1 Kings 6:27

KJV

And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the [one] wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he set {H5414} the cherubims {H3742} within {H8432} the inner {H6442} house {H1004}: and they stretched forth {H6566} the wings {H3671} of the cherubims {H3742}, so that the wing {H3671} of the one {H259} touched {H5060} the one wall {H7023}, and the wing {H3671} of the other {H8145} cherub {H3742} touched {H5060} the other {H8145} wall {H7023}; and their wings {H3671} touched {H5060} one {H3671} another {H3671} in the midst {H8432} of the house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He set the k'ruvim in the inner house; the wings of the k'ruvim were stretched out, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other keruv touched the other wall; their wings touched each other in the middle of the house.

Berean Standard Bible

And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched.

American Standard Version

And he set the cherubim within the inner house; and the wings of the cherubim were stretched forth, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:27 details the precise placement and immense scale of the two colossal cherubim within the Most Holy Place, or inner sanctuary, of Solomon's Temple. These magnificent, gold-overlaid figures were positioned so that their outstretched wings spanned the entire width of the chamber, touching both walls and meeting in the center. This arrangement created a profound visual and symbolic statement, underscoring the sacredness, divine presence, and protective embrace associated with God's dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the meticulous architectural account of Solomon's Temple construction, specifically in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"). The preceding verses (e.g., [1 Kings 6:14-22](/1_kings/6-14 "1 Kings 6:14-22 - Temple Interior Details")) describe the inner sanctum's dimensions, materials, and adornments, including the cedar paneling and gold overlay. Verses [1 Kings 6:23-26](/1_kings/6-23 "1 Kings 6:23-26 - The Cherubim's Construction") introduce the creation of these two cherubim, specifying their material (olive wood) and immense size (ten cubits high, with a ten-cubit wingspan for each). Verse [1 Kings 6:27](/1_kings/6-27 "1 Kings 6:27 - Placement of the Cherubim") then focuses on their final, strategic placement, which is crucial for understanding their symbolic function. The subsequent verses continue to describe other Temple adornments, leading up to the dedication of the Temple in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple, built in Jerusalem, was the culmination of God's command for a permanent dwelling place among His people, succeeding the portable Tabernacle. Its construction, detailed in [1 Kings 5-7](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple"), was a monumental undertaking, reflecting the wealth and power of Solomon's reign and the nation of Israel. The "inner house" or Most Holy Place (Hebrew: _Debir_) was the holiest chamber, designed to house the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's throne and presence (cf. [1 Kings 8:6](/1_kings/8-6 "1 Kings 8:6 - Ark of the Covenant Placed in Temple")). Cherubim were common motifs in ancient Near Eastern iconography, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces or divine thrones. However, Israel's use of cherubim was distinct, emphasizing their role as attendants to the one true God, not as deities themselves. The sheer scale and opulence of these Temple cherubim, carved from olive wood and overlaid with gold, would have conveyed immense grandeur and reverence in ancient Israelite culture.
* **Key Themes:** The placement of the cherubim in [1 Kings 6:27](/1_kings/6-27 "1 Kings 6:27 - Placement of the Cherubim") significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings"):
* **Divine Presence and Holiness:** The cherubim, consistently associated with God's throne and presence (e.g., [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat"), [Ezekiel 1:5-14](/ezekiel/1-5 "Ezekiel 1:5-14 - Ezekiel's Vision of Cherubim")), visually emphasized the absolute sanctity of the Most Holy Place. Their placement signified that this was the unique, set-apart space where the transcendent God chose to dwell immanently among His people.
* **Guardianship and Protection:** Echoing their role in guarding the Tree of Life in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard Eden"), the cherubim in the Temple served as symbolic guardians of God's sacred presence. Their outstretched wings, forming a protective canopy, reinforced the idea that God's dwelling was secure and His holiness inviolable.
* **Glory and Majesty of God:** The colossal size (each ten cubits high, with a ten-cubit wingspan) and gold overlay of these cherubim, filling the most sacred chamber, spoke volumes about the awe-inspiring glory and majesty of the God they attended. Their grandeur was a testament to the supreme worthiness of the Lord, inspiring reverence and worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherubims (Hebrew, כְּרוּבִים, _kěrûḇîm_):** The plural form of "cherub," referring to a class of celestial beings or angelic creatures. In biblical theology, cherubim are consistently associated with the divine presence, often serving as guardians of sacred spaces (e.g., [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard Eden")) or as bearers of God's throne (e.g., [Ezekiel 10:1-22](/ezekiel/10-1 "Ezekiel 10 - Cherubim and the Glory of God")). In the context of the Temple, these were physical representations, exquisitely crafted, designed to evoke the reality of God's awesome, guarded presence.
* **Inner house (Hebrew, דְּבִיר, _dĕbîr_):** This term specifically designates the Most Holy Place, the innermost and most sacred chamber of the Temple. It is also translated as "oracle" because it was the place from which God spoke (cf. [1 Kings 6:16](/1_kings/6-16 "1 Kings 6:16 - The Inner Sanctuary")). This was the exclusive domain of the High Priest, entered only once a year on the Day of Atonement, underscoring its profound holiness and separation.
* **Stretched forth (Hebrew, פָּרַשׂ, _pāraś_):** This verb means "to spread out," "to extend," or "to stretch." Its use here emphasizes the expansive reach of the cherubim's wings, which were not merely decorative but actively filled the entire space. This action of spreading out creates a sense of covering, enclosure, and perhaps even a symbolic canopy over the Ark of the Covenant, which would be placed beneath them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he set the cherubims within the inner house":** This clause specifies the location of the cherubim: inside the Most Holy Place (_Debir_), the innermost sanctuary of the Temple. "He" refers to Solomon, acting under divine instruction, orchestrating the precise placement of these sacred figures. Their presence here immediately signals the profound holiness of this chamber.
* **"and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims":** This describes the posture and action of the cherubim. Their wings were not folded but extended outwards, emphasizing their immense span and their active role in filling the sacred space. This "stretching forth" highlights the deliberate design to create a sense of enclosure and divine covering.
* **"so that the wing of the one touched the [one] wall":** This detail specifies the exact physical span of the cherubim. One cherub's wing reached all the way to one side wall of the Most Holy Place. This demonstrates the colossal size of the figures relative to the chamber's dimensions (twenty cubits wide, [1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Inner Sanctuary")).
* **"and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall":** Symmetrically, the wing of the second cherub extended to the opposite wall. This creates a complete span across the entire width of the chamber, ensuring no part of the space was left untouched by their reach. The combined wings effectively formed a continuous barrier or canopy.
* **"and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house."**: This final detail confirms the complete enclosure. The inner wings of the two cherubim met and touched in the exact center of the Most Holy Place. This created a unified, unbroken canopy of wings, symbolizing God's all-encompassing presence and protective embrace over the Ark of the Covenant and, by extension, over His covenant people.

#### Literary Devices
The description in [1 Kings 6:27](/1_kings/6-27 "1 Kings 6:27 - Placement of the Cherubim") effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the cherubim themselves are powerful symbols of divine presence, holiness, and guardianship. Their outstretched wings, meeting in the center and touching the walls, symbolize God's pervasive presence and His protective covering over His dwelling place and covenant people. The detailed, almost architectural, **Description** of their placement and dimensions emphasizes the precision and intentionality behind the Temple's design, reflecting a divine blueprint. The **Repetition** of "wings" and "touched" throughout the verse serves to underscore the complete filling of the space and the physical manifestation of the cherubim's reach, creating a vivid mental image of the sacred enclosure. This meticulous portrayal elevates the significance of the cherubim beyond mere decoration, positioning them as integral to the theological meaning of the Most Holy Place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The precise placement of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple profoundly communicates core theological truths about God. Their immense size and the way their wings filled the sacred space underscored the absolute holiness of God and the reverence due to His presence. They served as a constant, visual reminder of the divine transcendence—God's otherness and majesty—while simultaneously affirming His immanence, His choice to dwell among His people. This guarded, set-apart space, where only the High Priest could enter once a year, emphasized the barrier between sinful humanity and a holy God, a barrier that would later be overcome through Christ.

* [Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")
* [Psalm 99:1](/psalm/99-1 "Psalm 99:1 - The Lord Reigns")
* [Hebrews 9:3-5](/hebrews/9-3 "Hebrews 9:3-5 - The Holy of Holies and the Cherubim")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple and its cherubim no longer stand, the spiritual truths they embodied remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This passage invites us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness. Just as the cherubim guarded the Most Holy Place, we are called to protect the sanctity of God's presence in our lives and in the church, which is now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The grandeur of the Temple cherubim should inspire us to worship God with the full measure of our devotion, recognizing His unparalleled majesty and glory. Furthermore, understanding the limited access to the ancient Holy of Holies should deepen our appreciation for the open access we now have to God through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the elaborate description of the cherubim in the Temple deepen your understanding of God's holiness and majesty?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a greater sense of reverence and awe for God's presence in your daily life?**
* **Considering the cherubim as guardians, how does this imagery inform your understanding of spiritual protection and the sanctity of God's truth?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the cherubim touching the walls and each other?**

Answer: The specific detail that the cherubim's wings touched both walls and met in the middle of the Most Holy Place is highly significant. Firstly, it emphasizes their colossal size (each cherub was ten cubits high, with a ten-cubit wingspan, as noted in [1 Kings 6:23-26](/1_kings/6-23 "1 Kings 6:23-26 - Construction of the Cherubim")), indicating that they completely filled the twenty-cubit-wide chamber ([1 Kings 6:20](/1_kings/6-20 "1 Kings 6:20 - Dimensions of the Inner Sanctuary")). This physical encompassing of the space visually communicated the pervasive and all-encompassing nature of God's presence within the sanctuary. Secondly, their wings forming a continuous canopy over the space where the Ark of the Covenant would eventually rest ([1 Kings 8:6](/1_kings/8-6 "1 Kings 8:6 - Ark of the Covenant Placed in Temple")) symbolized God's protective embrace and guardianship over His covenant and His people. It created a profound sense of sacred enclosure, emphasizing the absolute holiness and set-apart nature of this divine dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The imagery of the cherubim guarding and filling the Most Holy Place in Solomon's Temple finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Temple, with its veiled sanctuary and limited access, profoundly illustrated humanity's separation from a holy God. The cherubim, symbolic guardians of God's presence, highlighted this barrier. However, in Christ, the true and ultimate Temple, God's dwelling among humanity is fully realized (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His sacrificial death, Jesus tore the Temple veil from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way into the true Holy of Holies—direct access to God's presence—is now open to all who believe (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ")). No longer is God's presence confined to a physical structure guarded by cherubim; instead, through the Holy Spirit, believers themselves become the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as God's Temple")), indwelt by God Himself. Christ is the true "guardian" of God's truth and presence, not by restricting access, but by making it eternally available through His finished work.

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 37:9

And the cherubims spread out [their] wings on high, [and] covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; [even] to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

Exodus 25:20

And the cherubims shall stretch forth [their] wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces [shall look] one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.

2 Chronicles 5:8

For the cherubims spread forth [their] wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

1 Kings 8:7

For the cherubims spread forth [their] two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.

2 Chronicles 3:11

And the wings of the cherubims [were] twenty cubits long: one wing [of the one cherub was] five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house: and the other wing [was likewise] five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.