1 Kings 6:20

The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.

Study Bible

The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high.
The inner sanctuary, also known as the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred part of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. The dimensions of twenty cubits (approximately 30 feet or 9 meters) in length, width, and height indicate a perfect cube, symbolizing completeness and divine perfection. This design mirrors the heavenly city described in Revelation 21:16, which is also a perfect cube, suggesting a connection between God's dwelling place on earth and in heaven. The cubic shape may also reflect the order and harmony of God's creation, emphasizing the sanctity and holiness required in approaching God.

He overlaid the inside with pure gold,
The use of pure gold in the inner sanctuary signifies the immense value and purity required in worshiping God. Gold, being the most precious metal, represents divine glory and majesty. In the ancient Near East, gold was often associated with deities and royalty, underscoring the temple's role as the earthly dwelling place of the King of kings. The lavish use of gold in the temple foreshadows the heavenly Jerusalem, where the streets are described as pure gold (Revelation 21:21). This overlaying with gold also points to the purity and holiness of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the temple, as He embodies the presence of God among His people (John 1:14).

and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.
The altar of cedar, likely referring to the altar of incense, was overlaid with gold, highlighting its importance in the worship practices of Israel. Cedar wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizes longevity and incorruptibility. The overlaying of the altar with gold further emphasizes the sacredness of the offerings made to God. The altar of incense, placed before the veil separating the Holy of Holies, represents the prayers of the saints ascending to God (Revelation 8:3-4). This imagery is fulfilled in Christ, who intercedes for believers as the great High Priest (Hebrews 7:25), ensuring that their prayers are heard and accepted by God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father David's desire to create a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant.

2. Inner Sanctuary (Holy of Holies)
The most sacred part of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. It was a perfect cube, symbolizing divine perfection and the presence of God.

3. Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, representing God's dwelling among His people. It was a place of sacrifice, prayer, and divine encounter.

4. Gold Overlay
Symbolizes purity, divinity, and the glory of God. The use of gold in the temple signifies the preciousness and holiness of the space dedicated to God.

5. Altar of Cedar
Represents the place of sacrifice and worship, made from cedar wood, which was known for its durability and fragrance, symbolizing the enduring and pleasing nature of worship to God.

Teaching Points

Divine Perfection and Presence
The dimensions of the inner sanctuary as a perfect cube symbolize God's perfection and His desire to dwell among His people. Reflect on how God desires to be present in our lives today.

Holiness and Reverence
The use of pure gold in the inner sanctuary highlights the holiness required in approaching God. Consider how we can cultivate a sense of reverence and holiness in our worship and daily lives.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The altar of cedar represents the importance of sacrifice in worship. Reflect on how Christ's sacrifice fulfills the need for atonement and how we can offer our lives as living sacrifices.

Enduring Worship
The use of durable materials like cedar wood signifies the enduring nature of true worship. Evaluate how we can ensure our worship remains steadfast and pleasing to God.

Foreshadowing Christ
The temple and its elements foreshadow the coming of Christ, the true temple. Meditate on how Jesus fulfills the role of the temple and how we can find our identity in Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the design of the inner sanctuary reflect God's nature and His relationship with His people?

2. In what ways can the use of gold in the temple inspire us to pursue purity and holiness in our own lives?

3. How does the concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament temple worship connect to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our worship remains enduring and pleasing to God, similar to the enduring materials used in the temple?

5. How does understanding the temple as a foreshadowing of Christ enhance our appreciation of His role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
Describes the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to Solomon's Temple. The dimensions and materials used in the Tabernacle foreshadow the temple's design.

2 Chronicles 3
Provides a parallel account of the construction of the temple, offering additional details about the materials and craftsmanship involved.

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