers in the building of it. Angels are ministering spirits, attending the church on all sides and all the members of it. 4. Heaven is the everlasting temple. There the church will be fixed, and no longer movable. The streets of the new Jerusalem, in allusion to the flooring of the temple, are said to be of pure gold, Rev 21:21. The cherubim there always attend the throne of glory. The temple was uniform, and in heaven there is the perfection of beauty and harmony. In Solomon's temple there was no noise of axes and hammers. Every thing is quiet and serene in heaven; all that shall be stones in that building must in the present sate of probation and preparation be fitted and made ready for it, must be hewn and squared by divine grace, and so made meet for a place there.
The gold leaf with which the house was covered is the manifold works of piety that pure love exhibits in the service either of its Creator or of a brother’s need. The gold nails with which the gold leaf was attached are the very precepts of charity or promises of eternal glory through which by the gift of the grace of Christ we are kept constant in the exercise and pursuit of virtue in case we should fail.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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), 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
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 and demonstrating Israel's prosperity under God's blessing, as seen in 1 Kings 10.
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), 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), 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) and in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). He is not merely a dwelling place for God, but God Himself, dwelling among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). 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), 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.