2 Chronicles 3:12: “The wing of the other cherub was five cubits long and touched the wall of the temple, and its other wing, also five cubits long, touched the wing of the first cherub.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues the description of the two cherubim placed in the Most Holy Place of Solomon’s temple. Each cherub had wings that spanned five cubits (approximately 7.5 feet) in length. One wing of the second cherub touched the temple wall, and its other wing touched the wing of the first cherub. Together, the wings of both cherubim extended across the entire width of the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the completeness and unity of the divine presence.
The touching of the wings between the two cherubim symbolizes a connection and a shared guardianship over the sacred space of the Most Holy Place. These massive figures were not just decorative; they represented the holiness and majesty of God’s presence, standing guard over the Ark of the Covenant, which was the heart of Israel’s relationship with God.
Historical Context
The Most Holy Place, also called the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred part of the temple, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. In the tabernacle that preceded the temple, smaller cherubim had been placed on the mercy seat of the Ark, symbolizing God’s presence among His people. In Solomon’s temple, the cherubim were larger and more prominent, reflecting the grander scale of the permanent temple compared to the portable tabernacle.
These cherubim were crafted from wood and overlaid with gold, standing as a testament to the wealth and craftsmanship that went into the temple’s construction. Their wings, spanning across the entire width of the Most Holy Place, served as a powerful visual reminder of the sacredness of the space and the presence of God in the midst of His people.
Theological Implications
Theologically, the cherubim represent the holiness and majesty of God. Their role as guardians in the Most Holy Place highlights the fact that God’s presence is not something to be approached lightly. Only the high priest could enter this space, and only once a year, demonstrating the seriousness of coming into the presence of God. The cherubim’s wings, touching both the walls of the temple and each other, symbolize the complete and all-encompassing nature of God’s presence.
This verse also points to the importance of unity in the divine order. The touching wings of the cherubim symbolize harmony and completeness. In the same way, God’s presence brings unity and peace to His people when they live according to His will.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a detailed description of the construction of the temple, focusing on the cherubim in the Most Holy Place. The precise measurements and the description of how the wings touch emphasize the orderliness and symmetry of the temple’s design. The cherubim’s positioning reflects the structured and intentional way in which the temple was built, with every element serving a purpose in pointing to the holiness of God.
The literary style of the passage uses repetition and detail to draw attention to the sacred nature of the Most Holy Place. The touching wings create a sense of connection and unity, reinforcing the idea that God’s presence fills the space and cannot be confined to any one area. The cherubim, with their extended wings, visually convey the vastness of God’s glory.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 25:18-22 – Describes the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant in the tabernacle, emphasizing their role in symbolizing God’s presence.
- Psalm 99:1 – “The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim.” This verse reflects the imagery of God’s throne being flanked by cherubim, representing His holiness.
- Revelation 4:6-8 – The vision of heavenly creatures with wings around the throne of God, which parallels the imagery of the cherubim in the temple, points to the continual worship of God in heaven.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us of the holiness and majesty of God’s presence. The cherubim, with their outstretched wings, symbolize the reverence we should have when approaching God. While we no longer have a physical Most Holy Place, the principle of honoring God with awe and respect remains. We are called to recognize that God’s presence is not limited to a specific location but is all-encompassing, filling every part of our lives.
This verse also invites us to consider the unity and harmony that come from living in God’s presence. Just as the wings of the cherubim touched and created a sense of completeness, we are called to live in unity with one another, grounded in our shared relationship with God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is reflected in His desire to dwell among His people. The cherubim, standing in the Most Holy Place, symbolize God’s holiness but also His closeness to His people. Despite the barriers of sin that separated humanity from God’s presence, God made a way for His people to approach Him through the temple and the sacrificial system.
The touching wings of the cherubim serve as a visual reminder that God’s presence is near, surrounding His people. God’s love is shown in His willingness to create a space where His people could encounter Him, even in the midst of their imperfections.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The cherubim in the temple point forward to the work of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the cherubim stood as guardians of God’s presence, and only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place. However, through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the barrier between God and humanity was removed. In Matthew 27:51, the curtain separating the Most Holy Place from the rest of the temple was torn in two when Jesus died, symbolizing that access to God’s presence is now open to all who come to Him through faith.
Jesus is our high priest and the one who makes it possible for us to approach God directly. The cherubim, with their wings outstretched over the Ark of the Covenant, represented the old system of mediation between God and humanity, but through Jesus, we now have full access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does the imagery of the cherubim in the Most Holy Place teach us about the holiness of God?
- How can we approach God with the same reverence and awe that the Israelites had when entering the temple?
- In what ways does the unity of the cherubim’s wings touching symbolize the unity we are called to have in our relationship with God and one another?
- How does Jesus fulfill the role of the Most Holy Place, making it possible for us to enter into God’s presence freely?
- How can we live in a way that reflects the completeness and fullness of God’s presence in our daily lives?
This verse calls us to reflect on the majesty of God’s presence and the reverence we should have in approaching Him. Through Jesus, we have been given full access to God’s presence, and we are invited to live in unity and harmony, just as the cherubim’s wings symbolized in the temple.