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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.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:26 offers a precise architectural detail concerning the two colossal cherubim situated within the Most Holy Place, or "Oracle," of Solomon's Temple. This verse specifies their identical height of ten cubits, a dimension that profoundly underscores the immense scale, spiritual grandeur, and sacred nature of the inner sanctuary, the very heart of Israelite worship where God's glorious presence was uniquely manifested among His chosen people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within a meticulous architectural blueprint of Solomon's Temple, as comprehensively described in 1 Kings 6. Following the general dimensions and initial construction phases of the Temple (verses 1-22), verses 23-28 specifically focus on the two massive cherubim crafted from olive wood and overlaid with gold. These figures were not mere ornamentation but integral components of the inner sanctuary, known as the "Oracle" (debir), designed to overshadow the Ark of the Covenant. The precision of this verse, detailing their exact height, reflects the overall meticulousness with which the Temple's construction is recounted, emphasizing the divine mandate and the sacredness of every element. It forms a crucial part of the narrative that establishes the Temple as the central dwelling place for God's name and presence in Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple, built in the 10th century BCE, represented the zenith of Israelite national power, wealth, and religious centralization. It was a permanent structure intended to replace the portable Tabernacle, embodying the fulfillment of God's promise to David concerning a "house" for the Lord. The use of "cubit" ('ammāh) as a unit of measurement was standard in the ancient Near East, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches. Thus, ten cubits (approximately 15-17.5 feet) denotes an exceptionally imposing height, signifying the monumental scale of the Temple's most sacred elements. Cherubim, though present in various forms in ancient Near Eastern iconography (often as guardians of sacred spaces or royal thrones), were distinctively recontextualized in Israelite theology as celestial beings directly associated with guarding God's holiness and His very presence, as seen in their role at the Garden of Eden and on the mercy seat of the Ark.
Key Themes: The verse, by detailing the cherubim's height, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Kings 6 and the broader narrative of the Temple. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Presence and Holiness. The cherubim, often depicted as guardians of God's throne and sacred spaces, symbolize the unapproachable holiness and majesty of God. Their colossal size in the Most Holy Place, directly above the Ark of the Covenant (which housed God's covenant presence), visually communicated the awe-inspiring nature of the divine realm. Secondly, it highlights Precision and Obedience in Worship. The meticulous architectural specifications throughout 1 Kings 6, including the exact dimensions of these cherubim, reflect God's demand for order, reverence, and strict adherence to His revealed pattern for worship, mirroring the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25. Finally, the cherubim contribute to the theme of Symbolism of God's Glory. Their presence and scale were not merely decorative but deeply symbolic, pointing to the transcendent glory of God that filled His dwelling place, a glory that would later fill the Temple upon its dedication, as described in 1 Kings 8:10-11.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. Precision and Detailing are evident in the exact numerical specification of the cherubim's height ("ten cubits"), contributing to the overall meticulous description of the Temple's construction in 1 Kings 6. This precision highlights the sacredness and divine origin of the architectural plans, implying that every detail was divinely ordained. Symbolism is paramount, as the cherubim themselves are potent symbols of divine presence, guardianship, and holiness. Their placement and size reinforce their role as celestial guardians of God's dwelling place. Furthermore, the phrase "and so [was it] of the other cherub" employs a form of Parallelism or Repetition, emphasizing the identical nature and symmetry of the two figures, which reinforces their unified purpose and the balanced order of the sacred space. Lastly, the sheer scale implied by "ten cubits" evokes a sense of Grandeur and Awe, impressing upon the reader the magnificent and imposing nature of God's sanctuary.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The specific detail of the cherubim's height in 1 Kings 6:26, though seemingly minor, profoundly reinforces the theological understanding of God's transcendent holiness and the sacredness of His dwelling place. These colossal figures, guarding the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, served as a tangible reminder of the divine presence that was both intimately near to Israel and yet utterly set apart in majesty. Their imposing size communicated the awe and reverence due to the God who chose to dwell among His people, but whose glory required a carefully delineated, sacred space. This detail contributes to the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for communion with humanity, while simultaneously emphasizing the necessary reverence and separation due to His perfect holiness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer worship in a physical temple adorned with cherubim, the principles embodied in 1 Kings 6:26 remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. The immense scale and meticulous detail of these cherubim in the Most Holy Place serve as a powerful reminder of God's infinite majesty, unapproachable holiness, and the profound reverence due to His presence. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and respect in our approach to God, recognizing that He is not merely a benevolent friend but the sovereign, glorious Lord of the universe. It challenges us to consider the sacredness of our own worship, whether individual or corporate, and to approach Him with sincerity, humility, and a profound awareness of His incomparable greatness. The detail of the Temple's design, including these cherubim, points to the intentionality and order God desires in all aspects of our relationship with Him, encouraging us to offer Him our best in every sphere of life.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of these large cherubim in Solomon's Temple?
Answer: The primary purpose of the two large cherubim in Solomon's Temple was multifaceted, encompassing both symbolic and theological roles. Firstly, they served as guardians of God's holiness and presence. Their position within the Most Holy Place, overshadowing the Ark of the Covenant, echoed their role as guardians of the Garden of Eden and their presence on the mercy seat of the Ark in the Tabernacle. Secondly, they symbolized God's throne or chariot. In biblical imagery, cherubim are often associated with the divine throne (e.g., Ezekiel 1:26-28) upon which God is enthroned above the Ark. Their wings, stretching across the chamber, created a canopy over the Ark, visually representing God's dwelling and sovereign rule. Thirdly, their immense size and prominent placement contributed to the overall grandeur and sacredness of the Temple, inspiring awe and reverence in those who understood their significance, even if they could not directly view them.
How do these cherubim in Solomon's Temple relate to other instances of cherubim in the Bible?
Answer: The cherubim in Solomon's Temple are deeply connected to other biblical instances of these celestial beings, maintaining a consistent theological role. Their earliest appearance is in Genesis 3:24, where they are placed with a flaming sword to guard the way to the Tree of Life after Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden, signifying their role as guardians of sacred space and divine access. Later, in the instructions for the Tabernacle, cherubim are explicitly commanded to be fashioned on the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, facing each other with wings outstretched, where God promised to meet with Moses. This establishes their association with God's immediate presence and communication. In the Temple, these two colossal cherubim were a grander, permanent embodiment of this same imagery, overshadowing the Ark. Furthermore, the prophet Ezekiel's visions frequently depict cherubim as part of God's throne-chariot, moving with the glory of God (e.g., Ezekiel 10:1-22), reinforcing their role in bearing and manifesting divine glory. Across all these instances, cherubim consistently function as powerful symbols of God's holiness, His unapproachable glory, and His sovereign presence.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The architectural details of Solomon's Temple, including the precise dimensions of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:26, find their ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple, with its Most Holy Place guarded by cherubim, symbolized God's desire to dwell among His people while simultaneously highlighting the barrier of sin that separated humanity from His perfect holiness. The cherubim, by their very presence, underscored the limited access to God's presence under the Old Covenant. However, in Christ, the true and greater Temple has arrived. John 1:14 declares that the Word became flesh and "dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" among us, signifying that Jesus Himself is the ultimate dwelling place of God's glory. He is the true sanctuary, as He proclaimed in John 2:19-21, referring to His own body as the Temple. The cherubim guarded the way to God's presence, but Christ, through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, has opened a new and living way into the Most Holy Place, not made with hands, but through His own blood (Hebrews 10:19-22). Thus, the awe-inspiring scale of the Temple cherubim foreshadowed the immeasurable glory of God fully embodied in Jesus, who is now our access to the divine presence, making what was once guarded and inaccessible, freely available to all who believe.