What does 2 Chronicles 3:13 mean?
"The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward." - 2 Chronicles 3:13
2 Chronicles 3:13 - "The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward."
2 Chronicles 3:13 (KJV) "The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward."
The book of 2 Chronicles, which is part of the Old Testament, provides a historical account of the reigns of the kings of Judah, David's family line, and the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. The verse 2 Chronicles 3:13 describes the intricacies of the design of the temple, specifically focusing on the structure of the cherubim.
In this verse, we encounter a vivid and intricate description of the cherubim, which were angelic figures that symbolized the presence of God. The cherubim are described as having wings that spread forth twenty cubits, signifying their majestic and awe-inspiring presence. The fact that their wings are outspread suggests a sense of protection and guardianship, as if they are shielding the sacred space of the temple. Additionally, the verse mentions that the cherubim stood on their feet, indicating their readiness and vigilance in serving and worshiping God.
The inward-facing nature of the cherubim's faces is also noteworthy. This detail suggests a posture of reverence and humility, as the cherubim are focused on the presence of God and not turning outward to engage with the world. Their inward gaze reflects a sense of devotion and single-mindedness in their service to the divine.
In the context of the construction of the temple, the description of the cherubim serves to emphasize the importance of creating a holy and consecrated space for the worship of God. The intricate details of the design signify the reverence and care given to honoring God and His presence among His people.
Symbolically, the cherubim represent the heavenly realm and the divine presence of God. Their role as guardians and attendants in the temple underscores the idea of God's sovereignty and the sanctity of the space where His presence dwells. The outspread wings of the cherubim evoke a sense of protection and shelter, conveying the idea of God's watchful care over His people. The inward-facing faces of the cherubim also speak to the worshipful attitude and reverence that should characterize our approach to God.
Furthermore, the design of the cherubim in the temple serves as a visual reminder of the holiness and transcendence of God. The detailed description of the cherubim's appearance conveys the idea that the worship of God is a matter of utmost importance and should be approached with awe and reverence.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 3:13 offers a glimpse into the meticulous care and attention given to the construction of the temple and the representation of the divine presence within it. The symbolism of the cherubim serves to underscore the importance of creating sacred spaces for the worship of God and the need for a posture of humility and reverence in approaching the divine. The verse invites us to reflect on the significance of honoring God's presence and cultivating a mindset of reverence and devotion in our worship.
2 Chronicles 3:13 Artwork
2 Chronicles 3:13 - "The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward."
1 Chronicles 3:13 - "Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,"
2 Chronicles 13:14 - "And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets."
2 Chronicles 8:3 - "And Solomon went to Hamath-zobah, and prevailed against it."
2 Thessalonians 3:13 - "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."
2 Chronicles 2:13 - "And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,"
2 Chronicles 29:13 - "And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:"
2 Chronicles 13:13 - "¶ But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them."
1 Chronicles 13:3 - "And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul."
2 Chronicles 3:6 - "And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim."
2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
2 Chronicles 13:16 - "And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand."
1 Chronicles 2:13 - "¶ And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,"
2 Chronicles 3:14 - "¶ And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon."
2 Chronicles 10:13 - "And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,"
2 Chronicles 3:2 - "And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign."
2 Chronicles 13:1 - "Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah."
2 Chronicles 16:13 - "¶ And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign."
2 Chronicles 3:9 - "And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold."
2 Chronicles 11:13 - "¶ And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts."
2 Chronicles 3:10 - "And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of image work, and overlaid them with gold."
2 Chronicles 18:13 - "And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak."
2 Chronicles 13:22 - "And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo."
2 Chronicles 24:3 - "And Jehoiada took for him two wives; and he begat sons and daughters."
2 Chronicles 13:2 - "He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam."
2 Chronicles 13:21 - "¶ But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters."
2 Chronicles 24:13 - "So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it."
2 Chronicles 10:3 - "And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,"
2 Chronicles 13:3 - "And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour."
2 Chronicles 17:13 - "And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem."