The precise size of a cubit is not known; at the least it was 16 inches, so we may approximate the size of the temple proper as not less than eighty feet in length, twenty-six and one-half feet in width, and forty feet high. In front of it was a porch the width of the building and thirteen feet deep, its height was one hundred and sixty-feet. Around the building, not including these dimensions, and not mentioned here, (except as "the greater house" and "the upper chambers," but described in 1 Kings 6), were side chambers three stories high. The building was evidently not, as buildings are reckoned today, of immense size; its costliness and beauty are the features which are most remarkable. Pure gold within was only to be seen, except the floors, and upon this were overlaid precious stones and engraved cherubim on the walls. Even the nails used were of gold.
The cherubim (verse 10) were symbols of God's power in judgment, made of olive wood; they were overlaid with gold. With their outstretched wings they reached from wall to wall of the holy of holies, and their faces were toward the house,— not "inward" as our ordinary version reads, but rather outward. Exodus 37:7-97And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat; 8One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 9And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims. (Exodus 37:7‑9) gives us the cherubim in the tabernacle; they looked toward the covenant, the ten commandments, but when God has established His throne in righteousness, He can and He will turn toward the world to bless it according to that righteousness.
This shows the character of God's present dealings: the believer now has the privilege of entering boldly through the veil (Hebrews 10:19-2019Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (Hebrews 10:19‑20)), and to find no veil in heaven, and no temple there (Revelation 21:2222And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. (Revelation 21:22)), for God and the Lamb are the temple of it.
This place of immeasurable privilege was not granted under law, nor will it be under the reign of Christ: Israel and the earth have not immediate and direct access to Him who is hidden in the heavens. What a portion to be granted those who receive Him now as Saviour, and own Him as Lord!
Before the temple there were two pillars, whose combined length is given as 35 cubits—nearly 24 feet each, capped by crowns or capitals nearly 7 feet high. "Jachin" and "Boaz," their names. ("He will establish", and "In Him is strength") speak of the coming millennial kingdom of Christ.