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.

And the whole house {H1004} he overlaid {H6823} with gold {H2091}, until he had finished {H8552} all the house {H1004}: also the whole altar {H4196} that was by the oracle {H1687} he overlaid {H6823} with gold {H2091}.

The entire house he overlaid with gold until it was completely covered with it. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the sanctuary.

So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the oracle he overlaid with gold.

Commentary

Context

First Kings chapter 6 details the meticulous construction of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental undertaking that spanned seven years. This verse, 1 Kings 6:22, highlights the culmination of the interior decoration, specifically the lavish use of gold. Following the structural completion and the carving of cedar and olive wood, the inner sanctum and surrounding areas were adorned with incredible opulence, underscoring the significance of this sacred edifice as the dwelling place for the Lord among His people.

Meaning and Significance

The verse states that "the whole house he overlaid with gold," referring to the entirety of the Temple's interior. This wasn't merely gold plating, but a complete covering, signifying unparalleled richness and dedication. The "oracle" (Hebrew: dฤ•bรฎr), also known as the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies, was the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Its complete overlaying with gold emphasized its absolute sanctity and separation. Similarly, "the whole altar that was by the oracle" โ€“ likely the Altar of Incense, positioned just outside the oracle in the Holy Place โ€“ was also covered in gold, linking the act of worship directly to the divine presence. This extensive use of gold symbolized:

  • Divine Glory: Gold, being precious and incorruptible, reflected the majesty, purity, and enduring nature of God.
  • Sacredness: The Temple was set apart for God's purposes, and its golden interior communicated its profound holiness.
  • King Solomon's Devotion and Wealth: It showcased Solomon's immense resources and his commitment to honoring God with the very best, fulfilling David's vision for a magnificent Temple.

Key Themes

  • Opulence and Magnificence: The sheer quantity of gold speaks to the extraordinary beauty and grandeur intended for God's house, far surpassing any other structure of its time.
  • Holiness and Purity: Gold's untarnished nature represented the purity required in God's presence and the sacredness of the spaces dedicated to Him.
  • Worship and Awe: The dazzling interior was designed to inspire awe and reverence in those who entered, directing their focus to the invisible God who dwelt there.

Linguistic Insights

The term "overlaid" comes from the Hebrew verb แนฃฤphฤh (ืฆึธืคึธื”), meaning to cover or overlay. It implies a complete and thorough covering, not just a decorative trim. The "oracle" (dฤ•bรฎr) literally means "the speaking place" or "the innermost room," highlighting its function as the place from which God communicated with His people, particularly through the high priest on the Day of Atonement.

Practical Application

While we no longer worship in a physical temple overlaid with gold, the principles behind Solomon's dedication remain relevant. This passage reminds us of the importance of:

  • Giving Our Best to God: Just as Solomon spared no expense, we are called to offer our highest praise, our sincere worship, and our generous resources in service to God, valuing His presence above all else (see Malachi 1:8).
  • Reverence for God's Presence: The gold-laden sanctuary underscored the holiness of God. We are to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His transcendence and purity, whether in corporate worship or personal devotion.
  • The Enduring Value of God's Dwelling: The Temple was built to last, signifying the eternal nature of God's covenant with His people. Today, believers are collectively the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to reflect God's glory in our lives.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 30:1

    ยถ 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 3:14

    And he made the vail [of] blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.

  • Exodus 30:5

    And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.

  • Exodus 30:6

    And thou shalt put it before the vail that [is] by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that [is] over the testimony, where I will meet with thee.
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