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.

1 KINGS 8:7KJV
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1 Kings 8:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 8:7 mean?

1 Kings 8:7 describes how the cherubim—angelic figures—spread their wings over the ark of the covenant, covering both the ark and its carrying poles from above. This verse highlights the way the cherubim were positioned as part of the temple’s inner sanctuary, visually emphasizing the sacredness of the ark.

In this scene, King Solomon is dedicating the newly built temple in Jerusalem, and the ark of the covenant has just been placed in the Most Holy Place. The verse gives a detailed description of the cherubim’s wings, showing how they overshadowed the ark, which was understood as the earthly throne of God’s presence among the Israelites. This detail helps the reader picture the careful arrangement and reverence surrounding the ark within the temple.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 8:7

  • כְּרוּבִים (keruvim, “cherubim”): This word refers to the angelic beings crafted as part of the ark’s covering. Their presence and posture—wings spread protectively—symbolize both reverence and the guarding of something holy.
  • כָּנָף (kanaph, “wings”): The mention of wings emphasizes the cherubim’s role in sheltering or covering, not just as decoration but as a sign of protection and awe.
  • סָכַךְ (sakhakh, “covered”): This verb means to cover or overshadow, reinforcing the idea that the cherubim’s wings provided a symbolic shield over the ark and its poles, highlighting the ark’s sacredness.
  • מָקוֹם (maqom, “place”): The word for “place” points to the specific, set-apart location where the ark rested, underlining its importance within the temple.

Why 1 Kings 8:7 matters

  • 1 Kings 8:7 clarifies that the cherubim were not just decorative but were intentionally designed to cover and protect the ark, reflecting the seriousness with which the Israelites treated God’s presence.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of the temple as a holy space, showing how every detail—from the placement of the ark to the posture of the cherubim—was meant to honor God.
  • This description helps the reader understand the physical layout and symbolism of the Most Holy Place, making the temple’s design and the ark’s significance more vivid and concrete.

Where else these words appear

“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 Chronicles 28:18 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.
  • Psalms 140:7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

“staves” Hebrew H905 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Exodus 37:4 And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold.
  • Numbers 4:14 And they shall put upon it all the vessels thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the censers, the fleshhooks, and the shovels, and the basons, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread upon it a covering of badgers' skins, and put to the staves of it.

“cherubims” Hebrew H3742 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • 1 Kings 6:28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold.
  • Ezekiel 9:3 And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;

“forth” Hebrew H6566 · used in 66 verses

  • Exodus 9:29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S.
  • 2 Kings 19:14 And Hezekiah received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up into the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
  • Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.