2 Chronicles 3:7

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
overlaying the house and its beams, thresholds, walls and doors with gold and carving k'ruvim on the walls.
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Berean Standard Bible
He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
He overlaid also the house, the beams, the thresholds, and its walls, and its doors, with gold; and engraved cherubim on the walls.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
The house, I say, the beames, postes, and walles thereof and the doores thereof ouerlayde he with gold, and graued Cherubims vpon the walles.
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Young's Literal Translation
and he covereth the house, the beams, the thresholds, and its walls, and its doors, with gold, and hath graved cherubs on the walls.
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See also
1 Kings 6:201 Kings 6:221 Kings 6:291 Kings 6:35Exodus 26:29Ezekiel 7:20Exodus 26:1
See on the biblical-era map
Building Plan: Solomon's Temple
Building Plan: Solomon's Temple View full PDF
Building Plan: Solomon's Palace and the Temple Complex
Building Plan: Solomon's Palace and the Temple Complex View full PDF
The Construction of Solomon’s Temple
The Construction of Solomon’s Temple View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 11,237 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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, 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. Verse 7, along with the subsequent verses (e.g., 2 Chronicles 3:8-9), 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. 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 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 to the instructions for sacrifices in Leviticus 1-7. 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 and the meticulous design of the Tabernacle in Exodus 25:18-22. 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', H2645): 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', H6605): 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.

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), 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, 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, 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 after humanity's expulsion from Eden. Most notably, two cherubim were fashioned atop the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant, 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). 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). 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). 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.

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3 verses 1–9

Here is, I. The place where the temple was built. Solomon was neither at liberty to choose nor at a loss to fix the place. It was before determined (Ch1 22:1), which was an ease to his mind. 1. It must be at Jerusalem; for that was the place where God had chosen to put his name there. The royal city must be the holy city. There must be the testimony of Israel; for there are set the thrones of judgment, Psa 122:4, Psa 122:5. 2. It must be on Mount Moriah, which, some think, was that very place in the land of Moriah where Abraham offered Isaac, Gen 22:2. So the Targum says expressly, adding, But he was delivered by the word of the Lord, and a ram provided in his place. That was typical of Christ's sacrifice of himself; therefore fitly was the temple, which was likewise a type of him, built there. 3. It must be where the Lord appeared to David, and answered him by fire, Ch1 21:18, Ch1 21:26. There atonement was made once; and therefore, in remembrance of that, there atonement was made once; and therefore, in remembrance of that, there atonement must still be made. Where God has met with me it is to be hoped that he will still manifest himself. 4. It must be in the place which David has prepared, not only which he had purchased with his money, but which he had purchased with his money, but which he had pitched upon divine direction. It was Solomon's wisdom not to enquire out a more convenient place, but to acquiesce in the appointment of God, whatever might be objected against it. 5. It must be in the threshold floor of Ornan, which, if (as a Jebusite) it gives encouragement to the Gentiles, obliges us to look upon temple-work as that which requires the labour of the mind, no less than threshing-work dos that of the body.

II. The time when it was begun; not till the fourth year of Solomon's reign, Ch2 3:2. Not that the first three years were trifled away, or spent in deliberating whether they should build the temple or no; but they were employed in the necessary preparations for it, wherein three years would be soon gone, considering how many hands were to be got together and set to work. Some conjecture that this was a sabbatical year, or year of release and rest to the land, when the people, being discharged from their husbandry, might more easily lend a hand to the beginning of this work; and then the year in which it was finished would fall out to be another sabbatical year, when they would likewise have leisure to attend the solemnity of the dedication of it.

III. The dimensions of it, in which Solomon was instructed (Ch2 3:3), as he was in other things, by his father. This was the foundation (so it may be read) which Solomon laid for the building of the house. This was the rule he went by, so many cubits the length and breadth, after the first measure, that is, according to the measure first fixed, which there was no reason to make any alteration of when the work came to be done; for the dimensions were given by divine wisdom, and what God does shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it, or taken from it, Ecc 3:14. His first measure will be the last.

IV. The ornaments of the temple. The timber-work was very fine, and yet, within, it was overlaid with pure gold (Ch2 3:4), with fine gold (Ch2 3:5). and that embossed with palm-trees and chains. It was gold of Parvaim (Ch2 3:6), the best gold. The beams and posts, the walls and doors, were overlaid with gold, Ch2 3:7. The most holy place, which was ten yards square, was all overlaid with fine gold (Ch2 3:8), even the upper chambers, or rather the upper floor or roof - top, bottom, and sides, were all overlaid with gold. Every nail, or screw, or pin, with which the golden plates were fastened to the walls that were overlaid with them, weighed fifty shekels, or was worth so much, workmanship and all. A great many precious stones were dedicated to God (Ch1 29:2, Ch1 29:8), and these were set here and there, where they would show to the best advantage. The finest houses now pretend to no better garnishing than good paint on the roof and walls; but the ornaments of the temple were most substantially rich. It was set with precious stones, because it was a type of the new Jerusalem, which has no temple in it because it is all temple, and the walls, gates, and foundations of which are said to be of precious stones and pearls, Rev 21:18, Rev 21:19, Rev 21:21.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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