1 Kings 6:26

and the height of each cherub was ten cubits.

Study Bible

and the height of each cherub
The cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God, particularly in the context of the Holy of Holies within the temple. In the tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple, cherubim were depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. Their presence in the temple signifies the holiness and divine protection of the area. The cherubim's role as guardians is reminiscent of their placement at the entrance of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), symbolizing the separation between the divine and the profane. The cherubim in the temple were crafted from olive wood and overlaid with gold, emphasizing their importance and the sacredness of their function.

was ten cubits.
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters, making each cherub approximately 15 feet or 4.5 meters tall. This significant height underscores the grandeur and majesty of the temple, reflecting the glory of God whom the temple was built to honor. The size of the cherubim also indicates the importance of the Holy of Holies, where they were placed, as the innermost and most sacred part of the temple. The dimensions of the cherubim can be compared to the grandeur of other ancient Near Eastern temples, where large statues often symbolized divine presence and power. The cherubim's size and placement within the temple can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, bridging the gap between the divine and the earthly.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David's vision.

2. The Temple in Jerusalem
The holy place constructed by Solomon as a dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for worship.

3. Cherubim
Angelic beings depicted in the Holy of Holies, symbolizing the presence and majesty of God.

4. Holy of Holies
The innermost and most sacred area of the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was placed.

5. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Cherubim
The cherubim in the temple symbolize God's holiness and the reverence due to Him. They remind us of the importance of approaching God with awe and respect.

Unity and Consistency in Worship
The identical size and shape of the cherubim reflect the unity and order that should characterize our worship and service to God. Consistency in our spiritual practices honors God.

God's Presence Among His People
The presence of the cherubim in the Holy of Holies signifies God's desire to dwell among His people. This encourages us to cultivate a personal relationship with God, knowing He is near.

The Role of Sacred Spaces
The temple and its furnishings, including the cherubim, teach us about the value of creating sacred spaces in our lives where we can focus on God and His presence.

Fulfillment in Christ
The temple and its elements, including the cherubim, point forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence and glory among us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the depiction of the cherubim in 1 Kings 6:26 enhance our understanding of God's holiness and majesty?

2. In what ways can we create "sacred spaces" in our daily lives to focus on God's presence, similar to the Holy of Holies in the temple?

3. How does the unity and consistency of the cherubim's design challenge us to pursue unity and consistency in our worship and spiritual practices?

4. What parallels can we draw between the role of the cherubim in the temple and the role of Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's presence?

5. How do the descriptions of cherubim in other parts of the Bible, such as Ezekiel and Revelation, deepen our understanding of their significance in 1 Kings 6:26?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
Describes the original instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and the cherubim, highlighting the continuity of divine worship practices.

2 Chronicles 3
Provides a parallel account of the temple's construction, offering additional details about the cherubim and their significance.

Ezekiel 10
Offers a vision of cherubim, emphasizing their role in God's divine presence and glory.

Revelation 4
Describes the heavenly throne room with living creatures, drawing a connection to the cherubim as symbols of worship and divine majesty.