1 Kings 8:6

1Ki 8:6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy [place, even] under the wings of the cherubims.

Ver. 6. And the priests brought in the ark.] Which they had taken off the Levites’ shoulders, to bring it into the place appointed for it, even the midst of the Most Holy.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

1Ki 8:6-8. Under the wings of the cherubim — Which Solomon had made. For the cherubim made by Moses were fixed to the mercy-seat and the ark, and were inseparable from it, and therefore, together with the ark, were placed under the wings of these cherubim. And they drew out the staves — Not wholly, which was expressly forbidden, (Exo 25:15; Num 4:6,) but in part. That the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place — That is, the most holy, often called the holy place by way of eminence. And the next clause before the oracle, may be as well rendered, within the oracle. These staves were left in this posture, that the high-priest might thereby be certainly guided to that very place where he was, one day in a year, to sprinkle blood, and to offer incense before the ark, which otherwise he might have mistaken in that dark place, where the ark was wholly covered with the wings of the great cherubim, which stood between him and the ark when he entered in. They were not seen without — In the sanctuary. There they are unto this day — In that posture, namely, when this book was written.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

That is, the Kohathites, Num. 4:5.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

(6-8) And the priests brought in the ark.—It is clear from this description that the ark was placed lengthways between the cherubim, so that the staves by which it was borne, when drawn out (though still partly attached to the ark) were seen—probably by projections visible through the veil—in the Holy Place; although, as the narrative remarks with characteristic minuteness of accuracy, “not without” from the porch. The reason why this detail is dwelt upon is obvious. Up to this time it had been forbidden to withdraw the staves (Exo_25:13-15), so that the ark might always be ready for transference; now the withdrawal marked the entrance on a new period, during which it was to rest unmoved.

There they are unto this day.—This phrase—not unfrequently repeated in the narrative (see 1Ki_9:21; 1Ki_10:12; 1Ki_12:19, &c.)—is an interesting indication of quotation from older documents; for at the time of the compilation of the book the Temple and all that it contained had been destroyed or removed. It is remarkable that in the record of the successive spoilings of the Temple by the Chaldæans (2Ki_24:13; 2Ki_25:13-17), while the various vessels, the brazen pillars, and the sea are mentioned in detail, nothing is said of their carrying away the ark, which would have been the choicest, as most sacred, of all the spoils. (See Notes on these passages.) About the Jewish tradition, referred to above (see Note on 1Ki_8:4), setting aside the supposed miracle, there is no intrinsic improbability, considering the respect paid to Jeremiah by the Chaldæans. (See Jer_39:11-14.)

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

6. even under the wings of the cherubims] The outspread wings of the cherubim extended across the whole width of the oracle (1Ki_6:27) and their wings touched one another in the middle of the house. Beneath these wings that touched, the ark was set down. As it was only a cubit and a half high (Exo_25:10), and the figures of the cherubim were 10 cubits high (1Ki_6:23) it is probable that some base or stand was provided, so that the ark might be raised a little from the ground, though this is not stated. Josephus tells us that the joined wings overshadowed the ark, covering it as though it were under a tent or a dome.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord unto his place,.... Destined for it, the like to which it had in the tabernacle:

into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place; that part of the house where the divine oracle was, the holy of holies; for though into it none but the high priest might enter, and he but once a year; yet in case of necessity, as for the repair of it, which the Jews (s) gather from hence, other priests might enter, as was the case now; an high priest could not carry in the ark himself, and therefore it was necessary to employ others; and besides, as yet the divine Majesty had not taken up his residence in it:

even under the wings of the cherubim; the large ones which Solomon had made, Kg1 6:23 not those of Moses.

(s) Vid. Maimon. Hilchot Beth Habechirah, c. 7. sect. 23.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Wings. These covered the smaller cherubim, upon the ark. (Haydock) (Chap. vi. 23, 27.) --- The formed a sort of throne, with their wings extended, from one side of the building to the other, (Calmet) twenty cubits long. (Haydock)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

Into the oracle of the house, i.e. to that part of the house which is called the oracle, 1Ki 6:5,16,19,23; or, as it here follows,

the most holy place. Under the wings of the cherubims, to wit, of Solomon’s new-made cherubims, 1Ki 6:23,24,27; not of the Mosaical cherubims, which were far less, and unmovably fixed to the ark, Exo 37:7,8; and therefore, together with the ark, were put under the wings of these cherubims.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

6. Under the wings of the cherubim — That is, under the wings of the colossal cherubim that had already been built within the oracle. See notes and cut at 1Ki_6:27.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant unto his i.e., its. But this word is never found in the A.V It has come into use since the date of our translation place (cf. 1Ki_6:19) into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place (Heb. holy of holies) , even under the wings of the cherubims. (1Ki_6:27) Whether the ark stood with its length east and west, or north and south, it is somewhat difficult to decide. But see on ver. 8.

HOMILIES BY A. ROWLAND. Ver. 6.

The Ark of the Covenant.

The ark was the heart of the temple. For it the shrine was erected. It was regarded as the throne of Jehovah. Hence the reverence with which it was approached. In itself the ark was not very remarkable. It was a chest 2.5 cubits long, and 1.5 cubits deep and broad, made of wood covered with gold; the lid, called "the mercy seat," being of pure gold, having the cherubim at its ends. For its construction see Exodus 25., where it is placed first as the most important of all the furniture of the tabernacle. Describe its connection with the people"s entrance to Canaan, leading them through the Jordan, and heading the procession round Jericho. A superstitious sanctity was attached to it later. The outward symbol was supposed to have the efficacy which belonged only to that which it symbolized. It was carried into battle (1Sa 4) under this delusion, but the ark could not save a people from whom God had withdrawn. Their superstition was rebuked by the defeat of the army, and the capture by the Philistines of the ark itself. Show how often in Church history the sign has been substituted for the thing signified, to the injury of God"s cause. Though the superstitions belief in the ark was always rebuked, its sanctity was vindicated: by its avenging progress through the cities of Phllistia, and by the punishment of Uzzah. Moreover a blessing came with it to those who received it aright, e.g., to the house of Obed-Edom. The ark had been brought up to Jerusalem by David amid national rejoicing and placed in a tent prepared for it; now it found its abiding place in Solomon"s temple. Throwing on the ark the light of the Epistle to the Hebrews, let us remind ourselves of certain religious truths to which it bore silent witness. These will be suggested by the contents of the ark, by its covering, by the mode of approaching it, and by its uses in worship.

I THE ARK SUGGESTED THAT THE COVENANT RESTED ON LAW. The safe custody of the material tables of stone implied the moral observance of the precepts inscribed on them. "There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone," etc. (If we are to understand Heb_9:4 as asserting that Aaron"s rod and the pot of manna were actually inside the ark, they had probably disappeared by Solomon"s time.) The term "a covenant" is only used by way of accommodation, when applied to the relation between man and God. Such a "covenant" is merely a promise, which God makes dependent on the fulfilment of certain conditions; e.g., the promise after the flood is called a "covenant." So the covenant of Sinai was a promise on God"s part, conditioned by the observance of the ten commandments on man"s part. This was proclaimed by the presence of the tables of the law in the ark of the covenant. Show from Scripture and experience that bliss is conditioned by obedience. There is nothing lawless either in morals or in nature.

II THE ARK PROCLAIMED THAT MERCY CAME BETWEEN MAN AND THE BROKEN LAW. "The mercy seat" covered "the tables." The value of mercy was typified by the pure gold of the capporeth. Exhibit the necessity of mercy to men who are prone to evil and forgetful of good. Illustrate it from God"s dealings with Israel, and Christ"s goodness to His disciples. The publican struck the keynote of true prayer when he exclaimed, "God be merciful to me, a sinner" Compare Psalm 51. Show how the sense of our want of mercy grows with our sensibility to the sinfulness of sin. Paul the apostle an example of this: "of sinners I am the chief.

III THE ARK DECLARED THAT AN ATONEMENT MADE MERCY POSSIBLE. Describe the day of atonement; the sacrifice offered; the high priest entering the holy of holies with the blood which he sprinkled on the mercy seat. Even he could only draw near to the mercy, seat after the sacrifice compare (Heb 9) "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission? Apply this to the sacrifice of "the Lamb of God," who was "wounded for our transgressions," whose "blood cleanseth from all sin." Describe him as the High Priest in the Holiest of all, having opened the way for all sinners to the abounding mercy of God.

IV THE ARK ENCOURAGED MEN TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD. The law (represented by the tables) was broken; but the mercy of God (represented by the capporeth) was revealed; and the atonement (represented by the sprinkled blood) was provided; so that God fulfilled promise about the mercy seat. "There will I commune with thee.

Apply the teaching of this subject to those conscious of guilt, burdened by sorrow, etc. "Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. A.R.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Cherubim - Of Solomon's new made cherubim, not of the Mosaic cherubim, which were far less, and unmovably fixed to the ark, Exod. xxxvii, 7, 8, and therefore together with the ark, were put under the wings of these cherubim.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

into the inner room of the house, to the most holy place, under

"into the inner room of the house—that is, to the most holy place—under"

poles by which it was carried

This can be stated in active form. AT: "poles by which the priests carried it" (See: Active or Passive)

their ends were seen ... they could not be seen

This can be stated in active form. AT: "people could see their ends ... people could not see them"

this day

This means the day on which the writer wrote.

translationWords

priest

ark of the covenant

Yahweh

holy place

cherub

unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.

The wings of the cherubim. Those which Shlomo made, which are standing on their feet on the ground; and these are not the cherubim of the cover which was on the Ark.

Rashi on the Tanakh — English translations: “The Judaica Press complete Tanach with Rashi, translated by A. J. Rosenberg” (CC BY 4.0); “Pentateuch with Rashi's commentary by M. Rosenbaum and A.M. Silbermann, 1929-1934” (public domain); “The Metsudah Tanach series, Lakewood, N.J” (CC BY 4.0); and “The Book of Joshua, Metsudah Publications, 1997” (CC BY 4.0). Text via Sefaria.