What is the meaning of 1 Kings 6:23? In the inner sanctuary – Solomon is working in “the holy of holies,” the most sacred room of the temple where the ark of the covenant would rest (1 Kings 6:19; Exodus 26:33). – The location underscores intimacy with God; only the high priest would later enter once a year, foreshadowing Christ’s once-for-all entrance into the true sanctuary (Hebrews 9:7, 11-12). – By placing the cherubim here, Solomon honors God’s pattern shown earlier in the tabernacle, confirming the continuity of worship from wilderness to permanent temple (Exodus 25:18-22). he made two cherubim – Cherubim are angelic beings closely associated with God’s throne and His presence (Ezekiel 10:1-4; Psalm 99:1). – The pair emphasizes testimony and agreement; “every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15). Here, two cherubim silently witness to God’s holiness. – Their sculpted form reminds worshipers that access to God is guarded by holiness—just as cherubim stood at Eden’s gate after the fall (Genesis 3:24). each ten cubits high – At roughly fifteen feet (about 4.5 m), the figures dominate the inner room (1 Kings 6:20 notes the room itself was twenty cubits high). – Their great size conveys the greatness of the God they serve (Isaiah 6:1-3). – The exact dimensions follow God-given proportions, pointing to His order and intentionality in worship design (1 Chronicles 28:19). out of olive wood – Olive wood is durable, beautiful, and a symbol of peace and blessing; the dove carried an olive leaf when judgment waters receded (Genesis 8:11). – Using wood, then overlaying it with gold (1 Kings 6:28), pictures humanity (earthly material) covered by divine glory—anticipating believers clothed in Christ’s righteousness (Colossians 3:3-4). – Olive trees grew abundantly in Israel, tying the structure to the land of promise and God’s covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 8:7-8). summary 1 Kings 6:23 records Solomon crafting two towering olive-wood cherubim for the inner sanctuary, echoing earlier tabernacle patterns, highlighting God’s holiness, and visually declaring His majestic presence among His people. Their placement, number, size, and material all preach: God is near, yet exalted; approachable through His ordained means, yet always surrounded by glory. |
    |