1 Kings 6 28

1 Kings 6:28 kjv

And he overlaid the cherubim with gold.

1 Kings 6:28 nkjv

Also he overlaid the cherubim with gold.

1 Kings 6:28 niv

He overlaid the cherubim with gold.

1 Kings 6:28 esv

And he overlaid the cherubim with gold.

1 Kings 6:28 nlt

He overlaid the two cherubim with gold.

1 Kings 6 verses

1 Kings 6 28 Meaning

1 Kings 6:28 details a specific step in the adornment of Solomon's Temple, stating that the two large cherubim, previously crafted for the Most Holy Place (Debir), were fully covered or "overlaid" with pure gold. This act signifies the ultimate reverence, sanctity, and immense value ascribed to these figures and, by extension, to the innermost sanctuary of God's dwelling place on Earth. It symbolizes purity, divinity, and the supreme glory associated with the presence of God.

1 Kings 6 28 Context

1 Kings chapter 6 provides a meticulous description of the construction of Solomon's Temple, an endeavor that took seven years to complete. The verse under analysis, 1 Kings 6:28, falls within the section detailing the internal decoration of the temple, specifically the Most Holy Place (the "Debir" or "inner sanctuary," vv. 19-28). Earlier in the chapter, the general dimensions, building materials (cedar, cypress, dressed stone), and initial cladding with cedar and carved wood panels were described. Verses 23-27 focus on the creation of the two large cherubim for the Most Holy Place, stating they were made of olive wood, each ten cubits (approximately 15 feet) high, with wings each spanning five cubits. These were positioned in the inner sanctuary, spanning its width, acting as massive, stylized guardians. Thus, verse 28 marks the final, crucial step in their adornment, rendering them immensely valuable and symbolically radiant through the application of pure gold. Historically, this Temple was the centerpiece of Israelite worship, built at a time of national prosperity under King Solomon, meant to be a permanent dwelling place for the Name of the Lord. The lavish use of gold and intricate details reflected Israel's understanding of God's transcendence and His holy nature, contrasting sharply with the often crude and idolatrous practices of surrounding nations where idols themselves were seen as deities rather than mere symbols pointing to the divine.

1 Kings 6 28 Word analysis

• and he overlaid: (וַיְצַף, vay-tsaf). This is the Piel form of the Hebrew verb צָפָה (tsaphah), which means "to cover, overlay, plate, or spread over." The Piel stem implies an intensive or repetitive action, suggesting a complete and thorough covering, rather than just a superficial plating. It indicates the gold fully enveloped the olive wood structure of the cherubim, demonstrating the utmost dedication and expense in worship. This mirrors the divine instruction for the Ark of the Covenant to be "overlaid" with gold (Ex 25:11), highlighting a continuity of reverence and quality in the Tabernacle and Temple construction.

• the cherubim: (הַכְּרוּבִים, ha-keruvim). The definite article "the" indicates specific cherubim previously described in the chapter (vv. 23-27), namely the two large figures made of olive wood for the Most Holy Place. Cherubim are a class of celestial, winged beings prominent in biblical imagery, especially in connection to God's presence, throne, and sacred spaces. They appear guarding the Garden of Eden (Gen 3:24), on the mercy seat of the Ark (Ex 25:18-20), woven into the Tabernacle curtains (Ex 26:1), and vividly described in the visions of Ezekiel (Ezek 1, 10). Their presence here underscores the sanctity and celestial nature of the innermost sanctuary, serving as symbolic guardians of the divine presence, embodying the glorious attendants of God's throne.

• with gold: (בַּזָּהָב, ba-zahav). The preposition "with" (בְּ, be-) indicates the material used for overlaying. Zahav (זָהָב) means "gold." Throughout Scripture, gold consistently symbolizes purity, preciousness, divinity, glory, permanence, and incorruptibility. Its application to the cherubim reinforces the holy, invaluable nature of these figures and the sacred space they inhabit. This material, refined and shining, also reflects the glory of God and His untainted holiness. The complete overlaying signifies that nothing impure should be visible, and only that which is of supreme value is suitable for God's immediate presence.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "he overlaid the cherubim with gold": This phrase signifies a culminating act of lavish dedication. It goes beyond mere ornamentation, conveying a deep theological meaning. The very material (gold) signifies purity and divinity, while the figures (cherubim) represent proximity to God's glory and sacred guardianship. To fully cover such symbolic entities with gold is to consecrate them fully to God, elevate their status to the highest degree of holiness, and underscore the unmatched preciousness of His dwelling. It is a visual representation of God's transcendence and the immeasurable value placed on His presence and worship. The choice of gold, despite its earthly value, served to point to heavenly glory and divine worth, making the innermost sanctuary a place reflecting celestial purity and majesty.

1 Kings 6 28 Bonus section

The massive size of these cherubim (10 cubits each, with 10-cubit wingspans spanning the entire 20-cubit width of the Most Holy Place) distinguished them from the smaller cherubim directly on the Ark's mercy seat (Ex 25:18-20). These were not "little angels" but monumental, awe-inspiring figures meant to fill the sacred space, reinforcing the idea of an immense, holy presence. Their base material, olive wood, itself carried symbolism—it is evergreen, signifying endurance, and produces oil used for anointing and light, linking it to divine appointment and spiritual illumination. The lavish gold covering transformed this natural, yet symbolic, wood into something truly representing divine perfection, highlighting the spiritual significance of the created order consecrated to God. While the Temple's gold has long vanished, the biblical account vividly paints a picture of its intended glory, aiming to elevate the minds of its readers to contemplate the unmatched glory of God Himself.

1 Kings 6 28 Commentary

1 Kings 6:28, "and he overlaid the cherubim with gold," concludes the description of the cherubim's fabrication for the Most Holy Place, emphasizing the ultimate step in their sacred preparation. The act of completely covering these large, olive wood figures with pure gold was not merely aesthetic; it was profoundly symbolic and theological. Gold, in ancient Israel and throughout the Near East, was synonymous with royalty, wealth, and most importantly, purity and divinity when used in religious contexts. Its application to the cherubim meant these representations of heavenly beings were deemed worthy of the most precious, untainted material available, reflecting the matchless holiness and glory of the God they symbolically attended.

This gold overlay served several key purposes:

1. Symbolic Purity and Glory: It removed any visual imperfection of the wood, presenting a facade of flawless purity. This perfection was crucial for objects intimately associated with God's manifest presence, where only the highest standards of holiness were acceptable.
2. Immeasurable Value: The lavish use of gold showcased the king's devotion and Israel's immense resources dedicated to the Lord. It communicated the incomparable value and worth placed upon God and His dwelling place, emphasizing that no expense was too great for His worship.
3. Divine Authority and Majesty: The radiant, shining gold reflected the divine light and majesty of God's glory (Kavod), symbolizing His power and authority enthroned above the cherubim. These cherubim were not idols to be worshipped but symbolic figures pointing to the one true God, enhancing the sacred awe of His presence.
4. Continuity with Tabernacle: The practice of gold overlay directly followed the divine commands for the Tabernacle (e.g., Ex 25 for the Ark), establishing a clear link and adherence to the established patterns of worship revealed by God. This highlighted that even though the structure was more grand, the foundational principles of reverence and sanctity remained.

Ultimately, the gold-overlaid cherubim stood as silent, glittering testaments to God's holiness, His presence in the midst of His people, and the unblemished worship required for communion with Him. While the physical Temple's glory faded, the principles it represented — God's pure holiness and His desire for an unblemished dwelling, ultimately fulfilled in Christ and His redeemed people — endure.