Endnote 30 – Did King Solomon Violate the Second Commandment?

We should note that by using only cherubim, Solomon’s designers are quite restrictive even in the use of non-objectionable mythological images. Mesopotamian kings, in contrast, outfitted their temples and palaces with a whole array of anthropomorphic, zoomorphic and winged creatures with names such as lahmu, mushhushu, aladlammu, lamassu, shedu, and even karibu (cherubim). So even in breaking the taboo on images, Solomon practiced great moderation.