1 Kings 6:22

So he overlaid with gold the whole interior of the temple, until everything was completely finished. He also overlaid with gold the entire altar that belonged to the inner sanctuary.

Study Bible

So he overlaid
The phrase "so he overlaid" indicates a continuation of a detailed and deliberate process. The Hebrew root for "overlaid" is "tsaphah," which means to cover or plate. This action signifies not just a physical covering but a transformation of the ordinary into something extraordinary. In the context of the temple, this overlaying with gold symbolizes the divine nature and glory of God, reflecting His majesty and holiness. The act of overlaying is a reminder of how God covers and transforms our lives with His grace and righteousness.

the whole interior
The "whole interior" refers to the entirety of the temple's inner structure. This comprehensive coverage signifies completeness and perfection, attributes of God Himself. The temple, as the dwelling place of God among His people, was to be a reflection of His perfect nature. Historically, the temple's interior being entirely overlaid with gold would have been a visual representation of heaven on earth, a place where God's presence was manifest in its fullness.

with gold
Gold, in biblical times, was the most precious of metals, symbolizing purity, value, and royalty. The use of gold in the temple signifies the immense worth and sacredness of the place where God chose to dwell. In a spiritual sense, gold represents the incorruptible and eternal nature of God. Theologically, it points to the ultimate value of a relationship with God, which is more precious than any earthly treasure.

He also overlaid the altar
The altar, central to the worship practices of Israel, was where sacrifices were made to atone for sin and to worship God. By overlaying the altar with gold, Solomon was emphasizing the sacredness and importance of worship and sacrifice. The Hebrew word for altar, "mizbeach," comes from a root meaning "to slaughter," highlighting the altar's role in sacrificial offerings. This act foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the law and the prophets.

that belonged to the inner sanctuary
The "inner sanctuary," also known as the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred part of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Only the high priest could enter this space, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This exclusivity underscores the holiness of God and the separation between God and man due to sin. The inner sanctuary represents the intimate presence of God, a place of divine encounter and revelation.

with gold
The repetition of "with gold" emphasizes the lavishness and glory of the temple. It serves as a reminder of the richness of God's presence and the honor due to Him. In a broader theological context, this gold overlay points to the future glory of the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation as a city of pure gold, where God's presence will dwell eternally with His people. This imagery inspires believers to look forward to the eternal inheritance promised to those who are in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple. His reign is marked by wisdom and wealth, and he is the son of King David.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

3. The Inner Sanctuary (Holy of Holies)
The most sacred part of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was a place of divine presence and was only entered by the high priest once a year.

4. The Altar
Specifically, the altar of incense within the inner sanctuary, which was used for burning incense as a symbol of prayers ascending to God.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was built, serving as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Gold
Gold in the temple symbolizes the purity, holiness, and glory of God. It reminds us of the value and worthiness of God’s presence in our lives.

The Inner Sanctuary as a Symbol of God's Presence
The Holy of Holies represents the intimate presence of God. As believers, we are called to cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with God, recognizing that through Christ, we have direct access to Him.

The Altar and Prayer
The altar of incense symbolizes the prayers of the saints. We are encouraged to maintain a life of prayer, understanding that our prayers are precious and rise before God like incense.

The Temple as a Foreshadowing of Christ
The temple and its elements foreshadow the coming of Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest and the true temple. Our faith is built on the foundation of Christ’s sacrifice and His ongoing intercession for us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of gold in the temple construction reflect the character and nature of God?

2. In what ways does the inner sanctuary (Holy of Holies) point to the work of Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the symbolism of the altar of incense to our personal prayer life today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Solomon’s dedication to building the temple about our own dedication to God’s work?

5. How does understanding the temple’s design and purpose enhance our appreciation of the New Testament teachings about Jesus as our High Priest?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
These chapters describe the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to Solomon's Temple. The use of gold and the design elements are echoed in Solomon's construction.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament discusses the significance of the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, drawing parallels to the heavenly sanctuary and the work of Christ.

Revelation 21
Describes the New Jerusalem, where the presence of God is fully realized, and the city is described with imagery of gold, symbolizing purity and divine glory.