2 chronicles 3:12 - The wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits, joining to the wing of the other cherub.

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 3:12

What does "2 chronicles 3:12" mean?


This verse, 2 Chronicles 3:12, is describing the immense size and positioning of the two cherubim that were placed in the Most Holy Place (the inner sanctuary) of Solomon's Temple. Let's break it down:

"The wing of the other cherub was five cubits..." This refers to one of the cherubim. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the length of a forearm, around 18 inches (45 cm). So, five cubits would be about 7.5 feet (2.25 meters).

"...reaching to the wall of the house..." This wing stretched from the cherub's body all the way to one of the walls of the Most Holy Place. This indicates the significant size of the cherubim, almost filling the space.

"...and the other wing was five cubits, joining to the wing of the other cherub." This means the other wing of the same cherub was also five cubits long. Crucially, this wing met and touched the wing of the other cherub.

Therefore, the verse describes the following:

Immense size: Each wing of the cherubim was very long, spanning approximately 7.5 feet.
Wall-to-Wall Coverage: One wing of each cherub stretched to a wall of the Most Holy Place.
Interlocking Wings: The other wings of the two cherubim touched each other.

Symbolic Implications:

The descriptions of the cherubim and their placement in the temple are rich in symbolism:

Guardians of the Sacred Space: Cherubim are often depicted as guardians of holy places (e.g., guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden). Their presence in the Most Holy Place signifies the sacredness and holiness of God's presence.
Representing God's Glory and Majesty: The cherubim, often associated with God's throne and chariot, represent God's glory, power, and majesty. Their immense size and placement in the Most Holy Place would have been awe-inspiring.
Atonement Cover and Presence of God: The cherubim flanked the Ark of the Covenant, particularly its cover, the "mercy seat" or "atonement cover," where God was believed to dwell and where atonement for sin was made.
Unity and Harmony: The wings touching could symbolize the unity and harmony between God's presence and the earthly realm or the unity among God's people.

In summary, 2 Chronicles 3:12 provides a physical description of the enormous cherubim in Solomon's Temple and hints at the symbolic meaning behind their presence. The sheer scale and design were meant to evoke awe, reverence, and an awareness of God's power and holiness.

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