1 Kings 6:23

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

And within the oracle {H1687} he made {H6213} two {H8147} cherubims {H3742} of olive {H8081} tree {H6086}, each ten {H6235} cubits {H520} high {H6967}.

Inside the sanctuary he made two k'ruvim of olive-wood, each seventeen-and-a-half feet high.

In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood.

And in the oracle he made two cherubim of olive-wood, each ten cubits high.

Commentary

1 Kings 6:23 provides a precise detail about the interior of Solomon's magnificent Temple, specifically focusing on the most sacred area known as the "oracle" or the Holy of Holies. This verse describes the construction of two massive cherubim figures, central to the symbolism of God's dwelling place among His people.

Context

This verse is part of the detailed account of King Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental undertaking that symbolized God's permanent dwelling among Israel. Chapter 6 meticulously describes the dimensions, materials, and internal furnishings of the Temple. The "oracle" (Hebrew: debîr), also known as the Holy of Holies, was the innermost sanctuary, a perfect cube, designed to house the Ark of the Covenant. It was the most sacred space, signifying the very presence of God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Holiness: The cherubim were celestial beings consistently associated with God's glory, throne, and presence. Their placement within the oracle underscored the profound holiness and inaccessibility of God's dwelling place to all but the High Priest, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
  • Guardians of the Sacred: From their role guarding the Tree of Life in Eden to their presence on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22), cherubim consistently serve as guardians of sacred space and divine access. In Solomon's Temple, these large figures further emphasized the sanctity of the Holy of Holies.
  • Temple Symbolism: The size and material of these cherubim—ten cubits high (approximately 15 feet), made of olive wood and overlaid with gold (as described in subsequent verses like 1 Kings 6:28)—highlighted the immense value and reverence given to God's dwelling.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Oracle" (Hebrew: debîr): This term specifically refers to the innermost sanctuary, the Holy of Holies, the place where God's presence was most concentrated and where He "spoke" or communicated.
  • "Cherubims" (Hebrew: kĕrûḇîm): The plural form of "cherub," these are angelic or celestial beings, often depicted with wings. Their exact appearance varies in scripture (e.g., Ezekiel 1:5-12), but they are consistently associated with God's majesty and the divine throne.
  • "Olive tree" (Hebrew: ‘ēṣ šemen): Literally "tree of oil," olive wood was highly valued for its durability, beauty, and association with anointing oil, symbolizing consecration and divine blessing. Its use here signifies richness and permanence.

Practical Application

While the physical Temple no longer stands, the principles it represented endure. The elaborate design and sacred elements, such as the cherubim, point to the awesome holiness of God and His desire to dwell among His people. In the New Testament, believers are taught that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing a spiritual understanding of God's presence. Just as the cherubim guarded access to God's presence in the Temple, Christ now serves as our mediator, granting us access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22). This verse reminds us of God's inherent majesty and the profound privilege of His dwelling with humanity.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 37:7 (5 votes)

    And he made two cherubims [of] gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat;

  • Exodus 37:9 (5 votes)

    And the cherubims spread out [their] wings on high, [and] covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; [even] to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.

  • Exodus 25:18 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 25:22 (2 votes)

    And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which [are] upon the ark of the testimony, of all [things] which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

  • Psalms 80:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.

  • Isaiah 37:16 (2 votes)

    O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou [art] the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

  • Psalms 18:10 (2 votes)

    And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.