Topical Bible: Olive: The Cherubs Made of the Wood of

◄ Olive: The Cherubs Made of the Wood of ►

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The olive tree holds significant symbolism and practical importance throughout the Bible, often representing peace, prosperity, and divine blessing. Among its many uses, the wood of the olive tree was notably employed in the construction of the cherubim within Solomon's Temple, a detail that underscores the tree's esteemed status in ancient Israelite culture.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the cherubim made of olive wood is found in 1 Kings 6:23-28. In the construction of the First Temple, Solomon commissioned two cherubim to be placed in the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. The passage states:

"In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, and the height of each cherub was ten cubits. He placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple, with their wings spread out. The wing of one cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the other touched the opposite wall, and their wings touched one another in the middle of the room. He overlaid the cherubim with gold." (1 Kings 6:23-28)

Symbolism and Significance:

The use of olive wood for the cherubim is rich in symbolism. The olive tree, known for its durability and beauty, was a fitting choice for the sacred space of the Temple. The cherubim themselves are symbolic of divine presence and protection, often associated with the throne of God. By crafting these figures from olive wood, Solomon not only utilized a material that was abundant and valued in the region but also imbued the Temple with a deeper spiritual resonance.

The olive tree's association with peace and blessing is further reflected in its use in the Temple, a place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. The cherubim, as guardians of the divine, crafted from this wood, highlight the connection between God’s holiness and His provision for Israel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the olive tree was a staple of daily life, providing oil for cooking, lighting, and anointing. Its wood, though not as commonly used for construction as cedar or cypress, was prized for its fine grain and strength. The choice of olive wood for the cherubim may also reflect the tree's sacred status, as olive oil was used in religious rituals and anointing ceremonies.

The overlaying of the olive wood cherubim with gold further emphasizes their sacred purpose and the wealth and splendor of Solomon's Temple. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, combined with the olive wood, created a powerful visual representation of God’s majesty and the sanctity of the space.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the cherubim made of olive wood serve as a reminder of God’s covenant with His people. The olive tree, often seen as a symbol of Israel itself, represents the enduring relationship between God and His chosen nation. The cherubim, standing in the Most Holy Place, signify the access to God’s presence made possible through His covenant promises.

In summary, the cherubim made of olive wood in Solomon's Temple are a testament to the rich symbolism and theological depth found in the biblical narrative. They reflect the beauty, strength, and sacredness of the olive tree, while also pointing to the divine presence and protection that God offers to His people.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 6:23,31-33
And within the oracle he made two cherubim of olive tree, each ten cubits high.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Child Samuel.
... parents, and especially by his mother, who had made up her ... Sometimes he was told
to pour olive oil into a ... the Holy of Holies, where the gold-winged cherubs were ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... 1609] Of which the olive--of which the pure oil for the lamps was to be made: Exodus
27 ... cherubim, multiplies the six (wings) by the four (cherubs), and so ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... like children, that build with wood as it comes from the wood or forest ... 'And' he
'made an hundred ... shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm