◄ 1 Kings 6:32 ►
The double doors were made of olive wood, and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold.
Study Bible
The double doors were made of olive wood
Olive wood was a valuable and durable material, often used in the construction of sacred objects and places. Its use here signifies the importance and sanctity of the temple. Olive trees were abundant in Israel, symbolizing peace and prosperity. The choice of olive wood for the temple doors reflects the desire for a lasting and holy entrance to the sacred space.

and he carved into them cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers
Cherubim are angelic beings associated with the presence of God, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. Their inclusion on the doors signifies divine protection and the holiness of the temple. Palm trees symbolize victory and triumph, often used in celebrations and processions, such as Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:13). Open flowers may represent beauty and the flourishing of creation, echoing the Garden of Eden's imagery and the promise of new life.

and overlaid the cherubim and palm trees with hammered gold
Gold is a symbol of purity, divinity, and kingship, often used in the construction of sacred objects and spaces. The overlaying of gold on the carvings emphasizes the temple's splendor and the glory of God. This use of gold connects to the wealth and wisdom of Solomon's reign, as well as the future glory of the heavenly temple described in Revelation 21:18-21, where the New Jerusalem is adorned with gold and precious stones.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem, a task that his father David had desired to complete.

2. Temple in Jerusalem
The holy place constructed by Solomon as a dwelling place for the Lord, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. Cherubim
Angelic beings often associated with the presence of God, symbolizing His majesty and holiness.

4. Olive Wood Doors
The material used for the doors of the inner sanctuary, signifying strength and durability.

5. Gold Overlay
Represents purity, divinity, and the glory of God, enhancing the sacredness of the temple.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of the Cherubim
The presence of cherubim on the doors signifies the holiness and protection of God. As believers, we are reminded of the importance of reverence and awe in our worship.

Significance of the Palm Trees
Palm trees are often symbols of victory and peace. In our lives, we are called to live in the victory and peace that Christ provides.

The Role of Beauty in Worship
The intricate carvings and gold overlay demonstrate that beauty has a place in worship, reflecting the glory of God. We should strive to offer our best in worship, whether through art, music, or service.

God's Dwelling Among Us
The temple was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, making our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of Obedience
Solomon's adherence to God's instructions for the temple construction is a reminder of the importance of obedience in our walk with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the presence of cherubim on the temple doors reflect the nature of God's holiness and protection in your life today?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of palm trees as victory and peace be applied to your current circumstances?

3. How can you incorporate beauty and excellence into your personal worship practices?

4. Considering that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, what steps can you take to honor God with your body and lifestyle?

5. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's instructions led to a deeper sense of His presence in your life. How can this encourage you in your current walk with Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25
The instructions for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant also include cherubim, highlighting the continuity of God's design for His dwelling place.

Ezekiel 41
Describes the temple vision with similar carvings, reinforcing the imagery of cherubim and palm trees as symbols of divine presence and peace.

Revelation 21
The New Jerusalem is described with precious materials, drawing a parallel to the temple's opulence and the ultimate dwelling of God with His people.
Sermons
Cherubim, Palm Trees, and Open FlowersT. Leckie, D. D.
People
David, Israelites, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem, Most Holy Place
Topics
Beaten, Carved, Carvings, Causeth, Cherubim, Cherubs, Covered, Cut, Designs, Doors, Flowers, Gold, Half-open, Oil-tree, Olive, Olivewood, Olive-wood, Ones, Open, Openings, Overlaid, Palm, Palm-trees, Plated, Spread, Tree, Trees, Winged, Wood
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 6:32

     4150   cherubim
     4333   gold
     5516   sculpture

1 Kings 6:1-37

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Kings 6:14-35

     5399   luxury

1 Kings 6:14-36

     5531   skill

1 Kings 6:15-38

     5207   architecture

1 Kings 6:27-35

     4303   metals

1 Kings 6:29-35

     5211   art

1 Kings 6:31-32

     7396   Most Holy Place

1 Kings 6:31-33

     5212   arts and crafts

1 Kings 6:31-35

     4446   flowers

Library
Great Preparations for a Great Work
'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The First Part
Of the Apocalyptical Commentaries, according to the Rule of the Apocalyptical Key, on the First Prophecy which is contained in the Seals and Trumpets; with an Introduction concerning the Scene of the Apocalypse. As it is my design to investigate the meaning of the Apocalyptical visions, it is requisite for me to treat, in the first place, of that celestial theatre to which John was called, in order to behold them, exhibited as on a stage, and afterwards of the prophecies in succession, examined by …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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