The Temple of Solomon, one of the most magnificent structures in ancient history, was known for its rich decoration and sacred design. The inside of the temple was overlaid with precious materials, most notably gold, to symbolize divine glory and holiness. But why was gold chosen, and what other materials were used in the temple’s construction?
This topic explores the materials used inside the temple, their symbolism, and how they contributed to the temple’s spiritual and architectural significance.
The Overlaid Gold Inside the Temple
1. Gold: The Main Material for the Interior
The entire interior of the temple was overlaid with pure gold. This included the walls, the altar, the cherubim, and the floor. The use of gold was significant because it represented divine purity, holiness, and eternal value.
According to 1 Kings 6:20-22, the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) was entirely covered in gold, making it the most sacred space in the temple. The altar, which was used for offerings, was also coated with pure gold to signify its spiritual importance.
2. Cedar Wood: The Structural Foundation
Beneath the gold overlay, the temple was constructed primarily from cedar wood, imported from Lebanon. Cedar was chosen because of its:
- Durability – It resists decay and insects.
- Fragrance – The natural aroma was believed to create a sacred atmosphere.
- Symbolism – Cedar trees were considered a sign of strength and divine blessing.
The temple walls and ceiling were paneled with cedar, which was then covered with gold to enhance its grandeur.
3. Olive Wood: Used for Sacred Furnishings
Olive wood was another important material used inside the temple. It was specifically used for:
- The doors leading to the Most Holy Place.
- The cherubim statues, which stood in the inner sanctuary.
These cherubim, each 15 feet tall, were carved from olive wood and overlaid with gold, reinforcing their divine and protective symbolism.
The Symbolic Meaning of the Materials
The materials inside the temple were not chosen randomly—they carried deep spiritual significance:
- Gold – Symbolized divine presence, purity, and glory. It reflected the light of God inside the temple.
- Cedar Wood – Represented strength, longevity, and divine protection.
- Olive Wood – Associated with peace, anointing, and sacredness.
These materials transformed the temple into a heavenly sanctuary, reflecting God’s majesty on Earth.
How Was the Gold Applied Inside the Temple?
The gold overlay was not simply paint or plating—it was carefully applied using gold sheets or gold leaf. Skilled artisans covered the walls, ceiling, and sacred objects by:
- Carving intricate designs into the cedar panels.
- Hammering thin sheets of gold onto the wood.
- Polishing the gold to reflect light beautifully.
This process created a dazzling effect, making the temple interior shine brilliantly in the glow of oil lamps.
Other Precious Materials in the Temple
1. Bronze for the Outer Courtyard
While the inside of the temple was covered in gold, the outer parts featured bronze. The Bronze Sea, an enormous basin for purification rituals, was made from cast bronze. The pillars at the entrance, named Jachin and Boaz, were also made of bronze.
2. Precious Stones for Decoration
The temple was decorated with precious stones, enhancing its splendor. According to 2 Chronicles 3:6, gems were embedded in the walls to create a radiant and holy atmosphere.
The Purpose of the Gold Overlay
The extensive use of gold inside the temple served several purposes:
- To Honor God – Gold was considered the most precious material, reserved for divine purposes.
- To Reflect Divine Light – The gold shimmered in the candlelight, creating an effect of heavenly illumination.
- To Preserve the Wood – Gold acted as a protective layer against moisture and decay.
Comparison With Other Ancient Temples
The Temple of Solomon was unique, but other ancient civilizations also used precious materials in their religious structures:
- The Egyptians overlaid their temples with gold and precious stones to honor their gods.
- The Babylonians built the gold-covered Ishtar Gate, showing their wealth and devotion.
- The Greeks adorned the Parthenon with ivory, gold, and marble.
However, Solomon’s Temple was distinct in its exclusively monotheistic purpose—it was dedicated only to the worship of Yahweh, unlike polytheistic temples of the time.
The Destruction of the Gold-Lined Temple
Unfortunately, the Temple of Solomon was destroyed in 586 BCE by the Babylonians, who looted its gold and treasures. Later, Herod’s Temple was built as a grand replacement, but it too was destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans.
The gold from the temple was taken as war spoils and used to finance the construction of the Roman Colosseum.
The Temple’s Influence on Modern Worship Spaces
Many modern religious buildings still draw inspiration from Solomon’s Temple by using:
- Gold leaf and gilded designs on altars and ceilings.
- Cedar wood and olive wood for sacred artifacts.
- Symbolic architecture that mirrors the temple’s design.
Even today, the temple remains a powerful symbol of faith, glory, and divine presence.
The inside of the temple was overlaid with pure gold, supported by cedar and olive wood, and adorned with precious stones. These materials were chosen not only for their beauty and durability but also for their spiritual significance.
The temple stood as a testament to divine majesty, reflecting the glory of God through its breathtaking design. Though it no longer exists, its legacy lives on in history, religious teachings, and architectural inspiration worldwide.