1 Kings 6:35

KJV

And he carved [thereon] cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered [them] with gold fitted upon the carved work.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he carved {H7049} thereon cherubims {H3742} and palm trees {H8561} and open {H6362} flowers {H6731}: and covered {H6823} them with gold {H2091} fitted {H3474} upon the carved work {H2707}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On them he carved k'ruvim, palm trees and open flowers, overlaying them with gold fitted to the carved work.

Berean Standard Bible

He carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold, hammered evenly over the carvings.

American Standard Version

And he carved thereon cherubim and palm-trees and open flowers; and he overlaid them with gold fitted upon the graven work.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 6:35 meticulously describes the intricate interior embellishments of Solomon's Temple, specifically the carving of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, which were then meticulously covered with gold fitted precisely upon the carved work. This verse highlights the unparalleled dedication to divine beauty and excellence in creating a sacred space befitting the dwelling place of God's presence, emphasizing both the artistic skill and the profound symbolic meaning embedded within every detail of the Temple's design.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive narrative of [1 Kings chapter 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), which provides a detailed account of the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Following descriptions of the Temple's dimensions, materials, and structural elements (e.g., [1 Kings 6:2-10](/1_kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2-10 - Temple Dimensions and Materials")), the text shifts its focus to the interior ornamentation. Verses [1 Kings 6:14-36](/1_kings/6-14 "1 Kings 6:14-36 - Temple Interior and Furnishings") specifically detail the cedar paneling, the inner sanctuary (the Most Holy Place), and the various decorative carvings and gold overlays that adorned the sacred space. Verse 35, in particular, focuses on the artistic embellishments of the main hall, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship and the lavish resources dedicated to creating an environment of unparalleled beauty and sanctity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a golden age of peace and prosperity for Israel, enabling the king to undertake such a monumental and costly project as the Temple. The Temple was not merely a building but the central locus of Israelite worship, symbolizing God's covenant presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, elaborate temples were common, often featuring symbolic iconography. However, the Israelite Temple's design, while incorporating some shared motifs, was unique in its dedication to YHWH and its adherence to divine instructions (echoing the Tabernacle's design in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")). The use of vast quantities of gold was not just for opulence but signified divine glory, purity, and the immense value placed on God's dwelling, reflecting the belief that the finest materials were due to the Creator of all.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description in [1 Kings 6:35](/1_kings/6-35 "1 Kings 6:35 - Temple Decorations") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Beauty and Glory**, emphasizing that God's dwelling place should reflect His incomparable majesty and worth. The lavish use of gold and intricate carvings speaks to the Israelites' desire to honor God with the utmost splendor. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Symbolism of Sacred Art**, where each element—cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers—carries profound theological meaning, transforming the physical space into a visual sermon. Cherubim, for instance, are consistently associated with guarding God's presence, as seen guarding Eden in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden") and on the Ark of the Covenant in [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat"). Palm trees often symbolize righteousness, victory, and flourishing life ([Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like a Palm Tree")), while open flowers represent beauty, purity, and the life-giving presence of God. Finally, the verse exemplifies the theme of **Uncompromising Excellence in Worship**, demonstrating a commitment to offering God nothing less than the very best in terms of craftsmanship, materials, and dedicated effort, reflecting the covenantal expectation of wholehearted devotion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherubims (Hebrew, _kĕrūḇîm'_):** These are a class of winged celestial beings, consistently depicted in biblical literature as guardians of sacred spaces, associated with God's throne, or symbols of His presence and glory. Their inclusion in the Temple's design, echoing their presence on the Ark of the Covenant and in Ezekiel's temple vision ([Ezekiel 41:18](/ezekiel/41-18 "Ezekiel 41:18 - Ezekiel's Temple Vision")), signifies the sanctity and divine guardianship of the holy place, emphasizing that the Temple was a realm where heaven and earth intersected.
* **Palm trees (Hebrew, _tāmār'_):** The palm tree, particularly the date palm, was a common and significant motif in ancient Near Eastern art and symbolism. In a biblical context, it often represents righteousness, prosperity, victory, and flourishing life. Its presence in the Temple's interior suggests a place of divine blessing, vitality, and the flourishing of God's people under His favor, reminiscent of the righteous who "flourish like the palm tree" ([Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like a Palm Tree")).
* **Open flowers (Hebrew, _ṣiṣṣa'_):** This term refers to a blossom or flower, likely lilies or similar ornate blooms. Flowers universally symbolize beauty, purity, and the transient yet vibrant nature of life. In the Temple, they would have conveyed a sense of Edenic beauty, divine creativity, and the life-giving presence of God, transforming the sacred space into a visual garden of blessing and vitality, a place where God's beauty and life were manifest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he carved [thereon] cherubims and palm trees and open flowers":** This clause details the specific iconography chosen for the Temple's interior. The selection of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers was highly intentional, not merely decorative. It created a rich symbolic tapestry, transforming the Temple into a microcosm of sacred space—a guarded, flourishing garden reflecting divine order and presence. The act of "carving" implies skilled artistry and meticulous detail, underscoring the dedication of human craftsmanship to divine purposes.
* **"and covered [them] with gold fitted upon the carved work":** This phrase emphasizes the lavishness and precision of the gold application. The gold was not merely a superficial coating but was "fitted upon" the carvings, suggesting a seamless integration that enhanced and highlighted the intricate details rather than obscuring them. Gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, universally symbolizes divine glory, purity, holiness, and immense value. Its extensive use in the Temple underscored the incomparable majesty of God and the sacredness of His dwelling place, elevating the physical structure to reflect heavenly splendor.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Imagery** is paramount, as the detailed description of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, all gleaming with gold, creates a vivid mental picture of unparalleled beauty and sacred splendor. This visual richness serves to impress upon the reader the magnificence of God's dwelling. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded, with each carved element carrying profound theological weight: cherubim symbolize divine guardianship and presence, palm trees represent righteousness and flourishing, and open flowers signify beauty, purity, and life. Together, these elements form a **Merism**, representing the totality of sacred beauty and divine order within the Temple. The sheer scale of the gold overlay, while literal, also borders on **Hyperbole** in its effect, conveying an overwhelming sense of God's immeasurable worth and the Israelites' boundless devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lavish and symbolic decoration of Solomon's Temple, as described in [1 Kings 6:35](/1_kings/6-35 "1 Kings 6:35 - Temple Decorations"), speaks volumes about the nature of God and humanity's response to Him. The commitment to such exquisite beauty and costly materials reflects the theological conviction that God is worthy of the absolute best, a being of ultimate glory, purity, and majesty. The Temple served as a tangible representation of God's presence among His people, and its design aimed to evoke awe, reverence, and an understanding of the divine order. The recurring motifs, particularly the cherubim, link the Temple back to the Garden of Eden, suggesting a restoration of humanity's access to God's presence, albeit mediated through the sacrificial system. The Temple was a sacred cosmos, a place where the earthly mirrored the heavenly, inviting worshippers into a deeper encounter with the Holy One.

* [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")
* [Ezekiel 41:18-20](/ezekiel/41-18 "Temple Vision Decorations")
* [Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "The New Jerusalem's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, the principles embedded in its meticulous design and lavish decoration remain profoundly relevant for believers today. [1 Kings 6:35](/1_kings/6-35 "1 Kings 6:35 - Temple Decorations") challenges us to consider the quality of our own "offerings" to God. Just as Solomon dedicated the finest materials and craftsmanship to God's house, we are called to offer our best in every aspect of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and affections—as acts of worship. This extends beyond formal religious settings to our daily work, relationships, and personal character. The emphasis on beauty and excellence in the Temple reminds us that our worship, whether corporate or individual, should be marked by intentionality, thoughtfulness, and a pursuit of excellence that reflects the majesty of the God we serve. Furthermore, understanding the rich symbolism of the Temple's decorations encourages us to seek deeper meaning in our faith, recognizing that God often communicates profound truths through tangible forms and metaphors, inviting us to contemplate His character and plan in all of creation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Solomon's Temple inspire us to consider the quality of our own offerings and efforts in serving God today?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate beauty, excellence, and intentionality in our personal and corporate expressions of faith and worship?**
* **What "carvings" and "gold"—symbolic of our gifts, talents, and resources—are we called to "fit upon" the spiritual work God has given us in our lives and communities?**

### FAQ
**Why were cherubim, palm trees, and flowers chosen for the Temple decorations?**

Answer: These specific motifs were chosen for their deep symbolic meaning, creating a rich theological tapestry within the Temple. Cherubim symbolized divine guardianship and the sacred presence of God, echoing their role in guarding the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")) and adorning the Ark of the Covenant. Palm trees were ancient symbols of righteousness, flourishing life, and victory, suggesting prosperity and divine favor within God's house ([Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like a Palm Tree")). Open flowers, likely lilies or other blossoms, represented beauty, purity, and the life-giving presence of God, signifying a place of blessing and vitality. Together, they transformed the Temple's interior into a visual parable of divine life, order, and holiness.

**What was the significance of covering the carvings with gold?**

Answer: The extensive use of gold in the Temple was profoundly significant. Gold, as the most precious and incorruptible metal, universally symbolized divine glory, purity, holiness, and immense value. Covering the intricate carvings with gold was not merely for aesthetic appeal but conveyed the incomparable worth and majesty of the God who dwelt there. It elevated the sacred space to reflect heavenly splendor, aligning with biblical descriptions of God's throne and the New Jerusalem, which is depicted with streets of pure gold ([Revelation 21:18](/revelation/21-18 "Revelation 21:18 - The New Jerusalem's Gold")). This lavishness underscored the Israelites' profound reverence and commitment to offering God nothing less than the very best.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exquisite beauty and symbolic richness of Solomon's Temple, particularly its gold-covered carvings as described in [1 Kings 6:35](/1_kings/6-35 "1 Kings 6:35 - Temple Decorations"), ultimately point to and find their supreme fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, with its intricate design and sacred symbolism, was a shadow of the ultimate reality of God's dwelling among humanity. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," referring to the "temple of his body" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")). In Christ, the fullness of deity dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Deity in Christ")), making Him the true and perfect Temple—the place where God's presence is fully manifested and accessible. The cherubim, which guarded God's presence in the earthly Temple, find their ultimate purpose in Christ, who, through His sacrifice, has opened a new and living way into the Most Holy Place, granting us direct access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). The unparalleled glory and beauty of the gold-adorned Temple are surpassed by the inherent glory of Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Furthermore, as believers, we are now living stones being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), collectively reflecting the glory and beauty of God through Him.

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.