2 Chronicles 3:7

He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.

Study Bible

He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold
The use of gold in the construction of the temple signifies the immense value and holiness of the place where God would dwell among His people. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, was extensively used in the tabernacle and later in Solomon's temple, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. The overlaying of beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold indicates the comprehensive sanctification of the temple structure. This practice can be seen as a continuation of the instructions given for the tabernacle in Exodus 25-27, where gold was used to cover the Ark of the Covenant and other sacred items. The opulence of the temple also prefigures the heavenly Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:18, where the city is made of pure gold, symbolizing the ultimate dwelling place of God with humanity.

and he carved cherubim on the walls
Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence and holiness of God. Their depiction in the temple serves as a reminder of the divine protection and the sacredness of the space. In the tabernacle, cherubim were embroidered on the curtains and the veil (Exodus 26:31), and they were also part of the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22). The presence of cherubim in the temple's design connects the temple to the Garden of Eden, where cherubim guarded the way to the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24). This imagery underscores the temple as a place where heaven and earth meet, a type of the restored fellowship between God and humanity. The cherubim also point to the role of Jesus Christ as the mediator who grants believers access to the presence of God, as described in Hebrews 10:19-22.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Temple in Jerusalem
The holy place where God's presence was to dwell among His people, serving as a central place of worship.

3. Gold Overlay
Symbolizes the purity, holiness, and divine nature of the temple, reflecting God's glory.

4. Cherubim
Angelic beings carved on the walls, representing the presence and protection of God.

5. Jerusalem
The city chosen by God as the spiritual center for His people, where the temple was constructed.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Gold
Gold in the temple signifies the value and purity that God desires in our worship and lives. We are called to offer our best to God, reflecting His holiness in our actions and attitudes.

Symbolism of the Cherubim
The presence of cherubim in the temple reminds us of God's holiness and the reverence we should have in His presence. It calls us to live with an awareness of God's majesty and protection.

The Role of the Temple
The temple was a place where God met with His people. Today, as believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live in a way that honors God, maintaining purity and holiness.

Continuity of Worship
The design elements of the temple connect to the Tabernacle and point forward to the New Jerusalem, showing the continuity of God's plan for worship and His desire to dwell with His people.

Christ as the Fulfillment
The temple foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. Our worship should center on Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of gold in the temple construction reflect the value we should place on our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives reflect the holiness symbolized by the cherubim in the temple?

3. How does understanding our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit influence our daily decisions and actions?

4. What are some ways we can maintain continuity in our worship practices, drawing from biblical examples?

5. How does the temple's design and purpose point us to the work and person of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
The instructions for the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple, also involved the use of gold and cherubim, highlighting continuity in worship and design.

1 Kings 6
Provides a parallel account of the temple's construction, offering additional details about Solomon's dedication to building a house for the Lord.

Revelation 21
Describes the New Jerusalem, where gold and precious stones are used, symbolizing the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with His people.

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