1 Kings 6:32

The two doors also [were of] olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid [them] with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

The two {H8147} doors {H1817} also were of olive {H8081} tree {H6086}; and he carved {H7049} upon them carvings {H4734} of cherubims {H3742} and palm trees {H8561} and open {H6362} flowers {H6731}, and overlaid {H6823} them with gold {H2091}, and spread {H7286} gold {H2091} upon the cherubims {H3742}, and upon the palm trees {H8561}.

On the two olive-wood doors he carved figures of k'ruvim, palm trees and open flowers. He overlaid the doors with gold, forcing the gold into the shapes of the k'ruvim and palm trees as well.

The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.

So he made two doors of olive-wood; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubim and palm-trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread the gold upon the cherubim, and upon the palm-trees.

Commentary

1 Kings 6:32 offers a detailed glimpse into the exquisite craftsmanship and profound symbolism embedded within King Solomon's Temple, specifically focusing on the doors leading into the inner sanctuary, the most sacred part of the structure.

Context

This verse is part of an extensive description of the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental undertaking initiated by King Solomon as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for Israelite worship. Chapter 6 meticulously details the temple's dimensions, materials, and intricate decorations. Verse 32 specifically describes the two doors that separated the Holy Place (the main sanctuary) from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:16). This inner sanctuary was where the Ark of the Covenant resided, representing God's direct presence among His people.

Key Themes and Symbolism

  • Olive Tree (Wood): The choice of olive wood for these significant doors speaks to its durability, beauty, and symbolic meaning. The olive tree was revered in ancient Israel, often associated with peace, anointing, and prosperity. Its use here suggests stability and the sacredness of the passage it guarded.
  • Cherubims: These winged celestial beings are prominent figures in biblical iconography, often associated with guarding sacred spaces and the presence of God. They first appear guarding the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and were central to the design of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:18-22). Their carving on the temple doors emphasized the holiness of the inner sanctuary and God's protective presence.
  • Palm Trees: Palm trees frequently symbolize victory, righteousness, flourishing, and prosperity in biblical literature. Their presence on the temple doors, alongside cherubim, suggests the spiritual fruitfulness and triumph associated with God's dwelling. The righteous are often likened to flourishing palm trees (Psalm 92:12).
  • Open Flowers: These carvings represent beauty, life, and growth, contributing to the overall aesthetic of a vibrant, living sanctuary. They evoke the natural beauty of creation, reflecting God's artistry.
  • Gold Overlay: The lavish application of gold over the carvings signifies immense value, purity, divinity, and royalty. Gold was consistently used in the Tabernacle and Temple to denote God's glory and the sacredness of His presence. This overlay not only made the doors incredibly beautiful but also emphasized the divine splendor of the Most Holy Place.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "cherubims" is keruvim (ื›ึฐึผืจื•ึผื‘ึดื™ื), consistently referring to these angelic figures throughout the Old Testament. The term "olive tree" is etz zayit (ืขึตืฅ ื–ึทื™ึดืช), highlighting the specific and valued wood used. The precise and repetitive description of the materials and carvings underscores the meticulous attention to detail commanded by God for His dwelling place, reflecting the importance of every element in worship.

Practical Application and Significance

This verse, though descriptive of ancient architecture, carries enduring spiritual lessons. It reminds us of:

  • The Excellence Due to God: Solomon spared no expense or effort in building a temple worthy of God's presence. This teaches us the importance of offering our best in worship and service to God, reflecting His supreme worth.
  • Symbolism in Faith: Every detail in the temple carried symbolic weight, pointing to deeper spiritual truths about God's character, His holiness, and His relationship with humanity. Understanding these symbols enriches our appreciation for biblical narratives.
  • God's Presence and Holiness: The elaborate doors to the Holy of Holies underscored the profound holiness of God's presence, which was both awe-inspiring and set apart. While the physical temple no longer stands, the New Testament reveals that believers themselves are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and the church is built on Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20-22). This shifts the focus from a physical structure to a spiritual reality, where God's presence resides within His people.

The beauty and richness of these temple doors were a testament to the glory of God and the reverence due to Him, serving as a powerful visual sermon for all who beheld them.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 6:18

    And the cedar of the house within [was] carved with knops and open flowers: all [was] cedar; there was no stone seen.

  • 1 Kings 6:29

    And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
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