2 Chronicles 3:10

ยถ And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold.

And in the most {H6944} holy {H6944} house {H1004} he made {H6213} two {H8147} cherubims {H3742} of image {H6816} work {H4639}, and overlaid {H6823} them with gold {H2091}.

Inside the Especially Holy Place he made two k'ruvim of cast metal, and they overlaid them with gold.

In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of sculptured work, and he overlaid them with gold.

And in the most holy house he made two cherubim of image work; and they overlaid them with gold.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 3:10 provides a detailed glimpse into the construction of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the sacred objects within its innermost sanctuary. This verse highlights the creation of two cherubim for the Most Holy Place, underscoring the reverence and divine symbolism central to Israelite worship.

Context of 2 Chronicles 3:10

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 2 Chronicles detailing the construction of the First Temple, a monumental undertaking initiated by King Solomon, fulfilling his father David's desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. Chapter 3 specifically outlines the dimensions, materials, and key features of the Temple structure. The "most holy house" refers to the Holy of Holies (or Devir in Hebrew), the innermost and most sacred chamber of the Temple, intended to house the Ark of the Covenant and represent the very presence of God among His people. This design drew heavily from the patterns established for the wilderness Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25:18-22.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Holiness: The placement of the two cherubim in the Most Holy Place was not merely decorative. These winged angelic beings were consistently associated with God's throne, His presence, and guardianship of sacred spaces, such as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. Their presence in the Temple symbolized God's dwelling among His people, emphasizing the extreme holiness of this sanctuary.
  • Magnificence and Reverence: The description "of image work" (likely sculpted) and "overlaid them with gold" speaks to the immense value, beauty, and craftsmanship invested in these sacred figures. The use of pure gold signified the unparalleled glory and reverence due to the God of Israel, reflecting the preciousness of His dwelling place. This opulence underscored the Temple's role as the central place of worship and the seat of divine authority.
  • Continuity of Sacred Design: Solomon's construction of the Temple, including these cherubim, followed divine instructions and patterns established centuries earlier for the Tabernacle. This continuity reinforced the unchanging nature of God's relationship with His people and the consistent principles of worship, even as the temporary Tabernacle was replaced by a permanent structure.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cherubims" (KJV) is the plural of cherub, derived from the Hebrew word ื›ึฐึผืจื•ึผื‘ึดื™ื (k'ruvim). These are not childish figures but powerful, majestic beings associated with God's glory and divine chariot-throne, as seen in the visions of Ezekiel. The phrase "most holy house" translates the Hebrew ื“ึฐึผื‘ึดื™ืจ (devir), referring specifically to the inner sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, which only the High Priest could enter once a year (Hebrews 9:7).

Practical Application and Significance

For believers today, 2 Chronicles 3:10 reminds us of God's desire for a holy dwelling place among His people. While the physical Temple no longer stands, the New Testament teaches that believers collectively form the "temple of God" (1 Corinthians 3:16) and that individual bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This shifts the focus from a physical structure to the spiritual reality of God dwelling within His followers. The meticulous care and precious materials used in the Temple's construction serve as a timeless reminder of the immense value and holiness of God Himself, inspiring awe and reverence in our worship and daily lives.

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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 6:23

    And within the oracle he made two cherubims [of] olive tree, [each] ten cubits high.

  • 1 Kings 6:28

    And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.

  • Exodus 25:18

    And thou shalt make two cherubims [of] gold, [of] beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.
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