Definition: And the oracle in the forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and he overlaid it with pure gold; and [so] covered the altar [which was of] cedar.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 6:20. It’s a really fascinating and somewhat mysterious section of scripture! Here's what it essentially means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes the creation of an altar – a special place for worship – that was made entirely of gold and covered with precious gems (gold). Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the oracle in the forepart [was] twenty cubits in length, twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof:” This tells us that the altar was very large. "Cubits" were ancient units of measurement – roughly equivalent to 10 feet. So, this altar was about 20 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 20 feet high. It was a significant size for a temple altar. “And he overlaid it with pure gold:” This is the key part! The altar wasn't just made of wood; it was completely covered in gleaming, solid gold. This suggests a powerful and symbolic act. “And [so] covered the altar [which was of] cedar:” Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The altar was also made of cedar wood – a type of tree used for building temples. The verb "overlaid" means to cover or place something on top of another. So, the gold covered the cedar, creating a layered and luxurious appearance. What’s the Significance? This verse is part of a larger story about King David and his temple in Jerusalem. It speaks to several important things: Royal Worship: The altar was a place where God was worshipped and honored. It was a focal point for religious rituals. Symbolic Power: The gold and cedar combination represented the power and majesty of God, combined with the stability and devotion of the king. Divine Authority: It shows that the King David had a very high level of authority over the temple and its worship. In short, this verse describes a truly impressive and significant altar – a monument to God’s presence and the power of the monarchy. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Compare it to other biblical descriptions of temples or altars? Discuss what this verse might have meant to people living thousands of years ago?