1 Kings: Walk Before Me FaithfullySample

When the Bible gives us lots of detail, we can be sure that detail matters. The building of the tabernacle in Exodus 25 – 31 was carefully specified, and so is the building of the temple which replaces it. Approaching God, through the tabernacle or temple, is not to be undertaken lightly or casually. 

Having described the external building in the earlier part of the chapter, now we are told of the internal lining. Cedar and cypress are the main woods. The inner sanctuary, the Most Holy Place (v. 16), is cubic in shape, twenty cubits high, wide and long. (A cubit is the length from elbow to fingertip, roughly 18 inches.) The inner sanctuary will house the ark (v. 19) and is overlaid with pure gold (v. 20). 

The inner sanctuary also has two gold cherubim (vv. 23–28), angel figures who were like security guards, keeping people at a distance from God’s presence – a similar role to the cherubim guarding Eden in Genesis 3. Even though God will dwell in the temple in the midst of his people, they must still keep their distance from his holy presence. 

Jesus is the living temple and believers are built into him as living stones. The extraordinary privilege of being the temple of God today must not be lost on us. The inner cubic sanctuary is ultimately replaced by the only other cubic thing in Scripture: the New Jerusalem itself (Revelation 21:16). While the presence of God is guarded in the Jerusalem temple, Jesus enables all believers to have unfettered access to God’s throne of grace for eternity. 

The detail in this chapter also points us to the best being used – in quality, materials and beauty. No expense is spared. God is worth the best and anything less is an affront to him. Too often, I fear, we attend church when it is convenient, do not make it our top priority and offer only what is leftover – rather than what is best – of our gifts and money.

Reflection

Do we consistently offer our best to God in worship, making it our priority, giving God our attention and being both punctual and eager to serve him fully?