In the Most Holy PlaceThe Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies, was the innermost and most sacred area of the temple. It was where the presence of God was believed to dwell, and only the high priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (
Leviticus 16:2-34). This sacred space was a continuation of the design from the Tabernacle, emphasizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin, and the need for atonement.
he made two cherubim
Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence and glory of God. They are first mentioned inGenesis 3:24, guarding the way to the Tree of Life. In the context of the temple, the cherubim symbolize the guardianship of God's holiness and serve as a reminder of the divine presence. Their inclusion in the Most Holy Place underscores the sacredness of the space and the reverence required in approaching God.
of sculptured work
The cherubim were crafted with great skill, indicating the importance of artistry in worship and the temple's construction. This reflects the detailed instructions given by God for the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:18-22) and later for the temple, highlighting the value placed on beauty and craftsmanship in the service of God. The use of sculptured work also points to the permanence and stability of the temple compared to the portable Tabernacle.
and he overlaid them with gold
Gold was a symbol of purity, divinity, and kingship, often used in the construction of sacred objects and spaces (Exodus 25:11). The overlaying of the cherubim with gold signifies the preciousness and holiness of the Most Holy Place. Gold's incorruptible nature also points to the eternal and unchanging nature of God. This use of gold connects to the wealth and splendor of Solomon's reign, as well as the future glory of God's kingdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe king of Israel who was responsible for building the temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling the vision and instructions given to his father, David.
2.
The Most Holy PlaceAlso known as the Holy of Holies, this was the innermost and most sacred area of the temple, where the presence of God was believed to dwell.
3.
CherubimAngelic beings often associated with the presence of God, depicted here as part of the temple's sacred furnishings.
4.
Temple in JerusalemThe central place of worship for the Israelites, constructed under Solomon's reign, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people.
5.
Gold OverlayRepresents the purity, value, and divine nature of the temple's furnishings, signifying the holiness of the space.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of GodThe construction of the Most Holy Place and the cherubim emphasizes the holiness and majesty of God. As believers, we are called to approach God with reverence and awe.
Symbolism of the CherubimThe cherubim symbolize God's presence and protection. In our lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God is always present and watching over us.
The Role of WorshipThe temple was a place of worship and sacrifice. Today, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live lives of worship and dedication to God.
Continuity of God's PlanThe detailed construction of the temple and its furnishings reflects God's unchanging nature and His plan for redemption, which is fulfilled in Christ.
Value of ObedienceSolomon's adherence to God's instructions for the temple construction serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience in our walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 3:10?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 3:10 reflect God's attention to detail in worship?
3.What significance do the cherubim hold in the context of Solomon's temple?
4.How can we apply the reverence shown in 2 Chronicles 3:10 today?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of God's presence in worship spaces?
6.How does Solomon's temple construction inspire our dedication to God's work?
7.What is the significance of cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:10 for temple worship?
8.How do the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:10 reflect God's holiness?
9.Why were cherubim chosen for the Holy of Holies in 2 Chronicles 3:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 3?
11.2 Chronicles 3:10–13 – Could the massive cherubim described really be accommodated within the temple’s recorded dimensions?
12.Who is the new man in the story?
13.What does the Bible say about angel figurines?
14.2 Chronicles 5:10 - Why does this verse say only the tablets were in the Ark when Hebrews 9:4 mentions additional items, creating a seeming contradiction?What Does 2 Chronicles 3:10 Mean
In the Most Holy PlaceSolomon positions the cherubim “in the Most Holy Place” (2 Chronicles 3:10).
• This innermost room—also called the Holy of Holies—was where God’s presence specially dwelled above the ark (Exodus 26:33;1 Kings 8:6).
• Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year (Leviticus 16:2, 34;Hebrews 9:7), underscoring God’s holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him.
• By placing the figures here, Solomon highlights that every detail of the temple points to God’s unmatched majesty (1 Chronicles 28:19).
He MadeThe phrase stresses human obedience to divine instruction.
• Solomon “made” what God had already specified through David (1 Chronicles 28:11–12).
• Craftsmanship was an act of worship, not personal creativity alone (Exodus 35:30–35).
• Obedience in construction mirrored Israel’s call to obey in daily life (Deuteronomy 6:4–9).
Two CherubimCherubim are angelic beings who guard sacred space.
• They first appear guarding Eden after the fall (Genesis 3:24).
• On the wilderness ark, two smaller cherubim faced each other over the mercy seat (Exodus 25:18–22).
• Solomon’s larger pair (1 Kings 6:23–28) visually declared, “This room is under heavenly protection,” reminding Israel that access to God is always by His invitation.
Of Sculptured WorkThese were three-dimensional, carefully carved figures.
• Artistry in God’s house was encouraged (Exodus 31:2–5), revealing that beauty matters to the Creator.
• Detailed carving testified that worship involves the whole person—heart, mind, and skill (Psalm 33:3).
• The permanence of carved wood symbolized the enduring nature of God’s covenant (Psalm 119:89).
And He Overlaid Them With GoldGold signified purity, worth, and royalty.
• Everything in the Most Holy Place was gold-covered (1 Kings 6:22;Hebrews 9:4).
• Gold’s incorruptible quality points to God’s own perfection and to the priceless grace He extends (1 Peter 1:18–19).
• The lavish overlay reminds worshipers that nothing offered to God should be second-rate (Malachi 1:8, 14).
summary2 Chronicles 3:10 shows Solomon obeying God’s precise instructions to honor His holiness. In the temple’s innermost sanctuary, two carefully carved, gold-covered cherubim stand guard, declaring that the God who dwells there is supreme, pure, and worthy of the very best His people can give.
(10)
Two cherubims.--
1Kings 6:23-28. They were made of oleaster, plated with gold.
Of image work.--Literally,a work of statuary. The Hebrew word meaning "statuary" occurs here only, and looks suspicious. The Vulg. rendersopere statuario; the LXX. "a work of logs"; the Syriac "a durable work." With the last three renderings comp.1Kings 6:23, "wood (or blocks) of oleaster," a specially hard wood. The rendering of the LXX. suggests that the original reading may have beenma'as?h '?cim, "woodwork."
And overlaid.--Heb.,and they overlaid.
Verse 10. -
Image work. The word in the Hebrew text (
צַעֲצֻעִים) translated thus in our Authorized Version is a word unknown. Gesenius traces it to "an unused" Hebrew root
צוַע, of Arabic derivation (meaning "to carry on the trade of a goldsmith"), and offers to translate it "statuary" work with the Vulgate (
opus statuarium). The parallel (
1 Kings 6:23) gives simply "wood of oil" (not "olive,"
Nehemiah 8:15),
i.e. the oleaster tree wood. It is obvious that some of the characters of these words would go some way to make the other unknown word. But it must be confessed that our text shows no external indications of a corrupt reading.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
In the Most Holyקֹ֤דֶשׁ(qō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityPlaceבְּבֵֽית־(bə·ḇêṯ-)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A househe madeוַיַּ֜עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, maketwoשְׁנַ֔יִם(šə·na·yim)Number - md
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)cherubimכְּרוּבִ֣ים(kə·rū·ḇîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3742:Probably an order of angelic beingsof sculpturedצַעֲצֻעִ֑ים(ṣa·‘ă·ṣu·‘îm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6816:Things formed, imageswork,מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה(ma·‘ă·śêh)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4639:An action, a transaction, activity, a product, propertyand he overlaidוַיְצַפּ֥וּ(way·ṣap·pū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6823:To lay out, lay overthem with gold.זָהָֽב׃(zā·hāḇ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky
Links
2 Chronicles 3:10 NIV2 Chronicles 3:10 NLT2 Chronicles 3:10 ESV2 Chronicles 3:10 NASB2 Chronicles 3:10 KJV
2 Chronicles 3:10 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 3:10 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 3:10 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 3:10 French Bible2 Chronicles 3:10 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 3:10 In the most holy house he made (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)