1 Kings 6:26

KJV

The height of the one cherub [was] ten cubits, and so [was it] of the other cherub.

KJV (with Strong's)

The height {H6967} of the one {H259} cherub {H3742} was ten {H6235} cubits {H520}, and so was it of the other {H8145} cherub {H3742}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The height of the one keruv was seventeen-and-a-half feet, likewise that of the other.

Berean Standard Bible

and the height of each cherub was ten cubits.

American Standard Version

The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.

Commentary

### 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](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Construction of Solomon's Temple"). 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](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Way to the Tree of Life") and on the [mercy seat of the Ark](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat").

* **Key Themes:** The verse, by detailing the cherubim's height, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Kings 6](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Temple's Detailed Construction") 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](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Temple's Detailed Construction"), 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](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). 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](/1-kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Height (Hebrew, _qôwmâh'_):** From the root `קוּם` (qum), meaning "to rise" or "to stand," this noun refers to the vertical dimension or stature. In 1 Kings 6:26, it emphasizes the impressive physical elevation of the cherubim, signifying their imposing presence within the Most Holy Place and contributing to the overall sense of grandeur and awe associated with God's dwelling.
* **Cherub (Hebrew, _kᵉrûwb'_):** Of uncertain derivation, this term refers to a class of powerful, winged angelic beings. In biblical theology, cherubim are consistently portrayed as guardians of God's holiness and glory, appearing at the [Garden of Eden](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Way to the Tree of Life"), on the [mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat"), and in prophetic visions of God's throne-chariot (e.g., [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - Vision of the Cherubim and God's Glory")). Their presence in the Most Holy Place of the Temple signifies the sacredness of the space and the divine presence enthroned above the Ark.
* **Cubit (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** Prolonged from `אֵם` (em), meaning "mother," this term refers to a standard ancient unit of length, typically measured from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length varied slightly by region and period, it was generally around 18 inches (approx. 45 cm). Therefore, ten cubits would equate to approximately 15 feet (approx. 4.5 meters), an imposing and significant height for these carved figures, emphasizing their monumental scale and the grandeur of the inner sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The height of the one cherub [was] ten cubits":** This clause establishes the colossal size of the first of the two cherubim. The specific measurement of "ten cubits" immediately conveys an impression of immense scale and grandeur, indicating that these were not small, decorative figures but towering, awe-inspiring representations within the most sacred space of the Temple. This dimension contributes to the overall sense of majesty and holiness that permeated the Oracle, the innermost sanctuary.
* **"and so [was it] of the other cherub":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the perfect symmetry and identical nature of the two cherubim. Their matching height underscores the precision of the Temple's construction and the deliberate design for balance and order in the sacred space. The pairing of the cherubim, standing guard over the Ark, reinforces their symbolic role as unified guardians of God's presence and holiness, creating a powerful visual representation of the divine throne.

#### 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](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Detailed Temple Construction"). 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.

* [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Instructions for the Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")
* [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Garden of Eden")
* [Ezekiel 10:1-22](/ezekiel/10-1-22 "Ezekiel 10:1-22 - Vision of the Cherubim and God's Glory")

### 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
* **What does the colossal height of the cherubim teach us about the nature of God and His holiness?**
* **How should the grandeur and meticulous design of the Temple, as exemplified by these cherubim, influence our understanding of reverence in worship today?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper sense of awe and respect for God's presence in our daily lives and communal gatherings?**

### 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](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Way to the Tree of Life") and their presence on the [mercy seat of the Ark](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat") 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](/ezekiel/1-26-28 "Ezekiel 1:26-28 - The Throne of God")) 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](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding the Garden of Eden"), 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](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat"), 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](/ezekiel/10-1-22 "Ezekiel 10:1-22 - Ezekiel's Vision of the Cherubim")), 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](/1-kings/6-26 "1 Kings 6:26 - Height of the Cherubim"), 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") 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](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple's Destruction and Rebuilding"), 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](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). 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.

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.