1 Kings 6 22

1 Kings 6:22 kjv

And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

1 Kings 6:22 nkjv

The whole temple he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the temple; also he overlaid with gold the entire altar that was by the inner sanctuary.

1 Kings 6:22 niv

So he overlaid the whole interior with gold. He also overlaid with gold the altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

1 Kings 6:22 esv

And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished. Also the whole altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary he overlaid with gold.

1 Kings 6:22 nlt

So he finished overlaying the entire Temple with gold, including the altar that belonged to the Most Holy Place.

1 Kings 6 verses

1 Kings 6 22 Meaning

1 Kings 6:22 describes a crucial item within Solomon's Temple, stating that "The altar of cedar was overlaid with gold." This refers to the altar of incense, which stood in the Holy Place, before the veil that separated it from the Most Holy Place. Its construction from precious cedar wood, a symbol of strength and durability, and its complete covering in pure gold, representing holiness, divine presence, and immense value, underscored the altar's sacred function and the boundless glory of the God worshipped therein. This detail emphasizes the profound honor and lavish devotion offered to the Lord within His consecrated dwelling.

1 Kings 6 22 Context

1 Kings chapter 6 details the construction of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, an event of monumental significance for ancient Israel. After receiving God's blueprint from his father David, Solomon undertakes the task of building a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, replacing the portable Tabernacle. The chapter systematically describes the dimensions, materials, and various components of the Temple, including the portico, the Holy Place (main hall), and the Most Holy Place (inner sanctuary). Verse 22, located amidst the description of the inner features of the main hall, specifically focuses on the rich materials of a key ritual item. Historically, this period marks the zenith of the united monarchy's power and prosperity, reflecting Solomon's immense wealth and profound devotion. The Temple was not just a building but a tangible symbol of God's presence among His people and a testament to His glory and faithfulness.

1 Kings 6 22 Word analysis

• The altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, mizbeaḥ): This Hebrew term generally refers to a place for offering or burning. In the specific context of Solomon's Temple's interior and its overlay with gold, this denotes the "Altar of Incense" rather than the Altar of Burnt Offering outside in the courtyard. Located in the Holy Place, before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place, it was primarily used for burning aromatic incense daily, symbolizing prayers ascending to God.
• of cedar (אֶ֤רֶז, erez): Cedar of Lebanon was a highly prized timber in the ancient Near East due to its strength, durability, resistance to decay, and pleasant aroma. It was considered the premium material for significant constructions like temples and royal palaces (1 Ki 5:6; 6:9-10). Its use as the core for the altar highlights the noble and enduring quality desired for all elements of God's sanctuary, providing a firm base even when covered.
• was overlaid (צָפָה, tsaphah): The verb signifies a complete covering or plating. This technique involves covering a base material with a layer of precious metal, common for sacred items like the Ark of the Covenant or Tabernacle furnishings. This overlay signifies sanctification, purity, and the imparting of divine glory. The underlying material is ennobled and concealed by the precious metal, illustrating how divine holiness covers and perfects the human creation.
• with gold (זָהָב, zahab): Gold consistently symbolizes divine holiness, purity, glory, and immense value throughout the Bible (e.g., Exod 25, Rev 21). Its extensive use on this altar and throughout the Temple underscored that the structure, its furnishings, and the worship within were dedicated to a supremely holy and glorious God. This opulence communicated God's transcendence and His worthiness of the most precious of materials, mirroring a heavenly standard.

Words-group analysis

• The altar of cedar: This phrase specifies the foundational material of the altar. Choosing cedar underscores quality, stability, and longevity, forming a strong and esteemed core for this sacred piece of furniture. It reveals that while the outward splendor was gold, the underlying construction was also of the highest available standard.
• was overlaid with gold: This phrase emphasizes the transformative and consecratory aspect of the altar's construction. The gold covering elevates the altar from a wooden object to an artifact imbued with sacred splendor and divine purpose. This extensive application of gold highlights a costly, meticulous, and divinely directed finishing, aligning the altar with other key holy objects that represented God's immediate, glorious presence. The overlay also serves a protective and sanctifying function for the sacred element within.

1 Kings 6 22 Bonus section

• The meticulous detailing of the Temple's golden elements, including the altar, served as a tangible reminder to Israel of YHWH's absolute sovereignty and immense wealth, surpassing any earthly king or pagan deity whose temples were often also adorned, but rarely with such dedicated abundance or under specific divine prescription.
• The selection of cedar, imported from Lebanon, also emphasizes the international scope of Solomon's kingdom and the fulfillment of God's promise for a stable and prosperous reign that would facilitate such grand undertakings. It highlights Solomon's strategic partnerships with King Hiram of Tyre to acquire the finest and most valuable materials.
• The Temple's design, heavily utilizing gold and other precious materials, provides an earthly echo or pattern of heavenly realities, as alluded to in the Book of Hebrews, where a greater, more perfect sanctuary exists (Heb 9:24). The physical Temple and its furnishings were designed to teach spiritual truths about God's presence, holiness, and the path to Him.
• The altar of incense's specific location in the Holy Place meant it was seen daily by the priests performing their ministrations, serving as a constant visual reminder of God's sacred dwelling and the ongoing communion between heaven and earth symbolized by the ascending incense.

1 Kings 6 22 Commentary

1 Kings 6:22 concisely conveys the magnificent detail and the deep spiritual significance embedded in the construction of Solomon's Temple, specifically through the description of the altar of incense. Crafted from the enduring and precious cedar of Lebanon and then completely covered in pure gold, this altar was not merely functional; it was a testament to the unparalleled glory and holiness of the Lord. The lavish materials were a deliberate expression of Israel's devotion, acknowledging God's infinite worthiness and His demand for absolute purity in worship. This detailed attention to even a single item reflects the larger truth that all elements connected to God's presence must reflect His perfections. Ultimately, this earthly splendor points to a greater heavenly reality and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's perfect intercession, which is far more precious and effective than any physical offering.