2 Chronicles 3:11: “The total wingspan of the cherubim was twenty cubits. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long and touched the temple wall, while its other wing, also five cubits long, touched the wing of the second cherub.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse describes the positioning and size of the cherubim inside the Most Holy Place of Solomon’s temple. The two cherubim, each with wings spanning five cubits (about 7.5 feet), stood side by side with their wings touching both the temple walls and each other in the middle. Together, their combined wingspan was twenty cubits (approximately 30 feet), filling the entire width of the room. These large, golden cherubim were a powerful visual representation of the heavenly realm and God’s presence.

Cherubim are often depicted in Scripture as angelic beings who surround the throne of God, symbolizing His majesty and holiness. In the Most Holy Place, these cherubim stood as guardians over the Ark of the Covenant, where God’s presence would dwell. Their position and size highlight the sacredness of this innermost part of the temple, emphasizing that entering into God’s presence was both an awe-inspiring and serious matter.

Historical Context

The cherubim in Solomon’s temple were part of a long-standing tradition that connected Israel’s worship with the imagery of the divine. In the tabernacle, which predated the temple, there were cherubim made of gold positioned over the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22). These cherubim symbolized God’s throne and His glory. In the temple, Solomon made the cherubim much larger, reflecting the more permanent and grand scale of the temple compared to the portable tabernacle.

The Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, was the holiest part of the temple, and only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The large, gold-plated cherubim reminded the people of Israel of God’s majesty, holiness, and the special nature of the space where His presence would reside.

Theological Implications

Theologically, this verse points to the separation between God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness. The cherubim, standing as guardians in the Most Holy Place, symbolize the need for purity and reverence when approaching God. In many parts of the Bible, cherubim are associated with the presence of God and often serve as a reminder that entering His presence is a sacred act that cannot be done casually.

The placement of these massive cherubim also speaks to the magnitude of God’s presence. They filled the entire room, showing that God’s presence is overwhelming, all-encompassing, and deserving of great reverence. The cherubim standing over the Ark of the Covenant underscore that God’s covenant with His people was central to their relationship with Him.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of a detailed description of the temple’s construction, highlighting the splendor and holiness of the Most Holy Place. The specific measurements and the placement of the cherubim create a vivid image of the grandeur of this sacred space. The repetition of the measurements and the careful detailing of the positioning of the wings emphasize the orderliness and precision that went into constructing the temple.

The use of cherubim in this context draws on rich biblical imagery, connecting the temple with the tabernacle and reinforcing the idea that the Most Holy Place is where heaven and earth meet. The wings touching both the walls and each other symbolize the completeness and unity of God’s presence, filling the space entirely.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 25:18-22 – This passage describes the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant in the tabernacle, highlighting the continuity between the tabernacle and Solomon’s temple.
• Genesis 3:24 – Cherubim guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden, symbolizing the separation between humanity and God after the fall, an important theme in understanding the role of cherubim in guarding holy spaces.
• Isaiah 6:1-3 – Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne includes angelic beings, similar to cherubim, with wings, showing the connection between the heavenly realm and these figures.
• Hebrews 9:3-5 – The New Testament writer references the cherubim in the Most Holy Place, pointing to the way these figures were integral to Israel’s understanding of God’s presence.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the reverence we should have in His presence. The image of the cherubim standing guard in the Most Holy Place points to the seriousness of approaching God. While we no longer have a physical temple or a Most Holy Place that we must enter with fear, the principle of reverence and awe still applies. Through Jesus, we have been given direct access to God, but this access should not be taken lightly. God is holy, and we are called to honor Him with our lives.

This verse also encourages us to consider how we “make room” for God in our lives. The cherubim’s wings filled the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the fullness of God’s presence. In the same way, we should allow God’s presence to fill every part of our lives, not just a small section.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His desire to dwell among His people. The Most Holy Place, guarded by the cherubim, was where God’s presence resided. Despite the barriers between God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness, God made a way for His people to come near to Him. The cherubim remind us that while God is holy and must be approached with reverence, He also longs to be near us.

The detailed care that went into the design of the Most Holy Place, including the placement of the cherubim, reflects God’s love for order and beauty. God’s presence is not random or chaotic—it is intentional, loving, and purposeful.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

The cherubim in the Most Holy Place pointed to the separation between God and humanity, but through Jesus Christ, that separation has been removed. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes our mediator, allowing us direct access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). The cherubim, which once stood as guardians of God’s holiness, are no longer barriers for us because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

In Matthew 27:51, when Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain separating the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple was torn in two, symbolizing that through Jesus, the way to God is now open to all. Jesus fulfills the role that the cherubim symbolized—He is our way into God’s presence, bridging the gap between heaven and earth.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the image of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place challenge us to approach God with reverence?
2. In what ways can we allow God’s presence to fill every part of our lives, as the cherubim’s wings filled the Most Holy Place?
3. What does the placement of the cherubim teach us about God’s holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him?
4. How does Jesus’ sacrifice change the way we understand the role of the cherubim and the Most Holy Place?
5. How can we live in a way that reflects the reverence and awe of God’s holiness, while also embracing the love and access we have through Jesus?

This verse reminds us of the reverence and holiness of God’s presence, calling us to reflect on how we approach Him in our lives. Through Jesus, we are no longer separated from God’s presence but are invited to enter freely, while still maintaining a deep sense of awe for His holiness.