2 Chronicles 3:10 - Meaning and Application

Here is an account of the two cherubim, which were placed in the Most Holy Place. Two smaller cherubim already stood over the ark, covering the mercy seat with their wings. Since the Most Holy Place was enlarged, those were kept, because they belonged to the ark itself and were not to be remade, unlike the other items from the tabernacle. But two much larger cherubim were also added, most likely by God’s direction, to fill the space so it would not look empty, like an unfurnished room.

These cherubim are called image-work (2 Chronicles 3:10), meaning they were made in a raised or carved form. They likely represented the angels who serve around God’s presence. Each wing stretched five cubits, so the two together covered twenty cubits across (2 Chronicles 3:12, 2 Chronicles 3:13), exactly the width of the Most Holy Place (2 Chronicles 3:8). They stood on their feet like servants, with their faces turned toward the ark (2 Chronicles 3:13). That showed they were not there to be worshiped, but as attendants of the invisible God.

We must not worship angels, but we should worship with them, since we have come into fellowship with them (Hebrews 12:22). We should do God’s will as the angels do it. The thought that we are worshiping before the One whom the angels cover their faces before should stir deep reverence in us whenever we come near to God. Compare (1 Corinthians 11:10) with (Isaiah 6:2).

Next is the veil that separated the temple from the Most Holy Place (2 Chronicles 3:14). This veil showed the darkness of that time and the distance worshipers had from God. But at Christ’s death, the veil was torn, because through him we are brought near and have courage not only to look into the holy place, but to enter it. The veil was embroidered with cherubim. The Hebrew can also mean that they were made in raised work, or embossed. It may also mean that they were made in an upward, ascending pattern, unlike the other cherubim that stood in an attending posture. This would remind worshipers to lift up their hearts and rise in their prayers.

Then there were the two pillars set up before the temple. Together they were a little over thirty-five cubits long (2 Chronicles 3:15), which means they were about eighteen cubits high each. See (1 Kings 7:15), where those pillars, Jachin and Boaz, are explained as signs of stability and strength in temple worship and through it.