1 Kings 6:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:22 describes the lavish completion of the interior of Solomon's Temple, specifically noting that the entire house and the altar near the oracle were meticulously overlaid with gold. This extensive use of the precious metal underscored the unparalleled sanctity, divine glory, and immense value attributed to God's dwelling place among His people, reflecting both the king's devotion and the sacredness of the space dedicated to the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, which spans [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Preparations for Temple Construction") through [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple"). Chapter 6 meticulously describes the architectural layout, dimensions, materials, and craftsmanship involved in building this monumental edifice. Preceding verses detail the foundation, walls of stone, cedar paneling, and intricate carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. Verse 22 marks the culmination of the interior finishing, emphasizing the final, most opulent layer of decoration. It immediately precedes the description of the two cherubim within the oracle and the final details of the inner and outer courts, setting the stage for the dedication of the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, temples were considered the literal dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved immense resources, reflecting the power and wealth of the king and the perceived status of the god. Solomon's Temple, built in Jerusalem, served as the central place of worship for Israel, solidifying Jerusalem's role as the religious and political capital. The use of gold was not merely for aesthetic appeal; gold was universally recognized as the most precious and incorruptible metal, symbolizing divinity, royalty, purity, and permanence. Kings like Solomon would spare no expense in honoring their gods, and the lavishness of the Temple's gold overlay would have communicated Israel's devotion to Yahweh and Solomon's immense wealth, which was a sign of God's blessing upon his reign, as promised in [1 Kings 3:13](/1_kings/3-13 "1 Kings 3:13 - God's Promise to Solomon").
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description of the Temple's construction, particularly its golden overlay, contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence**, as the Temple was designed to be the earthly dwelling place for God's name and glory among His people, a concept rooted in the Tabernacle's design (e.g., [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - The Tabernacle as God's Dwelling")). Secondly, the unparalleled opulence underscores the **Holiness and Sacredness** of God, emphasizing that His dwelling must be set apart and pure. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of **Kingship and Covenant Fulfillment**, as Solomon's building of the Temple fulfills David's desire and God's promise to establish David's throne and house (e.g., [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Covenant with David")). Finally, the Temple's grandeur was intended to inspire **Worship and Awe**, directing the hearts of the people towards the magnificent God who chose to dwell among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zahav'_):** This term, appearing frequently in the Temple descriptions, signifies the most precious and incorruptible of metals. In the biblical context, gold is consistently associated with divine glory, purity, royalty, and immense value. Its extensive use throughout the Temple, particularly as an overlay, was not merely decorative but symbolic, reflecting the majesty and enduring nature of the God to whom the structure was dedicated. It implies a complete covering, transforming the underlying materials into a shimmering testament to God's transcendence.
* **Overlaid (Hebrew, צָפָה, _ṣāphāh'_):** The verb "ṣāphāh" means "to cover," "to overlay," or "to plate." It indicates a thorough and complete covering rather than just a superficial decoration or trim. This implies that the wooden and stone elements of the Temple's interior were entirely concealed by the gold, creating an environment of dazzling splendor that would have profoundly impacted anyone entering the sacred space. The repetition of this action ("he overlaid... until he had finished") emphasizes the meticulousness and exhaustive nature of the work.
* **Oracle (Hebrew, דְּבִיר, _dĕbîr'_):** Also known as the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies, the "dĕbîr" literally means "the speaking place" or "the innermost room." This was the most sacred chamber of the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, representing the very throne of God's presence. Its name suggests its function as the place from which God communicated with His people, particularly through the high priest on the Day of Atonement. The fact that this most sacred area, along with its adjacent altar, was completely overlaid with gold, underscores its absolute sanctity and the profound reverence due to God's immediate presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the whole house he overlaid with gold":** This clause establishes the comprehensive nature of the gold application. "The whole house" refers to the entirety of the Temple's interior, including the Holy Place (Hekal) and the Most Holy Place (Dĕbîr), as well as the walls, ceiling, and possibly the floor. The action of "overlaying" signifies a complete covering, not just plating, indicating an unparalleled level of opulence and dedication to making God's dwelling place supremely glorious.
* **"until he had finished all the house":** This phrase emphasizes the thoroughness and completion of the work. It was not a partial or temporary measure but a final, exhaustive effort to adorn every part of the interior with gold. This speaks to Solomon's commitment to fulfilling his father David's vision for a magnificent Temple and to honoring God with the very best resources available.
* **"also the whole altar that [was] by the oracle he overlaid with gold":** This specifies an additional, highly significant item that received the same lavish treatment. The "altar that was by the oracle" is widely understood to be the Altar of Incense, which stood in the Holy Place directly in front of the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place (the "oracle"). Its complete overlaying with gold linked the act of worship, particularly the offering of incense (symbolizing prayers), directly to the divine presence in the Holy of Holies, emphasizing the sanctity of all elements connected to God's dwelling.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of grandeur and sanctity. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "overlaid with gold" and the emphasis on "the whole house" and "the whole altar," underscoring the comprehensive nature of the golden adornment and reinforcing the theme of lavish dedication. **Symbolism** is central, with gold serving as a powerful symbol of divine glory, purity, majesty, and enduring value. The sheer quantity and pervasive application of gold create a sense of **hyperbole** or extreme emphasis, highlighting the extraordinary beauty and sacredness intended for God's house, far surpassing any other structure of its time. The description evokes a strong visual image of dazzling splendor, designed to inspire **awe** and reverence in the reader, mirroring the intended effect on those who would enter the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lavish use of gold in Solomon's Temple, as described in [1 Kings 6:22](/1_kings/6-22 "1 Kings 6:22 - The Golden Temple Interior"), stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of God and His dwelling among humanity. It signifies that God is worthy of the absolute best, and His presence demands the highest reverence and purity. The gold, being incorruptible, also points to the eternal and unchanging nature of God and His covenant promises. While God cannot be contained by any physical structure (as Solomon himself acknowledges in [1 Kings 8:27](/1_kings/8-27 "1 Kings 8:27 - Solomon's Prayer of Dedication")), the Temple served as a tangible symbol of His commitment to dwell among His people, a sacred space where heaven and earth intersected, and where humanity could approach the divine. The gold-laden interior would have visually communicated the glory and majesty of the invisible God.

* [Exodus 25:11](/exodus/25-11 "Exodus 25:11 - Gold in the Ark of the Covenant")
* [Hebrews 9:3-5](/hebrews/9-3 "Hebrews 9:3-5 - The Holy of Holies and its Furnishings")
* [Revelation 21:18-21](/rev_21/21-18 "Revelation 21:18-21 - The New Jerusalem's Golden Purity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple with its golden overlay no longer stands, the spiritual principles it embodied remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The meticulous dedication and lavish resources poured into God's dwelling challenge us to consider the quality of our own offerings – not just financial, but our time, talents, and affections. Just as Solomon spared no expense in honoring God, we are called to give God our best, valuing His presence and purposes above all else. This verse reminds us that God is supremely worthy of our reverence and awe. The dazzling interior of the Temple was designed to inspire a sense of His majesty and holiness, prompting us to approach Him with humility and adoration, whether in corporate worship or in the quiet of personal devotion. Furthermore, recognizing that believers are now the spiritual temple of the Holy Spirit (as in [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), we are called to live lives that reflect God's glory and purity, making our bodies and lives a "golden" offering, set apart for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I truly giving God my "gold" – my best, most precious resources and efforts?**
* **How does the description of the Temple's lavishness impact my understanding of God's holiness and His worthiness of worship?**
* **If my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, how can I better adorn it with actions and attitudes that reflect God's glory and purity?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary significance of overlaying the Temple with gold?**

Answer: The primary significance was multi-faceted. Firstly, gold symbolized divine glory, purity, and majesty, reflecting the character of the God who was to dwell there. Its incorruptible nature also spoke to God's eternal and unchanging essence. Secondly, it demonstrated King Solomon's immense wealth and his profound devotion to God, showcasing his commitment to building a dwelling worthy of the Lord. Lastly, the sheer opulence was intended to inspire awe and reverence in those who entered, directing their focus to the transcendent holiness of God.

**Was the entire Temple truly covered in solid gold?**

Answer: The text states the Temple was "overlaid" with gold, which implies a complete covering or plating rather than being constructed of solid gold. While incredibly extensive and requiring vast quantities of the precious metal, it was a layer applied over the cedar and stone structures. This method was common in ancient Near Eastern temple construction to achieve a dazzling effect without the impracticality and impossible cost of solid gold. The effect, however, would have been one of unparalleled splendor, making it appear as if the entire interior shimmered with gold.

**What was the "oracle" mentioned in the verse, and why was it so important?**

Answer: The "oracle" (Hebrew: *dĕbîr*) refers to the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies. It was the innermost and most sacred chamber of the Temple, separated from the Holy Place by a veil. This was where the Ark of the Covenant was placed, representing the very presence and throne of God among His people. Its importance stemmed from its role as the point of closest communion between God and humanity, particularly through the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. The name "dĕbîr" itself, meaning "the speaking place," highlights its function as the locus from which God communicated His will. Its complete overlaying with gold underscored its absolute sanctity and the profound reverence due to God's immediate, albeit veiled, presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The magnificent, gold-overlaid Temple in [1 Kings 6:22](/1_kings/6-22 "1 Kings 6:22 - The Golden Temple Interior") ultimately finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus. The physical Temple, with its dazzling display of gold, served as a foreshadowing of the true dwelling place of God's glory, which is Christ Himself. Just as the gold symbolized purity, divine majesty, and the presence of God, so Jesus is the very embodiment of God's glory, full of grace and truth, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). He is the ultimate "oracle," the "speaking place" where God communicates perfectly with humanity, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness")). The Altar of Incense, overlaid with gold and positioned near the oracle, pointed to the prayers and worship offered to God, which are now perfectly mediated through Christ, our great High Priest, who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). The Temple's sacredness and its golden splendor, designed to inspire awe, are surpassed by the inherent holiness and divine radiance of Christ, who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Supremacy of Christ")). Through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus has inaugurated a new spiritual temple, not made with human hands, where believers, united with Him, become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, reflecting His glory to the world ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")).

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 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.

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.