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1 Kings 6:20 – “The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty wide and twenty high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse gives a detailed description of the inner sanctuary, also known as the Most Holy Place, within Solomon’s temple. The dimensions of the room were perfectly symmetrical: twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high (about 30 feet in each direction). The entire room was overlaid with pure gold, a sign of its sacredness and the reverence given to this part of the temple. The altar of cedar, also mentioned here, was likewise covered in gold, emphasizing the value and holiness of this space. The lavishness of the materials, particularly gold, reflects the significance of the inner sanctuary as the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people.

Historical Context

The inner sanctuary was the holiest part of Solomon’s temple, the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where God’s presence dwelled. The temple, and particularly the Most Holy Place, was modeled after the tabernacle that Moses built in the wilderness, but on a much grander scale. Gold was often associated with royalty and divinity in the ancient world, and its use here reflects Israel’s understanding of God as their sovereign King. The precise dimensions of the room and the use of pure gold demonstrate the care and devotion that went into the construction of the temple, symbolizing Israel’s desire to honor God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse emphasizes God’s holiness and the reverence required to approach Him. The inner sanctuary, covered in gold, symbolizes the purity and majesty of God’s presence. The use of gold also points to the value that God’s people placed on being in relationship with Him. This space was separated from the rest of the temple by a thick curtain, reinforcing the idea that access to God was restricted because of humanity’s sin. The dimensions of the room, perfectly symmetrical, may also symbolize God’s perfection and order. This verse teaches that God is not only to be worshiped with the heart but also with the best of what we have to offer, both in materials and in devotion.

Literary Analysis

The verse is rich in detail, focusing on the measurements and the materials used in the inner sanctuary. The repetition of the number twenty creates a sense of symmetry and order, reflecting the idea that everything in God’s house was designed with intention and precision. The mention of gold—specifically “pure gold”—highlights the extreme value placed on this room, both physically and spiritually. The description of the altar being overlaid with gold reinforces the theme of holiness and the sanctity of the inner sanctuary. The focus on the lavish materials serves to magnify the sacredness of the space.

Biblical Cross-References

  • Exodus 25:10-11 – Describes the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, which was also overlaid with pure gold, reflecting the sacredness of objects used in worship.
  • Hebrews 9:3-4 – Refers to the Most Holy Place, describing its contents and the restrictions on access to God’s presence, underscoring the significance of the inner sanctuary.
  • Revelation 21:18 – Describes the New Jerusalem, which will be made of pure gold, showing how the inner sanctuary points forward to the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of approaching God with reverence and awe. While the physical temple no longer exists, the principle of giving our best to God remains. The inner sanctuary was overlaid with gold, symbolizing the preciousness of being in God’s presence. In our lives, we are called to honor God with our hearts, minds, and actions, offering Him our very best. This verse also reminds us that access to God, once restricted to the high priest in the Most Holy Place, has now been opened to all believers through Jesus Christ, giving us the incredible privilege of entering God’s presence directly.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s desire to dwell among His people, even though His holiness separates Him from sin. The preparation and design of the inner sanctuary show how much God values being near His people, providing a place where His presence could reside. God’s love is seen in His willingness to make a way for His people to approach Him, though at this point in history, it was limited to the high priest once a year. God’s provision of the temple and its inner sanctuary reveals His deep love for His people and His desire for them to experience His glory, even in a limited way.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The inner sanctuary, covered in gold and separated from the rest of the temple, foreshadows Jesus Christ, who would later remove the barrier between God and humanity. In Matthew 27:51, when Jesus died on the cross, the curtain of the temple separating the Most Holy Place was torn in two, symbolizing the end of the separation between God and people. Jesus, as our High Priest, entered the true Most Holy Place in heaven, offering His own blood for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:11-12). Through His sacrifice, believers now have direct access to God’s presence without the need for a physical temple or a human priest.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

  1. How does the lavish design of the inner sanctuary challenge you to think about what you offer to God in your worship and daily life?
  2. In what ways can you approach God with greater reverence, knowing that His presence is holy and precious?
  3. How does Jesus’ role as our High Priest change your understanding of access to God and the removal of barriers between God and humanity?