2 Chronicles 3:7 kjv
He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubim on the walls.
2 Chronicles 3:7 nkjv
He also overlaid the house?the beams and doorposts, its walls and doors?with gold; and he carved cherubim on the walls.
2 Chronicles 3:7 niv
He overlaid the ceiling beams, doorframes, walls and doors of the temple with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.
2 Chronicles 3:7 esv
So he lined the house with gold ? its beams, its thresholds, its walls, and its doors ? and he carved cherubim on the walls.
2 Chronicles 3:7 nlt
He overlaid the beams, thresholds, walls, and doors throughout the Temple with gold, and he carved figures of cherubim on the walls.
2 Chronicles 3 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 25:18 | You shall make two cherubim of gold... | Cherubim as part of sacred design in Tabernacle. |
| Exod 26:29 | And you shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold... | Gold overlay in Tabernacle construction. |
| Exod 36:34 | He overlaid the planks with gold, and made their rings of gold... | Tabernacle construction using gold. |
| 1 Kgs 6:21 | So Solomon overlaid the inside of the house with pure gold: and he made a partition... | Parallel account of temple's golden overlay. |
| 1 Kgs 6:22 | And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house... | Completeness of gold overlay in the temple. |
| 1 Kgs 6:28 | And he overlaid the cherubim with gold. | Parallel of golden cherubim. |
| 1 Chr 29:2 | ...gold for things of gold, silver for things of silver... and for all manner of precious stones... | David's prior offerings for temple's rich materials. |
| 1 Chr 29:3 | Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of my own proper good of gold and silver | David's personal devotion reflected in temple materials. |
| 2 Chr 4:21 | And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, made of gold, and that perfect gold; | Other gold furnishings within Solomon's Temple. |
| Hag 2:7-9 | ...and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater | Prophecy of future temple glory, spiritually grand. |
| Psa 18:10 | And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly... | God's divine presence associated with cherubim. |
| Gen 3:24 | ...and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. | Cherubim as guardians of holy spaces (Eden). |
| Ezek 10:18 | Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the house... | Cherubim in Ezekiel's vision associated with God's glory. |
| Rev 21:18 | And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. | Heavenly Jerusalem portrayed with pure gold. |
| Rev 21:21 | And the twelve gates were twelve pearls... and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. | Heavenly city's gold pavement, ultimate glory. |
| Eph 2:21 | In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: | Believers as a spiritual temple built by Christ. |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house... | Believers as spiritual "stones" of God's dwelling. |
| 1 Cor 3:16 | Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? | Individual believer as a temple for God's Spirit. |
| Mal 1:11 | For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles... | God's glory spreading beyond the physical temple. |
| Heb 9:1-5 | ...and after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer... | Old Covenant elements like gold in God's dwelling. |
| Acts 7:48 | Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; | New Testament understanding of God's presence not confined to physical structures. |
| Jn 2:19-21 | Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up... He spake of the temple of his body. | Christ's body as the ultimate Temple. |
2 Chronicles 3 verses
2 Chronicles 3 7 Meaning
2 Chronicles 3:7 describes the elaborate ornamentation of the Temple built by Solomon. It details how the inner and outer structural elements—the beams, posts, walls, and doors—were completely overlaid with pure gold. Beyond mere structural elements, it also notes the intricate carving of cherubim on the walls, further enhancing the sanctity and visual majesty of God's dwelling place in Jerusalem. This demonstrates immense dedication and resources committed to honor the Lord.
2 Chronicles 3 7 Context
2 Chronicles Chapter 3 is a detailed account of Solomon's construction of the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem. It immediately follows the record of David's preparations and vision for the temple (1 Chr 29) and precedes the detailed description of the temple's furnishings and dedication. This verse, 2 Chronicles 3:7, specifically highlights the lavish use of gold and intricate cherubim carvings within the holy structure, emphasizing the incredible cost and devotion invested. The larger historical context is Solomon's reign, a period of immense wealth, peace, and national prosperity in Israel, enabling such an ambitious and extravagant undertaking as the construction of a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God. The detailed descriptions serve to underscore the unprecedented nature of this divine residence and Israel's commitment to worshipping God with the utmost reverence and beauty.
2 Chronicles 3 7 Word analysis
- He overlaid: From the Hebrew root צָפָה (tsaphah or tsippah), meaning to overlay, cover, or plate. This signifies a complete covering, not merely adornment. The application of gold was thorough and extensive, demonstrating the value and sacredness attributed to every part of God's dwelling.
- also the house: בַּיִת (bayit), refers to the entire Temple structure, a physical dwelling place dedicated to God's presence. Its mention first highlights that the golden overlay covered the entire edifice.
- the beams: קֹרוֹת (qorot), refers to the main structural timbers, especially those supporting the roof. Overlaying these critical, load-bearing elements emphasizes the complete gold coverage and the sheer magnitude of the project, even hidden structures were not overlooked.
- the posts: סִפִּים (sippim), meaning doorposts or thresholds. These marked entrances, emphasizing the sanctity of entering God's sacred space. Their golden adornment underscored the divine boundary and majesty.
- and the walls thereof: קִירוֹת (qirot), the internal and external walls. This points to the holistic nature of the embellishment, ensuring a pervasive sense of divine splendor throughout. The Temple's interior would have shimmered with gold, reflecting light and awe.
- and the doors thereof: דַּלְתּוֹת (daltot), the various doors leading into different sections of the Temple. Doors control access and mark passages, and their being covered in gold underscored the holiness of what lay within.
- with gold: זָהָב (zahav). Gold in biblical tradition consistently symbolizes purity, divinity, majesty, value, and God's glory. Its widespread use in the Tabernacle and Temple spoke volumes about the worthiness and awe given to God. It was also considered incorruptible, hinting at the enduring nature of God's truth.
- and graved: פָּתַח (pathach or pittakh), meaning to open, carve, engrave, or sculpt. This implies intricate, artistic craftsmanship, adding symbolic meaning and beauty beyond mere material wealth.
- cherubims: כְּרוּבִים (k'ruvim). Celestial beings frequently mentioned in association with God's throne, presence, and holiness. They appeared guarding Eden (Gen 3:24), on the Ark of the Covenant (Exod 25:18-22), and in prophetic visions of God's glory (Ezek 1, 10). Their presence on the walls invoked God's immediate and holy presence within the Temple, serving as constant reminders of His power and glory, and perhaps guarding the sacred space from defilement. The carvings reinforced that this was a divine dwelling.
- on the walls: The placement of the graved cherubim on the walls ensured that the imagery of divine guardianship and the heavenly host permeated the very fabric of the sacred building, visible to all who entered.
2 Chronicles 3 7 Bonus section
- The immense quantity of gold used in Solomon's Temple underscores not only Israel's wealth during this period but, more significantly, the sacrificial dedication shown towards the worship of God. This far exceeded any known structure of its time, emphasizing its unique status as God's abode.
- The contrast between the overwhelming material opulence of the Temple (symbolizing God's glory) and the simplicity of the Holy of Holies, which primarily housed the Ark of the Covenant, reveals that God's presence, while sacred, ultimately transcends any material edifice. The external splendor prepares one for the inner, invisible presence.
- The cherubim engravings, like those on the Ark of the Covenant, reinforced that the Temple was not just a building but a representation of the divine cosmos and the heavenly throne room of God. They served as a constant visual theology, emphasizing that God's domain is surrounded by holy, powerful beings.
2 Chronicles 3 7 Commentary
2 Chronicles 3:7 powerfully portrays the exquisite grandeur of Solomon's Temple, highlighting an interior literally permeated with gold and adorned with sacred cherubim. This verse isn't just an architectural detail; it's a profound statement of theological truth and human devotion. The extensive use of gold symbolized the absolute purity, majesty, and unapproachable glory of God. It declared that no expense was too great, no material too precious, for the dwelling place of the Most High. The cherubim, mystical guardians of God's holiness and glory from Genesis to Revelation, carved into the very walls, visually connected the earthly Temple to the heavenly realities, constantly reminding the worshipper of the divine presence and the angelic host surrounding God's throne. This was not a functional requirement, but a devotional embellishment designed to evoke reverence and wonder. It showed a king and a nation offering their very best, demonstrating their affection and awe for the God of Israel. In essence, the verse paints a picture of ultimate consecration, where the very structure emanates divine splendor.