And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

1 CHRONICLES 28:18KJV
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1 Chronicles 28:18 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 28:18 mean?

1 Chronicles 28:18 describes how King David gave instructions for the temple furnishings, specifying that the altar of incense should be made of refined gold, and that gold was also set aside for the design of the chariot-like figure of the cherubim, whose wings would cover the ark of the covenant of the LORD. This verse highlights the detailed plans and precious materials intended for the most sacred parts of the temple.

David is speaking to the leaders of Israel, sharing the plans he received from God for building the temple, which his son Solomon will construct. The verse focuses on the altar used for burning incense and the golden cherubim figures that symbolically protect the ark, showing the care and reverence given to the temple’s holiest objects.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 28:18

  • מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach, H4196) — "altar": This word refers specifically to the altar for burning incense, a central feature in Israelite worship, set apart from the altar for sacrifices.
  • קְטֹרֶת (qetoret, H7004) — "incense": The incense altar was used for burning a special blend of spices, symbolizing prayers rising to God.
  • זָהָב מְזֻקָּק (zahav mezukkaq, H2091 H2212) — "refined gold": The use of highly purified gold emphasizes the value and purity required for items in God’s presence.
  • תַּבְנִית (tabnit, H8403) — "pattern": This word means a detailed design or model, showing that David was not just giving general instructions but specific, God-given blueprints for the temple furnishings.
  • כְּרוּבִים (keruvim, H3742) — "cherubims": These are angelic figures, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces, whose wings covered the ark as a sign of God’s presence and protection.

Why 1 Chronicles 28:18 matters

  • This verse clarifies that every detail of the temple, down to the materials and design of each object, was carefully planned and considered holy, not left to human preference.
  • It shows the special role of the cherubim and the ark, underlining their importance as symbols of God’s covenant and presence with Israel.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing David’s obedience in passing on God’s instructions to Solomon, emphasizing that the temple was to be built according to divine, not merely human, design.

Where else these words appear

“refined” Hebrew H2212 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal:
  • Job 36:27 For he maketh small the drops of water: they pour down rain according to the vapour thereof:
  • Isaiah 25:6 And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

“pattern” Hebrew H8403 · used in 17 verses

  • Exodus 25:9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.
  • Joshua 22:28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.
  • Psalms 106:20 Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.

“covered” Hebrew H5526 · used in 23 verses

  • Exodus 25:20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.
  • 1 Kings 8:7 For the cherubims spread forth their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims covered the ark and the staves thereof above.
  • Psalms 140:7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

“chariot” Hebrew H4818 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 41:43 And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
  • 1 Kings 20:33 Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.
  • Song of Solomon 6:12 Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib.