1 Kings 6:20

“And the oracle in the forepart, etc.] Which stood in the forepart of the temple, before a man’s face as he entered into it, and went on; or the forepart of the holy of holies, next to the holy place, was of the dimensions as follows, when the back part of it might be higher at least, and be equal to the holy place, even thirty feet; the forepart being lower, and left open to let in the light of the candlesticks, and the smoke of the incense, out of the holy place: this [was] twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height thereof: and was a perfect square, and as the most holy place may be an emblem of the church triumphant, it may denote the perfection…”

“The fore part - Perhaps “the interior.” And so covered ... - Rather, “and he covered the altar (of incense) with cedar.” The altar was doubtless of stone, and was covered with cedar in preparation for the overlaying with gold. This overlaying was not gilding, but the attachment of thin plates of gold, which had to be fastened on with small nails. Such a mode of ornamentation was common in Babylonia, in Assyria, and in Media. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Forepart - Which was in the inner part of the house, called in Hebrew, the forepart; not because a man first enters there, but because when a man is entering, or newly entered into the house, it is still before him. Covered - With gold, Kg1 7:48; Ch1 28:18. The altar - The altar of incense. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 6:21”

“twenty cubits: Kg1 6:2, Kg1 6:3 pure: Heb. shut up the altar: Kg1 6:22, Kg1 7:48; Exo 30:1-3 3 Kings (1 Kings) 6:21”