2 Chronicles 3:13

KJV

The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces [were] inward.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wings {H3671} of these cherubims {H3742} spread themselves forth {H6566} twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}: and they stood {H5975} on their feet {H7272}, and their faces {H6440} were inward {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wings of these k'ruvim spread out over thirty-five feet. They stood on their feet with their faces turned inward.

Berean Standard Bible

So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room.

American Standard Version

The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 3:13 meticulously details the colossal cherubim within the Most Holy Place of Solomon's Temple, specifying their immense wing span, upright posture, and inward gaze. This verse not only highlights the architectural grandeur and precise craftsmanship of the sanctuary but also profoundly underscores the sacredness and divine presence associated with the Ark of the Covenant, which these majestic figures were designed to flank and guard, symbolizing the awe, reverence, and perpetual adoration due to God's unique dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the chronicler's detailed account of King Solomon's construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, a narrative spanning from [2 Chronicles 2](/2_chronicles/2 "2 Chronicles 2 - Preparations for Temple Building") through [2 Chronicles 7](/2_chronicles/7 "2 Chronicles 7 - Dedication of the Temple"). Specifically, [2 Chronicles 3:10-12](/2_chronicles/3-10 "2 Chronicles 3:10-12 - Construction of the Cherubim") describe the creation of these two large, free-standing cherubim, distinct from the smaller cherubim directly on the Ark of the Covenant. Verse 13 provides their critical dimensions, posture, and orientation, immediately preceding the description of the Temple veil in [2 Chronicles 3:14](/2_chronicles/3-14 "2 Chronicles 3:14 - The Temple Veil"). This meticulous detail emphasizes the supreme importance of the Most Holy Place as the epicenter of God's dwelling and worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's Temple was the zenith of Israelite worship, fulfilling King David's desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Lord. Constructed during a period of relative peace and prosperity in Israel's history (c. 960 BCE), the Temple was not merely a building but the physical manifestation of God's covenantal presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, guardian figures like cherubim were common in temples and palaces, often depicted as hybrid creatures guarding sacred spaces or divine thrones. However, Israel's cherubim were uniquely associated with Yahweh's throne and glory, appearing in the Tabernacle's design ([Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")) and later in Ezekiel's visions of God's chariot-throne ([Ezekiel 1:5-14](/ezekiel/1-5 "Ezekiel 1:5-14 - Vision of the Cherubim")). The "cubit" was a standard ancient measurement, typically around 18 inches, making the "twenty cubits" a monumental scale designed to evoke awe and reverence.

* **Key Themes:** The description of these cherubim contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Grandeur and Presence**, as their immense size and strategic placement within the Most Holy Place served to visually represent the overwhelming majesty and glory of God, who chose to dwell among His people. Secondly, it highlights **Holiness and Awe**, emphasizing the profound reverence due to God's presence and the sacredness of the inner sanctuary, which only the High Priest could enter once a year. Thirdly, the cherubim embody **Guardianship and Adoration**, standing as perpetual sentinels and worshippers focused on the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing their role in protecting the sanctity of God's throne and their ceaseless attentiveness to His divine will. Finally, the continuity of cherubim from the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard the Way to the Tree of Life")) to the Tabernacle and Temple reinforces the theme of God's consistent principles for His sacred dwelling and humanity's access to Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cherubims (Hebrew, _kĕrûḇîm'_):** The plural form of "cherub," these are celestial beings frequently mentioned in biblical literature. They are consistently associated with guarding sacred spaces (e.g., the Garden of Eden in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard the Way to the Tree of Life")), serving as attendants to God's throne (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant in [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")), and being part of His divine chariot-throne (as seen in [Ezekiel 1:5-14](/ezekiel/1-5 "Ezekiel 1:5-14 - Vision of the Cherubim") and [Ezekiel 10](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Glory of God Departs")). In this context, they are colossal, sculpted representations of these heavenly guardians, emphasizing the divine nature of the space they occupy.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammāh'_):** An ancient unit of linear measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, varying slightly but generally around 18 inches (approx. 45 cm). The specification of "twenty cubits" (approximately 30 feet or 9 meters) for the combined wing span underscores the monumental scale of these figures, designed to fill the entire width of the Most Holy Place and impress upon observers the vastness and overwhelming presence of the divine.
* **Inward (Hebrew, _pənîmāh'_):** This adverb denotes direction, specifically "towards the inside" or "facing inward." In the context of the cherubim, it signifies their gaze being directed towards the Ark of the Covenant, the very representation of God's throne and presence. This orientation symbolizes their perpetual attentiveness, adoration, and protective focus on the divine holiness residing within the Most Holy Place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits":** This clause describes the immense horizontal reach of the cherubim's wings. Each cherub had a wing span of ten cubits, with one wing touching the wall and the other touching the wing of the adjacent cherub, making a total span of twenty cubits across the width of the Most Holy Place (cf. [1 Kings 6:27](/1_kings/6-27 "1 Kings 6:27 - Cherubim Span the Holy of Holies")). This detail emphasizes the monumental scale of these figures, physically filling the sacred space and visually communicating the overwhelming grandeur and pervasive presence of the God they flanked.
* **"and they stood on their feet":** This describes the posture of the cherubim. Unlike the cherubim on the mercy seat of the Ark, which were depicted kneeling or hovering, these colossal figures stood upright. This posture conveys a sense of readiness, vigilance, and active service. It suggests a posture of reverence and stability, indicating their role as constant, unwavering guardians of the divine presence.
* **"and their faces [were] inward":** This final detail specifies the direction of their gaze. Their faces were turned towards the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the law and symbolized God's throne. This "inward" orientation is highly symbolic, representing their perpetual adoration, focused attention on God's presence, and their role in guarding the sanctity of the Most Holy Place. It implies a ceaseless vigil over the very heart of God's dwelling among His people.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 2 Chronicles 3:13 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the cherubim themselves are powerful symbols of divine presence, holiness, and guardianship. Their immense size (twenty cubits) **symbolizes** the overwhelming grandeur and majesty of God, filling the most sacred space. The posture of "standing on their feet" conveys a **symbolic** sense of readiness, reverence, and active service, while their "inward" gaze **symbolizes** perpetual adoration and focused attention on the divine presence. The meticulous architectural detail, while literal, also serves as a form of **descriptive imagery** designed to evoke awe and reverence in the reader, emphasizing the sacredness and inaccessibility of God's dwelling. The chronicler's careful enumeration of dimensions and orientation underscores the divine blueprint and the meticulous care taken in constructing a dwelling worthy of the Holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The cherubim in the Most Holy Place serve as a profound theological statement about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. Their immense scale and position guarding the Ark of the Covenant underscore God's transcendent holiness and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. They are a visual reminder that God is utterly distinct from His creation, and access to His unmediated presence is restricted, requiring specific divine provision. This concept of guarded access to the divine is consistent throughout biblical history, from the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden to the elaborate Tabernacle and Temple rituals. The cherubim's "inward" gaze perpetually directs attention to the Ark, the mercy seat, and the very point of God's covenantal presence, emphasizing that all worship and adoration must be singularly focused on the Lord. They represent the heavenly court's ceaseless worship and protection of God's glory, inviting humanity to a similar posture of reverence and focused devotion.

* [Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")
* [1 Kings 6:23](/1_kings/6-23 "1 Kings 6:23-28 - Description of Temple Cherubim")
* [Hebrews 9:5](/hebrews/9-5 "Hebrews 9:5 - Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the Mercy Seat")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple with its cherubim no longer stands, the principles embodied by 2 Chronicles 3:13 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The immense scale and sacred function of these cherubim call us to cultivate a deep sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness, recognizing that His presence is not confined to a building but indwells believers through the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body, a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The cherubim's "inward" gaze serves as a powerful metaphor, urging us to direct our spiritual focus, adoration, and attention singularly towards God in our personal lives and corporate worship. We are called to guard the sanctity of our hearts and minds, ensuring that our spiritual "Most Holy Place" is continually oriented towards Him. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with faith, inviting us into a posture of profound humility, worship, and vigilant attentiveness to the God who desires to dwell among us and within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immense scale and sacred role of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place deepen your understanding of God's grandeur and holiness?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate an "inward" gaze, like the cherubim, ensuring your focus and adoration are consistently directed towards God in your daily life?**
* **Considering that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Spirit," what does 2 Chronicles 3:13 teach us about the reverence due to God's indwelling presence in our lives and in the community of faith?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the cherubim's "inward" gaze?**

Answer: The "inward" gaze of the colossal cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:13 signifies their perpetual adoration and attentiveness towards the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's throne and presence in the Most Holy Place. Unlike the cherubim on the mercy seat whose faces were towards each other ([Exodus 25:20](/exodus/25-20 "Exodus 25:20 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat")), these larger figures were positioned to guard and gaze upon the very heart of God's earthly dwelling. This orientation symbolizes their constant reverence, vigilant protection of divine holiness, and the singular focus of all worship on the Lord.

**How large were these cherubim, and why is their size important?**

Answer: Each cherub had wings that spread ten cubits, meaning the total span of both cherubim's wings was twenty cubits (approximately 30 feet or 9 meters), stretching across the entire width of the Most Holy Place (see also [1 Kings 6:27](/1_kings/6-27 "1 Kings 6:27 - Cherubim Span the Holy of Holies")). Their monumental size underscored the overwhelming majesty and grandeur of God's presence. It visually communicated the immense scale of the divine realm intersecting with the earthly, designed to inspire profound awe and reverence for the One who dwelt there, emphasizing that the space was entirely consecrated to His glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The cherubim in Solomon's Temple, with their immense scale, posture of readiness, and inward gaze, served as powerful symbols of God's transcendent holiness and the guarded access to His presence. They pointed to a profound truth: humanity, in its fallen state, could not directly approach a holy God. However, this Old Testament reality finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and living Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")), the very embodiment of God dwelling among humanity, "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, the veil separating humanity from the Most Holy Place was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way to God's presence was now opened. Christ, our great High Priest, has entered the true, heavenly sanctuary, not made with human hands, securing eternal redemption for us ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the High Priest of the Heavenly Sanctuary")). Thus, the awe and reverence once directed towards the Temple's guarded inner sanctum are now rightly directed towards Christ, who is not merely a guardian of God's presence but the very revelation and means of access to the Father ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God through Christ")). In Him, the holiness symbolized by the cherubim is perfectly manifested, and through Him, we are invited into intimate fellowship with God.

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 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.