1 kings 6:28 - He overlaid the cherubim with gold.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 6:28

What does "1 kings 6:28" mean?


The verse "He overlaid the cherubim with gold" from 1 Kings 6:28 is a straightforward statement describing a part of the construction and ornamentation of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:

He: In this context, "He" refers to King Solomon, who commissioned and oversaw the building of the Temple.
Overlaid: This means to cover the surface of something with a thin layer of a material. In this case, the material is gold.
The cherubim: These were two large, winged figures placed in the innermost part of the Temple, the Holy of Holies. They were likely made of wood, and their dimensions are described earlier in the chapter (1 Kings 6:23-27).
With gold: The cherubim were covered with a thin layer of gold. Gold was a precious and highly valued material, used to signify the sacredness and importance of the Temple and its contents.

In essence, the verse means that King Solomon had the two large cherubim figures in the Holy of Holies covered with a thin layer of gold.

Significance:

Beauty and Opulence: The gold overlay would have made the cherubim visually stunning and impressive, befitting their place in the most sacred part of the Temple.
Symbolism: Gold often symbolizes purity, divinity, and kingship. Covering the cherubim with gold emphasized their role as guardians of God's presence and the sanctity of the Holy of Holies.
Wealth and Power: The use of so much gold demonstrated the wealth and power of King Solomon and the Kingdom of Israel at that time.

In conclusion, this verse is a descriptive detail highlighting the elaborate and costly nature of Solomon's Temple, and the reverence shown toward the presence of God.