2 Chronicles 3:7

KJV

He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

KJV (with Strong's)

He overlaid {H2645} also the house {H1004}, the beams {H6982}, the posts {H5592}, and the walls {H7023} thereof, and the doors {H1817} thereof, with gold {H2091}; and graved {H6605} cherubims {H3742} on the walls {H7023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

overlaying the house and its beams, thresholds, walls and doors with gold and carving k'ruvim on the walls.

Berean Standard Bible

He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.

American Standard Version

He overlaid also the house, the beams, the thresholds, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubim on the walls.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 3:7 vividly portrays the opulent interior of Solomon's Temple, detailing the comprehensive overlay of its beams, posts, walls, and doors with pure gold, alongside the intricate engraving of cherubim upon its walls. This verse underscores the unparalleled dedication of Israel's finest resources and artistry to construct a sacred dwelling place for God, one that profoundly reflected His transcendent glory, majesty, and holiness, thereby establishing it as the central sanctuary for the Israelite nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the Chronicler's detailed account of the construction of Solomon's Temple, specifically focusing on the lavish interior finishing. Following the initial preparations, the gathering of materials, and the laying of the foundation in [2 Chronicles 3:1-2](/2_chronicles/3-1-2 "2 Chronicles 3:1-2 - Solomon Begins Building the Temple"), the narrative progresses to describe the precise dimensions and the primary materials used for the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place in [2 Chronicles 3:3-5](/2_chronicles/3-3-5 "2 Chronicles 3:3-5 - Temple Dimensions and Materials"). Verse 7, along with the subsequent verses (e.g., [2 Chronicles 3:8-9](/2_chronicles/3-8-9 "2 Chronicles 3:8-9 - The Most Holy Place")), shifts the focus to the exquisite and costly decoration, emphasizing the extensive gold overlay and the symbolic carvings that adorned the sacred space. This section collectively serves to highlight the immense value and profound reverence attributed to God's chosen dwelling, building upon the divine mandate given to David and faithfully fulfilled by Solomon. It meticulously sets the stage for the Temple's grand dedication and the awe-inspiring indwelling of God's glory, powerfully narrated in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1-3 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple"). As part of a larger literary unit, this passage extols Solomon's wisdom and wealth, culminating in this monumental undertaking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple transpired during the zenith of King Solomon's reign (approximately 970-931 BC), a period characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and national stability for Israel. This era provided the ideal conditions for mobilizing vast human and material resources, including highly skilled artisans and international collaboration, notably with Hiram of Tyre, which were essential for such an ambitious architectural endeavor. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were far more than mere buildings; they were considered cosmic centers, earthly reflections of divine abodes where the gods resided. The lavish use of precious metals like gold was a common practice in royal and sacred architecture across the region, universally signifying immense wealth, formidable power, and the tangible presence of deity. However, the Temple in Jerusalem stood distinct in its exclusive dedication to Yahweh, the one true God. Its specific design elements, such as the prominent cherubim, carried profound theological significance deeply rooted in Israelite tradition, echoing imagery associated with the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-10-22 "Exodus 25:10-22 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant") and God's throne. For centuries, this Temple served as the undisputed central locus of Israelite worship, pilgrimage, and national identity.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 3:7 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book of Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights the **magnificence and unparalleled dedication** offered to God. The extensive and comprehensive use of gold, covering virtually every interior surface, dramatically underscores the profound conviction that only the finest and most precious materials were truly suitable for the dwelling place of the Almighty. This reflects a deep-seated theology of offering one's absolute best to God, a principle consistently echoed in various forms of worship and sacrifice throughout the Old Testament, from the Tabernacle's construction in [Exodus 25:1-9](/exodus/25-1-9 "Exodus 25:1-9 - Offerings for the Tabernacle") to the instructions for sacrifices in [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings"). Secondly, the verse powerfully emphasizes **divine presence and holiness**. The "graved cherubims" are not merely aesthetic embellishments; they are profoundly symbolic representations of angelic beings intimately associated with God's throne, His glory, and the vigilant guarding of sacred space, as vividly depicted in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard the Tree of Life") and the meticulous design of the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat"). Their pervasive presence on the Temple walls reinforced the sanctity and inviolability of the building as a consecrated space where God's presence resided among His people, demanding reverence and purity, and foreshadowing the ultimate indwelling of God's Spirit in believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Overlaid (Hebrew, _châphâh'_):** The Hebrew verb H2645, _châphâh_, means "to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect; ceil, cover, overlay." In this context, it signifies a complete and thorough encasement, not merely a superficial coating. This implies that the interior surfaces of the Temple were entirely covered or plated with gold, creating an overwhelming impression of divine splendor, purity, and permanence. The act of overlaying with gold denotes immense value, durability, and a dedication of the highest possible quality, reflecting the supreme worthiness of God for whom the structure was meticulously built. It suggests a transformation of the underlying material into something precious and holy, set apart for sacred use.
* **Graved (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** The Hebrew verb H6605, _pâthach_, means "to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve." Here, it specifically refers to the intricate work of carving, sculpting, or engraving figures into the gold-overlaid walls. This indicates highly skilled craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, transforming the flat surfaces into three-dimensional representations. The act of engraving cherubim was not just decorative but deeply symbolic, bringing to life the celestial guardians of God's presence, as seen in the Tabernacle and various biblical visions, further emphasizing the sacred and divine nature of the Temple space and its connection to the heavenly realm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold":** This clause describes the comprehensive and lavish nature of the gold application throughout the Temple's interior. "The house" refers to the entire sacred structure, while the specific enumeration of "beams, posts, walls, and doors" emphasizes that virtually every interior surface was meticulously covered. This extraordinary opulence underscores the immense wealth and resources at Solomon's command, but more profoundly, it signifies the deep reverence and dedication offered to God. Gold, universally recognized as a symbol of purity, divinity, and royalty, was intended to reflect the glory and majesty of the Lord, making the Temple a truly magnificent and dazzling edifice deemed worthy of the divine presence.
* **"and graved cherubims on the walls":** This second clause details a crucial artistic and symbolic element of the Temple's decoration. Cherubim are angelic beings frequently depicted in biblical literature as guardians of sacred space and intimately associated with God's throne and presence (e.g., in the Garden of Eden, on the Ark of the Covenant, and in prophetic visions). Their engraving on the Temple walls served multiple purposes: to reinforce the sanctity and holiness of the space, to visually represent the unseen heavenly realities, and to symbolize God's protective presence within His dwelling. These carvings were not mere ornamentation but profound theological statements, serving as a constant reminder to worshipers of the divine realm's proximity and the sacredness of the Temple as a place of encounter with the Holy God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning and impact. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the Temple's gold overlay. While literally true that gold was used extensively, the sheer scale implied—covering "the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof"—creates an impression of unparalleled, almost unimaginable, splendor, emphasizing the ultimate dedication of resources to God. **Symbolism** is central, with gold representing purity, divinity, royalty, and immense value, transforming the physical structure into a tangible representation of God's glory and the sacredness of the space. The **Symbolism** of the cherubim is equally potent, representing divine presence, holiness, and guardianship, thereby connecting the earthly sanctuary to heavenly realities and the very throne room of God. Furthermore, the detailed enumeration of "beams, posts, walls, and doors" functions as a form of **Merism**, where specific parts are listed to imply the comprehensive and all-encompassing nature of the gold overlay, underscoring that no part of the sacred space was left untouched by this dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lavish gold overlay and the pervasive depiction of cherubim in Solomon's Temple are profoundly theological statements. They articulate a core biblical truth: God is worthy of the absolute best, the most precious, and the most beautiful. The Temple's opulence was not for human comfort or a display of Israel's wealth, but rather a tangible act of worship designed to honor the transcendent majesty and holiness of Yahweh, who graciously chose to dwell among His people. This physical manifestation of glory served to inspire awe, reverence, and a deep sense of the sacred in all who approached God's presence. It taught Israel that their worship and offerings should reflect the supreme value and purity of the God they served, setting an enduring standard for dedication and excellence in all things pertaining to divine service. The cherubim, serving as celestial guardians of God's holiness, further emphasized the necessary distinction between the sacred and the profane, reminding worshipers of the awesome privilege and solemn responsibility of entering God's presence.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "God Commands a Sanctuary")
* [1 Kings 6:21-22](/1_kings/6-21-22 "1 Kings 6:21-22 - Gold in the Temple's Inner Sanctuary")
* [Revelation 21:18-21](/revelation/21-18-21 "Revelation 21:18-21 - The New Jerusalem's Gold and Jewels")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer have a physical Temple like Solomon's, the profound principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 3:7 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The dedication of such immense resources and the pursuit of unparalleled beauty for God's dwelling challenge us to deeply consider the quality of our own worship, our service, and indeed, our daily lives. Are we offering God our "gold"—our very best, our most precious resources, our deepest devotion, our purest motives, our most excellent efforts—or merely what is convenient, leftover, or minimally acceptable? This verse calls us to cultivate a profound reverence for God, understanding that He is infinitely worthy of our highest honor and most dedicated efforts in every sphere of life. It encourages us to intentionally create spaces, both physical (our homes, our places of gathering) and spiritual (our hearts, our minds, our relationships), that are consecrated to Him and genuinely reflect His glory, embodying holiness, integrity, and beauty in our conduct and character. Just as the Temple was a sacred place where heaven and earth met, our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are meant to be living sanctuaries where God's presence is evident, transforming us from within and radiating His light and truth to the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I tempted to offer God less than my "gold," and how can I practically cultivate a spirit of offering my very best to Him?**
* **How does the biblical concept of God's holiness, as powerfully symbolized by the cherubim and the extensive use of gold, impact my daily approach to worship and ethical living?**
* **If my body is indeed a temple of the Holy Spirit (as affirmed in [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), how should the dedication and beauty of Solomon's Temple inspire me to live a life that profoundly honors God's indwelling presence?**
* **What tangible steps can I take this week to ensure that my actions, words, and thoughts more consistently reflect the sacredness and glory of God in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why was so much gold used in the Temple, and what did it symbolize?**

Answer: The extensive use of gold in Solomon's Temple, as meticulously described in [2 Chronicles 3:7](/2_chronicles/3-7 "2 Chronicles 3:7 - Gold and Cherubim in the Temple"), was primarily symbolic and theological, rather than merely an ostentatious display of wealth. In ancient Israelite culture, and indeed throughout the ancient Near East, gold was esteemed as the most precious metal, universally associated with purity, divinity, royalty, and immense, incorruptible value. By overlaying virtually every interior surface of the Temple with gold, Solomon was creating a physical structure that visually represented the transcendent glory, majesty, and absolute holiness of God. It powerfully symbolized that only the most precious, incorruptible, and beautiful material was fitting for the dwelling place of the Almighty. Furthermore, it served to inspire awe, reverence, and a profound sense of the sacred in worshipers, underscoring the supreme worthiness of God and the unique sacredness of the space where His presence resided. This dedication of the finest materials reflected the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where God provided abundantly, and Israel, in turn, offered its absolute best in worship and devotion.

**What is the significance of the cherubim engraved on the Temple walls?**

Answer: The cherubim engraved on the Temple walls, as explicitly mentioned in [2 Chronicles 3:7](/2_chronicles/3-7 "2 Chronicles 3:7 - Gold and Cherubim in the Temple"), were far more than mere decorative elements; they carried profound theological significance. Cherubim are angelic beings frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces and intimately associated with God's immediate presence and His throne. They are first seen guarding the way to the tree of life in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guard the Tree of Life") after humanity's expulsion from Eden. Most notably, two cherubim were fashioned atop the mercy seat of the [Ark of the Covenant](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Mercy Seat"), from which God promised to speak to Moses. In the Temple, their pervasive presence on the walls reinforced the sanctity and inviolability of the building, serving as symbolic guardians of God's dwelling. They visually represented the unseen heavenly realm, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine throne room. Their depiction served as a constant reminder to worshipers that they were entering a consecrated space where heaven and earth intersected, a place of profound holiness where God's glorious presence resided, demanding reverence and purity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly Temple, with its dazzling gold overlay and intricately engraved cherubim, served as a magnificent and profound foreshadowing of the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity: Jesus Christ. While Solomon's Temple was adorned with literal gold to signify God's glory and purity, Jesus is the true Temple, the very embodiment of God's glory, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In Him, the divine presence does not merely reside in a building, but is fully and perfectly incarnated in human flesh, making God intimately accessible to humanity in a way the physical Temple never could. The cherubim, guarding the sacred space and God's holy presence, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who, through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, has opened a "new and living way" into the Most Holy Place—the very presence of God—for all believers ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). The gold-laden splendor of the Temple, symbolizing God's purity and majesty, is ultimately fulfilled not in a physical edifice, but in the glorious reality of the New Jerusalem, described as being made of pure gold, where God Himself dwells eternally with His redeemed people, and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is its Temple ([Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - The Lamb is the Temple")). Thus, 2 Chronicles 3:7 powerfully points us to Christ, who is the greater Temple, the perfect manifestation of God's glory, and the sole means by which we now draw near to a holy 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

1 Kings 6:20

And the oracle in the forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and [so] covered the altar [which was of] cedar.

1 Kings 6:22

And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that [was] by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

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.

1 Kings 6:35

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

Exodus 26:29

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings [of] gold [for] places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

Ezekiel 7:20

As for the beauty of his ornament, he set it in majesty: but they made the images of their abominations [and] of their detestable things therein: therefore have I set it far from them.

Exodus 26:1

¶ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.