1 Kings 6:20

The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.

Study Bible

The inner sanctuary
This phrase refers to the most sacred part of the temple, also known as the Holy of Holies. In Hebrew, it is called "דְּבִיר" (debir), which signifies the innermost room. This was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The inner sanctuary's design reflects the divine order and holiness, emphasizing the separation between God and man due to sin, yet also pointing to the future reconciliation through Christ.

twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high
The dimensions of the inner sanctuary are significant, as they form a perfect cube. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, a cube often symbolized perfection and completeness. The use of the number twenty, doubled from the number ten, which often represents divine order, suggests a heightened sense of divine perfection and holiness. This perfect cube foreshadows the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:16, which is also a cube, symbolizing the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people.

He overlaid it with pure gold
The use of "pure gold" (Hebrew: "זָהָב סָגוּר", zahav sagur) signifies the immense value and purity required in the presence of God. Gold, being the most precious metal, represents the glory and majesty of God. The overlaying of the inner sanctuary with gold illustrates the heavenly reality and the divine nature of God's dwelling place. It also points to the richness of God's grace and the worthiness of worship that He deserves.

and overlaid the altar of cedar
The altar, made of cedar and overlaid with gold, was a place of sacrifice and atonement. Cedar wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The overlaying with gold further emphasizes the sanctity and divine approval of the sacrifices made there. This altar prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all, fulfilling the requirements of the law and providing eternal redemption for believers.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David's desire to create a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant.

2. Inner Sanctuary (Holy of Holies)
The most sacred part of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. It was a perfect cube, symbolizing divine perfection and the presence of God.

3. Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, representing God's dwelling among His people. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and divine encounter.

4. Gold Overlay
Symbolizes purity, divinity, and the glory of God. The use of gold in the temple signifies the preciousness and holiness of the space dedicated to God.

5. Altar of Cedar
Represents the place of sacrifice and worship, made from cedar wood, which was known for its durability and fragrance, symbolizing the enduring and pleasing nature of worship to God.

Teaching Points

Divine Perfection and Presence
The dimensions of the inner sanctuary as a perfect cube symbolize God's perfection and His desire to dwell among His people. Reflect on how God desires to be present in our lives today.

Holiness and Reverence
The use of pure gold in the inner sanctuary highlights the holiness required in approaching God. Consider how we can cultivate a sense of reverence and holiness in our worship and daily lives.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The altar of cedar represents the importance of sacrifice in worship. Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice fulfills the need for atonement and how we can offer our lives as living sacrifices.

Enduring Worship
The use of durable materials like cedar wood signifies the enduring nature of true worship. Evaluate how we can ensure our worship remains steadfast and pleasing to God.

Foreshadowing Christ
The temple and its elements foreshadow the coming of Christ, the true temple. Meditate on how Jesus fulfills the role of the temple and how we can find our identity in Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the design of the inner sanctuary reflect God's nature and His relationship with His people?

2. In what ways can the use of gold in the temple inspire us to pursue purity and holiness in our own lives?

3. How does the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament temple worship connect to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our worship remains enduring and pleasing to God, similar to the enduring materials used in the temple?

5. How does understanding the temple as a foreshadowing of Christ enhance our appreciation of His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
Describes the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to Solomon's Temple. The dimensions and materials used in the Tabernacle foreshadow the temple's design.

2 Chronicles 3
Provides a parallel account of the construction of the temple, offering additional details about the materials and craftsmanship involved.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings as a shadow of the heavenly realities, pointing to Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant.