1 Kings 6:25

KJV

And the other cherub [was] ten cubits: both the cherubims [were] of one measure and one size.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the other {H8145} cherub {H3742} was ten {H6235} cubits {H520}: both {H8147} the cherubims {H3742} were of one {H259} measure {H4060} and one {H259} size {H7095}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise the [wingspread of the] other keruv was seventeen-and-a-half feet; both k'ruvim were identical in shape and size.

Berean Standard Bible

The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape,

American Standard Version

And the other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubim were of one measure and one form.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse precisely details the dimensions of the second cherub positioned within the Most Holy Place (the *Debir*) of Solomon's Temple, emphasizing its identical measurement to the first cherub, both standing at ten cubits. This meticulous specification underscores the divine precision, symmetry, and order inherent in the sacred architecture, reflecting the perfect harmony and unified guardianship surrounding the manifest presence of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Kings 6:25 is situated within a highly detailed architectural blueprint of Solomon's Temple, specifically describing the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies. It follows the initial introduction of the two large cherubim in [1 Kings 6:23](/1_kings/6-23 "1 Kings 6:23 - Description of the Cherubim") and the specific dimensions of the first cherub in [1 Kings 6:24](/1_kings/6-24 "1 Kings 6:24 - Dimensions of the First Cherub"). The verse's primary function is to confirm the exact symmetry and scale of these colossal figures, which were integral to the sanctity and symbolism of the *Debir*. The subsequent verses, such as [1 Kings 6:27](/1_kings/6-27 "1 Kings 6:27 - Placement of the Cherubim"), describe their placement and the span of their wings, further elaborating on their imposing presence guarding the Ark of the Covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's construction of the Temple, as narrated in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, establishing a permanent dwelling place for God's presence in Jerusalem, unlike the portable Tabernacle. The cherubim, often depicted in ancient Near Eastern art as winged guardians of sacred spaces or divine thrones, held profound symbolic meaning. In Israelite theology, they were associated with the glory of God (the *Shekinah*) and served as guardians of His holiness, as seen in their role at the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")) and atop the Ark of the Covenant in the Tabernacle ([Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Ark")). The measurement of "ten cubits" (approximately 15 feet) highlights their monumental scale, emphasizing the awe and reverence due to the God whose presence resided within this most sacred chamber.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous details in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon's Temple Construction"), including the precise dimensions of the cherubim, underscore several key themes. First, **Divine Precision and Order** are paramount; the Temple was built not according to human whim but to a divinely revealed pattern, echoing the instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - God's Pattern for the Tabernacle"). The identical size of the cherubim speaks to the **Symmetry and Balance** required in God's dwelling, symbolizing perfect harmony and completeness. This exactness also reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Guardianship**, as the cherubim's uniform and imposing presence visually represented their unified role in protecting the sanctity of God's presence and ensuring that access was strictly controlled, emphasizing the profound reverence due to the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherubims (Hebrew, _k'ruvim'_):** The plural form of "cherub," these are powerful, winged celestial beings frequently mentioned in biblical literature. They are consistently associated with the presence of God, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, bearers of God's throne (as in Ezekiel's visions, [Ezekiel 10:1-22](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - Cherubim and the Glory of God")), or symbolic representations of divine majesty and holiness. Their presence in the Holy of Holies signifies the ultimate sanctity of God's dwelling place.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _'ammah'_):** A unit of ancient measurement, typically representing the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length varied slightly, it is generally estimated at approximately 18 inches (or about 45 cm). Thus, "ten cubits" would translate to roughly 15 feet (4.5 meters), indicating the immense, awe-inspiring scale of these cherubim within the innermost sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the other cherub [was] ten cubits":** This clause provides the specific height of the second cherub. Following the description of the first cherub in the preceding verse, this detail confirms that both colossal figures were of identical stature, reinforcing the theme of divine order and symmetry within the most sacred space of the Temple. The sheer size of these figures would have contributed significantly to the overwhelming sense of awe and reverence within the Holy of Holies.
* **"both the cherubims [were] of one measure and one size":** This concluding phrase serves as an emphatic summary, explicitly stating the identical dimensions of the two cherubim. This repetition highlights the meticulous precision of the Temple's construction according to God's specifications. It signifies perfect balance, harmony, and a unified purpose in their role as guardians of God's holy presence, ensuring no deviation or imperfection in the sacred design.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Repetition** and **Emphasis** to convey its message. The explicit statement that "both the cherubims [were] of one measure and one size" reiterates and underscores the identical nature of the two figures, which was already implied by the previous verse. This repetition serves to emphasize the precision, symmetry, and divine order inherent in the Temple's construction. Furthermore, the immense scale (ten cubits) of these figures, coupled with their identical nature, contributes to the **Symbolism** of the cherubim as powerful, unified guardians of God's supreme holiness, instilling a sense of awe and reverence for the divine presence within the *Debir*. The meticulous detail itself is a form of **Hyperbole** in its focus on perfection, drawing attention to the extraordinary nature of God's dwelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The emphasis on the identical dimensions of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:25 profoundly reinforces the biblical themes of divine order, perfection, and the absolute holiness of God. The Temple, as God's designated dwelling place among His people, was not to be a structure of human imperfection or arbitrary design, but a precise reflection of divine blueprints. The symmetrical and imposing cherubim, guarding the Ark of the Covenant within the Holy of Holies, visually manifested the inapproachable holiness of God and the strict conditions for approaching His presence. This meticulous attention to detail in the physical structure points to the spiritual reality that God is a God of order, beauty, and absolute truth, demanding reverence and intentionality in all aspects of worship and relationship with Him.
* [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")
* [Hebrews 9:5](/hebrews/9-5 "Hebrews 9:5 - Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the Mercy Seat")
* [Ezekiel 1:4-28](/ezekiel/1-4 "Ezekiel 1:4-28 - Vision of the Cherubim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail concerning the cherubim's identical size in Solomon's Temple, a seemingly minor architectural note, carries profound spiritual weight for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and excellence, and that He desires these qualities to be reflected in all that pertains to Him. While we no longer worship in a physical temple with cherubim, the principle of intentionality and reverence remains. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body as a Temple")), are called to reflect the divine order and beauty of God. This means cultivating a life marked by integrity, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence in our service, worship, and daily walk. Just as the cherubim stood in perfect symmetry, our faith should be consistent and balanced, reflecting the unchanging nature of God. The sanctity of the Holy of Holies, guarded by these imposing figures, should impress upon us the awe-inspiring privilege of having direct access to God through Christ, and the seriousness with which we should approach His presence in prayer and worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on precision and symmetry in the Temple's design challenge my own approach to my spiritual life and service?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate greater intentionality and excellence in my worship and daily walk, reflecting God's character of order?**
* **Considering the cherubim's role as guardians of God's holiness, how does this inform my understanding of reverence and the privilege of approaching God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the cherubim being "of one measure and one size"?**

Answer: The identical dimensions of the two cherubim in the Holy of Holies are highly significant. They emphasize perfect symmetry, balance, and unity within the most sacred space of the Temple. This precision underscores the divine origin of the Temple's design, highlighting that it was built according to God's exact specifications, not human whim. The uniformity also symbolizes the unified purpose of the cherubim as guardians of God's holiness and the harmonious nature of God's presence. It speaks to God's character as a God of order and perfection, where everything related to His dwelling is meticulously designed and executed.

**How tall were these cherubim in modern measurements?**

Answer: A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, typically estimated at about 18 inches (or approximately 45 centimeters). Therefore, "ten cubits" would translate to roughly 15 feet (or about 4.5 meters). These were colossal figures, designed to be imposing and awe-inspiring within the Holy of Holies, emphasizing the grandeur and majesty of God's presence. Their immense size would have filled the inner sanctuary, creating a powerful visual representation of the divine glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous description of the cherubim in Solomon's Temple, particularly their identical dimensions and their role guarding the Holy of Holies, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple, with its cherubim, symbolized God's dwelling among His people and the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, with access to His presence being highly restricted and mediated. The cherubim, positioned over the mercy seat and guarding the inner sanctuary, represented the holiness that prevented direct human approach. However, in Christ, the ultimate reality of God's presence is revealed. He is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God in human flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus tore the veil of the Temple ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way to God's presence is now open to all who believe. The symmetrical and perfect cherubim, pointing to the divine order and holiness, foreshadowed the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God who, by His single, unified sacrifice, perfectly fulfills the requirements of God's holiness, granting us direct access to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ")). In Christ, the guardianship of the cherubim is transcended, as He Himself is the way, the truth, and the life, through whom no one comes to the Father except through Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")).

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.