Definition: And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that [was] by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 6:22. It's a really interesting and somewhat bizarre story about King Solomon building a temple! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Solomon was building a magnificent temple in Jerusalem. He decided to make it incredibly lavish – he wanted it to be the most beautiful and impressive temple ever built. He started by covering the entire structure with gold. What Happened Next: “And the whole house he overlaid with gold…” : This means he completely covered the interior of the temple, including the altar (a place for worship), with gold. “…until he had finished all the house.” : This is a bit tricky – it’s not that he finished it. He kept adding more and more gold until it was absolutely covered. “Also the whole altar that [was] by the oracle…” : This is where it gets really strange. The altar, which was used for sacrifices and rituals, was also covered in gold. What’s the Significance? This story is a bit of a puzzle for some people because it seems like a huge waste of resources. Here's what biblical scholars believe it might symbolize: Excessive Worship: Some believe this highlights how King Solomon’s focus on wealth and extravagance overstepped his duty as a religious leader. He was prioritizing material possessions instead of focusing on the true worship of God. The Importance of True Faith: It also suggests that true faith isn't just about how much you have, but what you do with your resources and what you dedicate to God. In short, it’s a story about a king prioritizing material wealth over spiritual devotion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore the different interpretations of this story?