1 Kings 6:27

And he placed the cherubim inside the innermost room of the temple. Since their wings were spread out, the wing of the first cherub touched one wall, while the wing of the second cherub touched the other wall, and in the middle of the room their wingtips touched.

Study Bible

He placed the cherubim
The act of placing the cherubim signifies the intentionality and divine order in the construction of the temple. The cherubim, often associated with the presence of God, are symbolic of His holiness and majesty. In Hebrew, "cherubim" (כְּרוּבִים) are celestial beings that serve as guardians of sacred spaces, reminiscent of their role in guarding the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). Their placement in the inner sanctuary underscores the sanctity and divine protection of this sacred space.

inside the inner sanctuary
The "inner sanctuary," also known as the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred part of the temple, where the presence of God was believed to dwell. In Hebrew, this is referred to as the "Debir" (דְּבִיר), a place set apart for the Ark of the Covenant. The inner sanctuary's exclusivity and holiness reflect the separation between God and man, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament, highlighting the need for reverence and purity when approaching God.

Since their wings were spread out
The spreading of the cherubim's wings symbolizes protection and the encompassing presence of God. In ancient Near Eastern iconography, wings often represented speed and divine intervention. The imagery of spread wings conveys a sense of readiness and the omnipresence of God, who covers and protects His people.

the wing of one cherub touched one wall
This detail emphasizes the grandeur and scale of the cherubim, as well as the meticulous design of the temple. The touching of the wall signifies the cherubim's role in connecting the divine with the earthly realm. It also illustrates the idea of God's presence filling the entire space, leaving no part untouched by His glory.

while the wing of the other touched the other wall
The symmetry in the description of the cherubim's wings touching opposite walls highlights the balance and harmony in God's creation. It serves as a reminder of God's order and perfection, as well as His ability to bridge gaps and bring unity.

and their wings touched one another in the middle of the room
The touching of the wings in the center of the room symbolizes unity and completeness. It represents the meeting point of divine presence, where heaven and earth converge. This central touching point can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ, who serves as the mediator between God and humanity, bringing reconciliation and peace.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Cherubim
Angelic beings placed in the inner sanctuary of the temple. Their wings spread across the room, symbolizing God's presence and protection.

3. Inner Sanctuary (Holy of Holies)
The most sacred part of the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It represented the dwelling place of God among His people.

4. Temple in Jerusalem
The central place of worship for the Israelites, signifying God's covenant with Israel and His presence among them.

5. Ark of the Covenant
A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Cherubim
The cherubim represent God's holiness and His presence among His people. Their placement in the inner sanctuary signifies the importance of reverence and worship in the presence of God.

God's Dwelling Among His People
The temple, and specifically the inner sanctuary, is a powerful reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people. This foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us."

The Importance of Obedience
Solomon's adherence to God's specific instructions for the temple construction reflects the importance of obedience in our relationship with God. It serves as a reminder that our worship should align with God's commands.

The Role of Sacred Spaces
The inner sanctuary as a sacred space emphasizes the need for dedicated times and places for worship in our lives, where we can focus on God's presence and glory.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the presence of the cherubim in the inner sanctuary enhance our understanding of God's holiness and presence?

2. In what ways does the construction of the temple reflect the importance of obedience to God's instructions in our own lives?

3. How can the symbolism of the cherubim's wings touching the walls and each other inspire us to seek God's protection and presence in our daily lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between the inner sanctuary of the temple and our personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

5. How can we create "sacred spaces" in our own lives to ensure we are regularly focusing on worship and communion with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:18-22
Describes the original instructions for the construction of the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, highlighting the continuity of God's design from the tabernacle to the temple.

Hebrews 9:3-5
Discusses the layout of the tabernacle, including the Holy of Holies and the cherubim, drawing parallels to the heavenly sanctuary.

Psalm 91:4
Uses the imagery of wings to describe God's protection, similar to the protective symbolism of the cherubim's wings in the temple.