Definition: And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out [their wings], and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Chronicles 28:18. It’s a really fascinating and symbolic passage about how God intends to honor His people and His presence. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a very elaborate and precious offering – a gold altar dedicated to the Lord God. The gold isn't just any gold; it's specifically refined, meaning it’s made with great care and precision. And its purpose is to represent something incredibly powerful – the cherubim (think of giant, winged creatures in Jewish mythology) who were responsible for guarding the Ark of the Covenant. Let’s unpack each part: “And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight…” : This means the altar was made with a very high level of quality and attention to detail. It wasn't just any old piece of metal. The gold was meticulously weighed – meaning it was carefully measured and polished. This emphasizes that this offering is significant and worthy of special reverence. “and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims…” : Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. The "chariot of the cherubim" is a legendary vehicle used by God to travel through heaven. It was incredibly fast and majestic – think of a golden chariot! This gold wasn't just for decoration; it was designed to symbolize the grandeur and power of God’s presence. It was meant to be a visual representation of His majesty. “…that spread out [their wings], and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.” : This is the most crucial part. The gold wasn't just displayed; it was covered . This suggests that the altar was placed in a prominent location, perhaps within a temple or a sacred space, to be seen and revered by all who were present. And importantly, the gold was designed to cover or surround the Ark of the Covenant – which held the most important pieces of God’s law and holiness. It was meant to protect it, as well as give it a visible symbol of divine authority. Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse paints a picture of a powerful and significant offering made to honor God. It shows that He chooses to lavish His people with magnificent gifts – not just material riches, but also symbolic representations of His power, majesty, and holiness. It’s a testament to the belief that God values his people and wants to be seen and appreciated in a spectacular way. In short: This verse describes a truly impressive offering designed to show God's glory and His plan for Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about the historical context of this offering? Compare it to other examples of symbolic gifts in religious texts?