The construction of the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple introduced a striking and awe-inspiring physical presence. At the center of this sacred space stood giant cherubim, designed to fill the room and shelter the Ark of the Covenant. These towering figures did not replace the original cherubim crafted by Moses in the desert. Instead, they were additions, much like the extra tables and menorahs Solomon placed throughout the Temple [רש״י].
Unlike the original cherubim made by Bezalel, which were physically attached to the ends of the Ark's cover, these new figures stood on their own feet directly on the floor in the western section of the room [רש״י, רד״ק]. While their wings and feet are clearly noted, there is no mention of their actual bodies. It appears their bodies were either completely hidden beneath their wings or structurally integrated into them, allowing the massive figures to stand firmly balanced without requiring a miracle [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The wings of these cherubim stretched across twenty cubits, spanning the entire width of the Holy of Holies [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Reaching out from the wall, these massive wings formed a protective canopy directly over the Ark of the Covenant and its cover, which rested exactly beneath them [רש״י].
A central point of discussion among commentators is the direction these new cherubim faced. While the original Tabernacle cherubim faced one another, these new figures looked inward toward the main hall. One approach understands this simply, concluding that Solomon's cherubim indeed looked straight ahead into the room rather than at each other [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This shift in posture is viewed as a deliberate design choice, distinguishing them from the original figures just as their materials and floor-bound stance did [רד״ק].
Other perspectives seek to align the designs of the two sets of cherubim. One explanation suggests that they did face each other, but their heads were bowed and angled inward toward the hall [רש״י]. Another tradition proposes that they stood with their faces turned at a slight angle, much like a student who respectfully turns to the side when taking leave of a teacher [רד״ק].