What is the meaning of 1 Kings 6:28? He • “He” points to King Solomon, whom God appointed to build the temple after David (1 Kings 6:1; 1 Chronicles 28:10). • Solomon’s obedience flows from the covenant promise God gave to his father (2 Samuel 7:12–13). • The personal pronoun reminds us that God works through human instruments—yet it is ultimately the LORD who directs the work (1 Kings 9:3). also • “Also” ties this clause to the ongoing description of the temple interior (1 Kings 6:21–27). • It shows that the gold overlay of the cherubim was not an isolated flourish but part of a consistent pattern: walls, floor, altar, doors—all received the same treatment (2 Chronicles 3:5–7). • Scripture often repeats “also” to stack up evidences of God’s glory (Exodus 37:2; 1 Kings 7:48–50). overlaid • To overlay is to cover completely. Solomon “overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold” (1 Kings 6:21). • This act signified consecration: what God touches He covers, setting it apart for holy use (Exodus 25:11; Hebrews 9:3–5). • It signals permanence and protection—gold does not tarnish, echoing the enduring nature of God’s covenant (Psalm 119:89). the cherubim • These were two fifteen-foot-high figures stationed in the inner sanctuary (1 Kings 6:23–27). • Cherubim guard God’s presence (Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18–20) and attend His throne (Ezekiel 10:1–5). • Their wings stretched from wall to wall, forming a visual reminder that the temple was the earthly footstool of heaven’s King (Psalm 99:1). • By fashioning the cherubim so prominently, Solomon declared that access to God is always under the watchful eye of His holy guardians. with gold • Gold reflects light, purity, and value—qualities suited to the dwelling of the Lord of glory (Exodus 39:38; Revelation 21:18). • Pure gold symbolized uncorrupted holiness; only the best belongs in God’s presence (Malachi 1:8, 14). • The lavish use of gold foreshadowed the priceless redemption accomplished by Christ, “a Lamb unblemished and spotless” (1 Peter 1:18–19). • Practical as well: gold’s resistance to decay preserved the artwork for generations, mirroring the imperishable nature of God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23). summary 1 Kings 6:28 records that Solomon completely covered the massive sanctuary cherubim with pure gold, integrating them into the broader golden splendor of the temple. The verse underscores Solomon’s obedience, the temple’s total consecration, the cherubim’s guarding role, and the unsurpassed worth of God’s dwelling. In a single sentence, Scripture marries substance and symbolism: the literal overlay of gold points to the unchanging, radiant holiness of the LORD who chooses to dwell among His people. |
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