1 Chronicles 28:18 – “and the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense. He also gave him the plan for the chariot, that is, the cherubim of gold that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the Lord.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King David is continuing to give Solomon specific instructions for the construction and furnishing of the temple. The verse mentions two key elements: the altar of incense, made of refined gold, and the cherubim that would be placed over the Ark of the Covenant. The altar of incense was used for burning incense, which represented the prayers of the people rising to God. The cherubim, depicted with their wings spread over the Ark, symbolized God’s presence and protection. The Ark itself was the most sacred object in the temple, representing God’s covenant with Israel and His dwelling among them.
Historical Context
David is nearing the end of his reign and is preparing Solomon to take on the responsibility of building the temple, the permanent house of worship for the people of Israel. Up until this point, worship had taken place in the tabernacle, a portable structure. The temple would be a fixed, grand building where God’s presence would dwell. The altar of incense was a central part of the temple’s worship, used to offer incense to God as a symbol of prayer and worship. The cherubim over the Ark were a reflection of the cherubim mentioned in the tabernacle and represented God’s throne on earth, His special presence with His people. David was passing on these detailed instructions to ensure that Solomon would build the temple exactly as God intended.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of worship and reverence toward God. The altar of incense, made of refined gold, symbolized the purity and holiness required in approaching God. It shows that our prayers and worship are to be offered with sincerity and respect. The cherubim, representing God’s divine presence, remind us that God is not distant but close to His people, yet He is also holy and should be approached with awe and reverence. Theologically, the placement of these objects in the temple teaches us that God desires relationship with His people, but that relationship is based on His holiness and righteousness.
Literary Analysis
The verse contrasts two key images: the altar of incense, which represents the prayers of the people, and the cherubim, which represent God’s divine presence and His covenant with Israel. The use of “refined gold” suggests the purity and value of the objects used in worship, indicating that nothing was too precious to be offered to God. The “chariot” metaphor for the cherubim emphasizes their role in symbolizing God’s throne, with the Ark of the Covenant serving as the place where God’s presence would dwell among His people. The imagery in this verse is rich with symbolism, illustrating the deep connection between God and His people in the context of worship.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:1-10: Detailed instructions for the construction and use of the altar of incense in the tabernacle, which the temple would follow.
- Exodus 25:18-22: Instructions for the creation of the cherubim over the Ark of the Covenant, showing their importance as symbols of God’s presence.
- Revelation 8:3-4: Incense is described as representing the prayers of the saints, echoing the use of incense in the temple to symbolize prayer.
- Hebrews 9:4-5: Describes the Ark of the Covenant and the cherubim, highlighting their significance in the Old Covenant and how they point to Christ’s work.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse teaches us about the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. The altar of incense reminds us that our prayers are valuable to God, like the pure gold of the altar, and should be offered with sincerity. The cherubim over the Ark remind us of God’s nearness and His holiness, showing that while we can approach God, we must do so with deep respect for His majesty. This verse encourages us to take our worship and relationship with God seriously, recognizing both His closeness and His holiness.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in that He provided a way for His people to come into His presence and to communicate with Him through prayer and worship. The altar of incense symbolizes that God hears and values the prayers of His people, and the cherubim over the Ark signify His desire to dwell among them. Even though God is holy and majestic, He lovingly made a way for His people to draw near to Him through worship. The detailed instructions for the temple show that God cares about how His people approach Him, ensuring that they do so in a way that reflects His holiness and love.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The altar of incense and the cherubim over the Ark both point to Jesus Christ. The altar of incense, representing the prayers of the people, finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who is our mediator and intercedes for us before God (Hebrews 7:25). Just as the incense rose before God in the temple, our prayers rise before God through Christ. The cherubim, which symbolized God’s presence, point to Jesus as Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Ark, as He is the place where God’s presence dwells among us, and through Him, we have direct access to the Father.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the altar of incense, symbolizing prayer, challenge you to approach prayer with sincerity and reverence?
- What does the imagery of the cherubim and the Ark of the Covenant teach you about God’s presence and His holiness?
- How can we incorporate the principles of reverence and intentionality in our worship and daily relationship with God?
- How does Jesus’ role as our mediator deepen your understanding of the connection between the Old Testament temple practices and the New Testament fulfillment in Christ?
- In what ways can we honor God’s holiness in both our personal worship and corporate gatherings?