1 kings 6:20 - Within the inner sanctuary was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in width, and twenty cubits in its height; and he overlaid it with pure gold; and he covered the altar with cedar.
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What does "1 kings 6:20" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 6:20, describes the dimensions and the luxurious adornment of the inner sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, also known as the Holy of Holies. Let's break it down:
"Within the inner sanctuary was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in width, and twenty cubits in its height;": This specifies the dimensions of the Holy of Holies. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the length of a forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Estimates vary, but it was generally between 18 and 22 inches. So, the Holy of Holies was a perfect cube, approximately 30-40 feet on each side (length, width, and height). The perfect cube shape could have been symbolic of completeness, perfection, or the presence of God.
"and he overlaid it with pure gold;": This indicates that the interior walls, ceiling, and possibly the floor of the Holy of Holies were completely covered with pure gold. This signified immense wealth, beauty, and the sacredness of the space. Gold was often used to represent divine purity and glory.
"and he covered the altar with cedar.": This refers to the altar of incense (not the altar of burnt offering, which was in the outer courtyard). This altar was likely placed within the Holy of Holies or just outside of it. The verse states it was covered with cedar wood. This likely implies that the altar's structure was made of cedar, or that it was paneled with cedar. Cedar was a valuable and durable wood, often associated with prestige, strength, and durability. It also had a fragrant aroma.
In Summary:
The verse emphasizes the following:
Sacred Space: The Holy of Holies was the most sacred part of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence.
Precise Dimensions: The precise, cubical shape highlights the importance of order and divine design.
Luxurious Materials: The use of pure gold and cedar underscores the immense value and sanctity attributed to this inner sanctuary.
God's Glory: The materials and the craftsmanship all serve to glorify God and create a space worthy of His presence.
The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Law. It was entered only once a year by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. The opulence described in this verse highlights the solemnity and importance of this ritual.
1 kings 6:20 - Within the inner sanctuary was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in width, and twenty cubits in its height; and he overlaid it with pure gold; and he covered the altar with cedar.
What does "1 kings 6:20" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 6:20, describes the dimensions and the luxurious adornment of the inner sanctuary of Solomon's Temple, also known as the Holy of Holies. Let's break it down:
"Within the inner sanctuary was twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in width, and twenty cubits in its height;": This specifies the dimensions of the Holy of Holies. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the length of a forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Estimates vary, but it was generally between 18 and 22 inches. So, the Holy of Holies was a perfect cube, approximately 30-40 feet on each side (length, width, and height). The perfect cube shape could have been symbolic of completeness, perfection, or the presence of God.
"and he overlaid it with pure gold;": This indicates that the interior walls, ceiling, and possibly the floor of the Holy of Holies were completely covered with pure gold. This signified immense wealth, beauty, and the sacredness of the space. Gold was often used to represent divine purity and glory.
"and he covered the altar with cedar.": This refers to the altar of incense (not the altar of burnt offering, which was in the outer courtyard). This altar was likely placed within the Holy of Holies or just outside of it. The verse states it was covered with cedar wood. This likely implies that the altar's structure was made of cedar, or that it was paneled with cedar. Cedar was a valuable and durable wood, often associated with prestige, strength, and durability. It also had a fragrant aroma.
In Summary:
The verse emphasizes the following:
Sacred Space: The Holy of Holies was the most sacred part of the Temple, the dwelling place of God's presence.
Precise Dimensions: The precise, cubical shape highlights the importance of order and divine design.
Luxurious Materials: The use of pure gold and cedar underscores the immense value and sanctity attributed to this inner sanctuary.
God's Glory: The materials and the craftsmanship all serve to glorify God and create a space worthy of His presence.
The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Law. It was entered only once a year by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. The opulence described in this verse highlights the solemnity and importance of this ritual.