1 Kings 6:28
He also overlaid the cherubim with gold.
He also overlaid
This phrase indicates a continuation of the detailed work Solomon undertook in constructing the temple. The overlaying process involved covering the cherubim with a thin layer of gold, a practice common in ancient Near Eastern cultures to signify importance and divine presence. The use of gold in the temple symbolizes purity, value, and the glory of God, reflecting the heavenly reality that the temple was meant to represent on earth.

the cherubim
Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God. In the context of the temple, they were placed in the inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The cherubim's presence signifies God's throne and His dwelling among His people. In Genesis 3:24, cherubim are placed to guard the way to the Tree of Life, indicating their role as protectors of divine holiness. In Ezekiel 10, cherubim are depicted as part of God's chariot, emphasizing their role in His divine presence and movement.

with gold
Gold is a recurring element in the construction of the temple, used extensively in the Holy of Holies. It represents the divine nature and the unapproachable light of God's glory. The use of gold for the cherubim highlights their sacred function and the holiness of the space they inhabit. In Revelation 21:18, the New Jerusalem is described as having streets of pure gold, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people. The overlaying of gold on the cherubim can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is both divine (gold) and the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, fulfilling the role of the cherubim in bringing God's presence to His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, and he is tasked with constructing a house for the Lord, fulfilling his father David's vision.

2. Cherubim
Angelic beings that are often associated with the presence of God. In the context of the temple, they symbolize divine protection and the holiness of God’s dwelling place.

3. Temple in Jerusalem
The sacred place built by Solomon as a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant and a central place of worship for the Israelites. It represents God's presence among His people.

4. Gold Overlay
The use of gold in the temple signifies purity, value, and the divine nature of the worship space. It reflects the glory and majesty of God.

5. Ark of the Covenant
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the cherubim are closely associated with the Ark, which is the most sacred item in the temple, representing God's covenant with Israel.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of God’s Dwelling
The overlaying of the cherubim with gold emphasizes the sacredness of the temple. As believers, we are called to recognize and respect the holiness of God’s presence in our lives.

Symbolism of Gold
Gold represents purity and value. In our spiritual walk, we should strive for purity and recognize the value of our relationship with God.

God’s Presence and Protection
The cherubim symbolize God’s protection and presence. We can find comfort in knowing that God is with us and guards us in our spiritual journey.

Continuity of God’s Plan
The temple’s design reflects God’s consistent plan for His people, from the tabernacle to the temple, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ. We are part of this divine account.

Worship and Reverence
The detailed construction of the temple teaches us the importance of worship and reverence in our relationship with God. Our worship should reflect the majesty and glory of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the use of gold in the temple construction reflect the nature of God, and how can we apply this understanding to our personal worship practices?

2. In what ways do the cherubim in the temple symbolize God’s presence and protection, and how can this symbolism encourage us in our daily lives?

3. How does the construction of Solomon’s temple connect to the broader account of God’s plan for His people, and what does this teach us about God’s faithfulness?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate reverence and respect for God’s holiness in our everyday actions and decisions?

5. How can the continuity of God’s design from the tabernacle to the temple inspire us to see God’s hand in the unfolding of our own life accounts?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25
This chapter describes the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, including the cherubim. It highlights the continuity of God's design from the tabernacle to the temple.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage reflects on the significance of the temple and its furnishings, including the cherubim, as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the heavenly sanctuary.

Revelation 21
Describes the New Jerusalem, where the glory of God is fully revealed, drawing a parallel to the temple's purpose of manifesting God's presence.
The Mystery of the CherubimA. Rowland
People
David, Israelites, Solomon
Places
Egypt, Jerusalem, Most Holy Place
Topics
Cherubim, Cherubs, Gold, Ones, Overlaid, Overlayeth, Plated, Winged
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 6:28

     4333   gold

1 Kings 6:1-37

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

1 Kings 6:14-35

     5399   luxury

1 Kings 6:14-36

     5531   skill

1 Kings 6:15-38

     5207   architecture

1 Kings 6:22-28

     7396   Most Holy Place

1 Kings 6:23-28

     4492   olive

1 Kings 6:23-29

     4114   angels, and praise

1 Kings 6:27-35

     4303   metals

Library
Great Preparations for a Great Work
'And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 2. And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3. Thou knowest how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

"When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The First Part
Of the Apocalyptical Commentaries, according to the Rule of the Apocalyptical Key, on the First Prophecy which is contained in the Seals and Trumpets; with an Introduction concerning the Scene of the Apocalypse. As it is my design to investigate the meaning of the Apocalyptical visions, it is requisite for me to treat, in the first place, of that celestial theatre to which John was called, in order to behold them, exhibited as on a stage, and afterwards of the prophecies in succession, examined by
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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