Why Did Solomon’s Temple Have Carved Cherubim and Fruit?

“In Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6) there were carved gourds, flowers, cherubim, and palm trees. Why did he carve particularly those?”

Great question, Rebeka! I can tell you’re listening to the details in the Bible, which is important!

In Exodus, God gave Moses instructions for the tabernacle, the tent that the Israelites used for worship for almost 500 years before the temple was built. And some of the details were beautiful decorations that looked like fruit, cherubim (creatures that guarded the garden after God sent Adam and Eve out), and other things that would remind the priests of Eden, the first place where God dwelled with man.

We aren’t told whether God gave special instructions for the temple, or whether the builders of Solomon’s temple took their designs from what they could see of the tabernacle. But the source of that imagery is the same—it reminds us of Eden.

When we look forward in Scripture, almost to the very end, we’re given a picture of the new Jerusalem, which is a heavenly city where we will be with Jesus. It is also a beautiful place with the tree of life, but there is no temple there and no cherubim blocking access to God because there is no sin keeping us from God. When we trust in Jesus to forgive all our sins, we can look forward to living in the new Jerusalem with him forever!

Do you have a question about the Bible? Ask your parents to help you submit your question today. We’d love to hear from you!