Bible Strands
1 Chronicles 28:18
the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense; and the plans for the chariot of the gold cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David addresses Solomon and the assembled leaders of Israel, transitioning from the utensils of the outer court to the specific measurements and blueprints for the inner sanctuary.
The words — `מְזֻקָּק` (me.zu.Kak) literally means purified or refined metal, and `תַבְנִית` (tav.Nit) denotes the exact architectural pattern or plan.
The thread — The text specifies the altar of incense, which aligns with the construction command in Exodus 30:1, and the gold cherubim, which correspond to the hammered figures in Exodus 25:18. The ark they overshadow is previously identified in 1 Samuel 4:4 as the central object of Israel's covenant worship.
Why it lands — The verse records David transmitting exact divine measurements rather than human suggestions, establishing that sanctuary construction follows revealed specifications. It requires the reader to distinguish between God's provided blueprint and unauthorized religious innovation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Exodus 25:18 Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat,
- Exodus 30:1 “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
- 1 Kings 6:23 In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood.
- 1 Kings 7:48 Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence;
- Psalms 18:10 He mounted a cherub and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind.
- Psalms 68:17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands—thousands of thousands are they; the Lord is in His sanctuary as He was at Sinai.
- Psalms 80:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
- Psalms 99:1 The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!
- Ezekiel 1:15 When I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces.