Was the Son of God a Covering Cherub in Solomon's temple?

No, the Son of God was not a covering cherub in Solomon's temple; rather, He is the Great High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary and the Supreme Commander of all heavenly hosts Hebrews 8:1-23SP 252.2+1.

The Identity of the Covering Cherub

The term "covering cherub" refers specifically to a high and exalted angel in the heavenly courts who stood next in honor to the Son of God before falling into apostasy12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 15+2.

• Lucifer's Original Position: Before his fall, Lucifer was the anointed covering cherub, perfect in beauty and full of wisdom, who walked in the midst of the stones of fire on the holy mountain of God Ezekiel 28:14-15PC 168.1+2.

• The Contrast with Christ: While Satan was a created being and an exalted angel, Jesus Christ is the Son of God and was one with the Father before the angels were ever created1SP 17.1+1.

• The Rebellion: Envy toward Christ's pre-eminence led the covering cherub to rebel, as he desired the unlimited power and command that the Father had rightfully bestowed upon His SonTA 34.3+2.

The Cherubim in Solomon's Temple

Solomon's temple contained physical representations of cherubim, but these were symbolic figures meant to point to heavenly realitiesGC 412.3+1.

• Description: Within the oracle (the Most Holy Place), Solomon made two large cherubim out of olive wood, each ten cubits high and overlaid with gold 1 Kings 6:23-28PK 36.1.

• Purpose: These figures, with wings that touched the walls and each other, were patterns of things in the heavens 1 Kings 6:27RH November 9, 1905, par. 9.

• The Ark of the Covenant: In the heavenly sanctuary, the true ark of God’s testimony is surrounded by bright, living cherubim with outstretched wings Revelation 11:19ECE 570.1.

The Role of the Son of God

Rather than being an angel or a figure in the temple, the Son of God is the One who gives the sanctuary its meaningPK 36.1+1.

• The High Priest: Jesus Christ serves as the High Priest in the true tabernacle in heaven, which the Lord pitched and not man Hebrews 8:1-2RH November 9, 1905, par. 9+1.

• The Intercessor: He stands by the ark in the heavenly holiest place, offering the prayers of the saints with the smoke of incense to His FatherEW 32.3+2.

• The Creator and King: Christ is the Majestic Commander whom all the heavenly host, including cherubim and seraphim, surround and worshipSpM 52.1+2.

While the covering cherub sought to exalt himself to be like God, Christ humbled Himself to take on human nature to redeem the fallen race Hebrews 2:1412LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 15+2. Lucifer's pride led to his destruction, but Christ's sacrifice ensures His eternal throne as the King of Glory Ezekiel 28:16-193SP 252.2+1.