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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Kings 6:15–38. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Wings when used as a figure of holy people signify their virtues whereby they delight in always flying to heavenly things and passing their lives in preoccupation with these things. But when wings are used to signify angels, what do they more aptly demonstrate than the grace of perpetual and unfailing happiness of those who persevere continually in heavenly things in the service of their Creator? Or at all events because they are endowed with the lightness of spiritual nature so that they can get to wherever they want, as it were, by flying, they are here both figuratively represented with wings and actually shown with wings. Now it has been well said: “One wing of the cherub was five cubits, and the other wing of the cherub five cubits,” since the angelic powers keep with untiring devotion the law of God which is written in five books, that is, by loving the Lord their God with all their strength and by loving their neighbors as themselves. “For love is the fulfilling of the law. Now “their neighbors” includes both the angelic spirits themselves reciprocally and elect human beings who are equally their fellow citizens. So the reason each wing is said to be of the same dimensions is that with the same devotion as they love each other in God they also long for our company as we ascend to them, and so two wings together take up ten cubits when, in a twofold demonstration of love, the angels rejoice in the presence of their Maker.
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Summary
1 Kings 6:24 provides a precise architectural detail of the two colossal cherubim positioned within the Most Holy Place (Debir) of Solomon's Temple. It meticulously specifies that each wing of these formidable figures measured five cubits, resulting in an impressive total wingspan of ten cubits from tip to tip. This detailed description underscores the immense scale and profound symbolic significance of these cherubim, which were central to the Temple's sacred architecture and served to emphasize the absolute holiness and awe-inspiring divine presence within Israel's primary sanctuary.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is intricately woven into 1 Kings chapter 6, which offers an exhaustive and highly detailed account of the construction of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Following the extensive preparations for building described in chapter 5, chapter 6 meticulously outlines the Temple's precise dimensions, the materials used, and the elaborate internal furnishings. Specifically, verses 23-28 focus on the two colossal cherubim, crafted from olive wood and overlaid with pure gold, which were destined for the Most Holy Place, the innermost sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant would ultimately reside. Verse 24, therefore, serves as a crucial architectural specification, highlighting the monumental scale of these figures as a foundational element of the sacred space's design and symbolic weight.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction of Solomon's Temple, circa 960 BC, marked a zenith in Israelite history, symbolizing a period of unprecedented national stability, prosperity, and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. Solomon's reign was characterized by ambitious building projects, reflecting both his immense wealth and his profound commitment to establishing a permanent and glorious dwelling place for God's presence among His people. The consistent use of the cubit—an ancient unit of measurement roughly equivalent to 18-21 inches—for such precise details underscores the meticulous planning and execution, which was understood to be guided by divine instruction. Cherubim themselves were not unique to Israel; they were familiar figures in ancient Near Eastern iconography, often depicted as winged guardians of sacred spaces or divine thrones. However, Israel uniquely adapted this motif to its monotheistic theology, associating them directly and exclusively with the holiness, majesty, and transcendent presence of Yahweh.
Key Themes
The meticulous description of the cherubim and their dimensions in 1 Kings 6:24 significantly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes the Divine Presence and Holiness of God. The colossal cherubim unequivocally signified God's immediate, awe-inspiring presence within the Debir, the holiest part of the Temple. Their formidable size would have visually underscored the unparalleled sacredness of the space where God's glory was to dwell, echoing the divine instructions given for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25. Secondly, the verse reinforces the powerful Symbolism of Guardianship. Cherubim consistently appear in biblical narrative as angelic beings associated with guarding sacred spaces, such as the Tree of Life in Genesis 3:24 or those fashioned upon the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:18-22. Their prominent presence in Solomon's Temple underscored the protection of divine holiness and the restricted, reverent access to God's immediate presence. Finally, the meticulous measurements reflect the Attention to Detail and Excellence in Worship, emphasizing the immense care, obedience, and reverence King Solomon and the Israelites invested in building God's house, a testament to the profound importance of honoring God with the very best of their resources and craftsmanship.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
These are celestial beings, often depicted with wings, frequently associated with guarding sacred spaces and attending God's throne. In biblical theology, cherubim symbolize God's majesty, holiness, and the inaccessibility of His presence to sin. Their presence in the Temple, particularly flanking the Ark of the Covenant, reinforces the idea of God's transcendent glory and the reverent awe due to Him.
An ancient unit of length, typically measured from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length could vary slightly (generally between 18 to 21 inches or 45-53 cm), its use here signifies precise, divinely ordained dimensions. The specific mention of "five cubits" and "ten cubits" emphasizes the exactness of the architectural plan, highlighting the divine blueprint and the human obedience in its execution.
Refers to an edge or extremity, specifically the wing of a bird or, in this context, of the cherubim. The detailed measurement of the wings underscores the cherubim's angelic nature and their role in signifying movement or encompassing space. The description of their span is crucial for understanding the imposing scale and visual impact of these figures within the Most Holy Place.
Verse Breakdown
"And five cubits [was] the one wing of the cherub"
This initial clause establishes the individual length of a single wing from each of the two colossal cherubim. The "five cubits" (approximately 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters) immediately conveys the immense scale of these figures, indicating that they were not merely decorative but imposing and significant elements within the sanctuary, designed to inspire awe.
"and five cubits the other wing of the cherub"
This clause reiterates the measurement for the second wing, confirming the symmetrical and perfectly balanced design of each cherub. The repetition reinforces the precise and ordered nature of the divine specifications, ensuring that each angelic figure was perfectly proportioned and equally grand, contributing to the overall harmony of the sacred space.
"from the uttermost part of the one wing unto the uttermost part of the other [were] ten cubits"
This final statement provides the total wingspan of a single cherub. A ten-cubit (approximately 15 feet or 4.6 meters) wingspan means each cherub was a truly monumental figure, stretching across a significant portion of the Most Holy Place. This colossal size would have visually dominated the sacred inner sanctuary, powerfully conveying the overwhelming presence, majesty, and transcendence of the God they symbolized and guarded.
Literary Devices
The text in 1 Kings 6:24 primarily employs Precision/Detail and Symbolism. The exact numerical measurements ("five cubits," "ten cubits") are a prime example of Precision/Detail, underscoring the meticulousness with which the Temple was to be constructed according to divine specifications. This precision reflects the importance of obedience to God's commands and the high standard of excellence required in His worship. The cherubim themselves are rich in Symbolism, representing divine presence, holiness, and guardianship. Their immense size, conveyed through these precise measurements, amplifies the sense of awe and reverence intended to be felt in the presence of God. The repetition of "five cubits" further emphasizes the exactitude and symmetry of the design, contributing to the overall sense of divine order and perfection in the sacred space.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The detailed dimensions of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:24 powerfully convey the transcendence of God and the profound sacredness of His dwelling place. These colossal figures, positioned at the very heart of the Temple, served as a visual testament to the awe-inspiring majesty of God and the guarded nature of His holiness. They represented the boundary between the divine and the human, signifying that access to God's immediate presence was not to be taken lightly, but was a privilege granted under specific, holy conditions. This emphasis on divine separation and the need for reverence is a consistent theme throughout the Old Testament, preparing the way for a deeper understanding of how ultimate access would be granted.
Reflection and Application
The meticulous detail dedicated to the cherubim's dimensions in 1 Kings 6:24 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as ancient Israel invested their finest resources and adhered to precise divine instructions in constructing God's physical dwelling, we are called to approach God with intentionality, reverence, and excellence in every aspect of our lives. The sheer grandeur of the cherubim, symbolizing God's immense presence and holiness, should cultivate in us a deep sense of awe and humility, reminding us that we serve a God of unparalleled majesty. While the physical Temple no longer stands, the New Testament teaches that our bodies are now a "temple of the Holy Ghost" as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19, and the church collectively is God's dwelling place, as articulated in Ephesians 2:19-22. This calls us to live lives of purity, dedication, and worship, honoring God with our whole being, recognizing the sacred presence within and among us. The symbolism of guarded access also reminds us of the precious gift of direct access to God through Christ, prompting profound gratitude and a desire to draw near with confidence and reverence, never taking His grace for granted.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the cherubim's size in Solomon's Temple?
The immense size of the cherubim, with a ten-cubit (approximately 15-foot) wingspan, was highly significant. It visually emphasized the overwhelming presence and majesty of God within the Most Holy Place. Their colossal scale was designed to evoke profound awe and reverence, underscoring the absolute holiness of the sacred space and the transcendent nature of the God whose presence they symbolized. It also highlighted their role as imposing guardians of divine holiness, setting apart the innermost sanctuary.
Why were cherubim placed in the Temple's Most Holy Place?
Cherubim were placed in the Most Holy Place because they consistently symbolize God's presence, glory, and act as guardians of His holiness throughout biblical narrative. Their presence in the Temple echoed their role in guarding the way to the Tree of Life after the Fall, as seen in Genesis 3:24, and their depiction on the Ark of the Covenant itself, as described in Exodus 25:18-22, which was housed between them. They signified the sacredness of the Debir and the restricted, reverent access to God's immediate presence under the Old Covenant, emphasizing His unapproachable glory.
Is a cubit a precise measurement, and why is it used here?
While a cubit was an ancient unit of measurement based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (varying slightly, but generally around 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm), its use in the biblical text is for precise architectural specification. The consistent application of cubits throughout the Temple's description, including for the cherubim, indicates that these were divinely revealed plans requiring exact adherence. It conveys the meticulous detail and divine order inherent in the construction of God's dwelling place, underscoring the importance of obedience to His instructions.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The detailed description of the cherubim guarding the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple, with their imposing dimensions, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling among humanity in Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the Temple, with its cherubim and the veil, symbolized a limited, guarded access to God's presence, representing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. However, Christ is the true and ultimate Temple, the very dwelling place of God among us, as declared in John 1:14, where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." His incarnation brought God's presence fully and personally into the world. Furthermore, Christ's sacrificial death on the cross dramatically tore the Temple veil from top to bottom, as recorded in Matthew 27:51, signifying that the guarded access symbolized by the cherubim and the veil was now abolished. Through His blood, Jesus, our great High Priest, as affirmed in Hebrews 4:14-16, has opened a new and living way into the Most Holy Place—into God's very presence, as celebrated in Hebrews 10:19-22. The cherubim's role as guardians is thus fulfilled and transformed in Christ; He no longer guards access by prohibition but by securing our holiness and ensuring our confident approach to the Father through His atoning work, making us, His church, the new spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit, as taught in Ephesians 2:19-22.