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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Kings 7:13–47. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We have here an account of the brass-work about the temple. There was no iron about the temple, though we find David preparing for the temple iron for things of iron, Ch1 29:2. What those things were we are not told, but some of the things of brass are here described and the rest mentioned.
I.The brasier whom Solomon employed to preside in this part of the work was Hiram, or Huram (Ch2 4:11), who was by his mother's side an Israelite, of the tribe of Naphtali, by his father's side a man of Tyre, Kg1 7:14. If he had the ingenuity of a Tyrian, and the affection of an Israelite to the house of God (the head of a Tyrian and the heart of an Israelite), it was happy that the blood of the two nations mixed in him, for thereby he was qualified for the work to which he was designed. As the tabernacle was built with the wealth of Egypt, so the temple with the wit of Tyre. God will serve himself by the common gifts of the children of men.
II.The brass he made use of was the best he could get.
All the brazen vessels were of bright brass (Kg1 7:45), good brass, so the Chaldee, that which was strongest and looked finest. God, who is the best, must be served and honoured with the best.
III.The place where all the brazen vessels were cast was the plain of Jordan, because the ground there was stiff and clayey, fit to make moulds of for the casting of the brass (Kg1 7:46), and Solomon would not have this dirty smoky work done in or near Jerusalem.
IV.The quantity was not accounted for.
The vessels were unnumbered (so it may be read, Kg1 7:47, as well as unweighed), because they were exceedingly numerous, and it would have been an endless thing to keep the account of them; neither was the weight of the brass, when it was delivered to the workmen, searched or enquired into; so honest were the workmen, and such great plenty of brass they had, that there was no danger of wanting. We must ascribe it to Solomon's care that he provided so much, not to his carelessness that he kept no account of it.
V.Some particulars of the brass-work are described.
1.Two brazen pillars, which were set up in the porch of the temple (Kg1 7:21), whether under the cover of the porch or in the open air is not certain; it was between the temple and the court of the priests. These pillars were neither to hang gates upon nor to rest any building upon, but purely for ornament and significancy.
(1.)What an ornament they were we may gather from the account here given of the curious work that was about them, chequer-work, chain-work, net-work, lily-work, and pomegranates in rows, and all of bright brass, and framed no doubt according to the best rules of proportion, to please the eye.
(2.)Their significancy is intimated in the names given them (Kg1 7:21): Jachin - he will establish; and Boaz - in him is strength. Some think they were intended for memorials of the pillar of cloud and fire which led Israel through the wilderness: I rather think them designed for memorandums to the priests and others that came to worship at God's door,
[1.]To depend upon God only, and not upon any sufficiency of their own, for strength and establishment in all their religious exercises. When we come to wait upon God, and find our hearts wandering and unfixed, then by faith let us fetch in help from heaven: Jachin - God will fix this roving mind. It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. We find ourselves weak and unable for holy duties, but this is our encouragement: Boaz - in him is our strength, who works in us both to will and to do. I will go in the strength of the Lord God. Spiritual strength and stability are to be had at the door of God's temple, where we must wait for the gifts of grace in the use of the means of grace.
[2.]It was a memorandum to them of the strength and establishment of the temple of God among them. Let them keep close to God and duty, and they should never lose their dignities and privileges, but the grant should be confirmed and perpetuated to them. The gospel church is what God will establish, what he will strengthen, and what the gates of hell can never prevail against. But, with respect to this temple, when it was destroyed particular notice was taken of the destroying of these pillars (Kg2 25:13, Kg2 25:17), which had been the tokens of its establishment, and would have been so if they had not forsaken God.
2.A brazen sea, a very large vessel, above five yards in diameter, and which contained above 500 barrels of water for the priests' use, in washing themselves and the sacrifices, and keeping the courts of the temple clean, Kg1 7:23, etc. It stood raised upon the figures of twelve oxen in brass, so high that either they must have stairs to climb up to it or cocks at the bottom to draw water from it. The Gibeonites, or Nethinim, who were to draw water for the house of God, had the care of filling it. Some think Solomon made the images of oxen to support this great cistern in contempt of the golden calf which Israel had worshipped, that (as bishop Patrick expresses it) the people might see there was nothing worthy of adoration in those figures; they were fitter to make posts of than to make gods of. Yet this prevailed not to prevent Jerusalem's setting up the calves for deities. In the court of the tabernacle there was only a laver of brass provided to wash in, but in the court of the temple a sea of brass, intimating that by the gospel of Christ much fuller preparation is made for our cleansing than was by the law of Moses. That had a laver, this has a sea, a fountain opened, Zac 13:1.
3.Ten bases, or stands, or settles, of brass, on which were put ten lavers, to be filled with water for the service of the temple, because there would not be room at the molten sea for all that had occasion to wash there. The bases on which the lavers were fixed are very largely described here, Kg1 7:27, etc. They were curiously adorned and set upon wheels, that the lavers might be removed as there was occasion; but ordinarily they stood in two rows, five on one side of the court and five on the other, Kg1 7:39. Each laver contained forty baths, that is, about ten barrels, Kg1 7:38. Those must be very clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Spiritual priests and spiritual sacrifices must be washed in the laver of Christ's blood and of regeneration. We must wash often, for we daily contract pollution, must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts. Plentiful provision is made for our cleansing; so that if we have our lot for ever among the unclean it will be our own fault.
4.Besides these, there was a vast number of brass pots made to boil the flesh of the peace-offerings in, which the priests and offerers were to feast upon before the Lord (see Sa1 2:14); also shovels, wherewith they took out the ashes of the altar. Some think the word signifies flesh-hooks, with which they took meat out of the pot. The basins also were made of brass, to receive the blood of the sacrifices. These are put for all the utensils of the brazen altar, Exo 38:3. While they were about it they made abundance of them, that they might have a good stock by them when those that were first in use wore out and went to decay. Thus Solomon, having wherewithal to do so, provided for posterity.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
And this was done on account of the mystery. For the Tyrian craftsman whom Solomon employed to help in his work stands for the ministers of the word chosen from the Gentiles. The allusion to this man as a craftsman is a beautiful touch because he was the son of a widow of Israel, a person who is sometimes wont to be taken as prefiguring the church of the present day from whom her husband, namely, Christ, after having tasted death, rose and ascended into heaven, leaving her meanwhile to sojourn on the earth. However, there is no need to labor the explanation of how the sons of this widow are preachers since all the elect individually profess themselves children of the church. Also since in regard to these preachers of the New Testament a special promise is made in the words of the prophet: “Instead of your fathers, sons are born to you; you shall make them princes over all the earth.” Now Hiram did all Solomon’s work, that is to say, because the holy teachers, while they devote themselves faithfully to the ministry of the word, do indeed do the work of God, since by speaking outwardly they open the way of truth to those whom he himself has predestined to eternal life by enlightening them inwardly. “I,” he says, “planted, Apollo watered; but God gave the increase.” Moreover, he made the work of bronze because the energetic teacher seeks to entrust the word to those who … desire to receive it with reverence and keep it to the end, and who also by preaching to others do their utmost to spread more widely whatever right doctrine they have learned themselves; for it is common knowledge that bronze is a metal which is very durable and produces all kinds of sounds.
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Summary
1 Kings 7:14 introduces Huram, a master craftsman of exceptional skill and unique background, whose expertise was indispensable for the intricate metalwork of Solomon's Temple. Born to an Israelite mother from the tribe of Naphtali and a Tyrian father renowned for his bronze work, Huram was supernaturally endowed with profound wisdom, understanding, and ingenious skill in all forms of metal craftsmanship. His arrival in Jerusalem and subsequent dedication to the Temple project highlight the importance of divine enablement, international collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in service to God.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the expansive account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, specifically following the completion of the main architectural structure described in 1 Kings 6. Chapter 7 then shifts focus to the elaborate interior and courtyard elements, particularly the large-scale and intricate bronze work. The introduction of Huram at this critical juncture is deliberate, presenting him as the preeminent artisan capable of executing the highly specialized and detailed metalwork required for the Temple's sacred vessels and monumental fixtures. His role is presented as central to the realization of Solomon's vision for the Temple's adornment, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship and divine provision involved in creating a dwelling place worthy of the Lord.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction of the First Temple was an undertaking of immense scale, requiring vast resources, specialized knowledge, and highly skilled labor. King Solomon had established a strategic and mutually beneficial alliance with King Hiram of Tyre, a powerful Phoenician city-state celebrated throughout the ancient Near East for its advanced engineering, maritime trade, and unparalleled craftsmanship in materials like timber, stone, and especially metal. This alliance, detailed in 1 Kings 5, ensured access to materials and expertise not readily available within Israel. Huram's mixed heritage—an Israelite mother and a Tyrian father—perfectly symbolizes this international collaboration, fusing the artistic sophistication of Phoenicia with the theological purpose of Israel. The term "brass" in the King James Version consistently refers to bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) in the context of ancient metallurgy, a highly valued and versatile metal used extensively for tools, weaponry, and elaborate artistic creations, signifying its importance for the Temple's sacred objects.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Giftedness and Skill, echoing the divine enablement of master craftsmen like Bezalel and Aholiab for the Tabernacle. Huram's being "filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning" signifies a supernatural endowment for sacred service, emphasizing that God sovereignly equips individuals with specific talents and abilities for His purposes. Secondly, the narrative highlights International Collaboration for God's Glory, demonstrating how God orchestrates events and uses diverse peoples and nations—even those outside the immediate covenant community—to accomplish His redemptive and architectural will. The partnership between Israel and Tyre, personified by Huram, showcases a unity of purpose for a divine project that transcends national boundaries. Lastly, the meticulous detail given to Huram's expertise reinforces the theme of Excellence in Service. The Temple, as the designated dwelling place of God's presence, demanded the highest quality of materials and workmanship, reflecting the immense value and reverence due to the Lord. This pursuit of excellence in craft becomes a profound act of worship and devotion.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive word denotes a progenitor, literally or figuratively. In Huram's case, it refers to his biological father, a man of Tyre. The mention of his father's profession as a "worker in brass" (H2790, chârash) indicates that Huram likely inherited or was trained in the family trade, which was highly esteemed in Tyre. This detail establishes a foundational link to the renowned metallurgical expertise of Phoenicia, which Huram would bring to the Temple project.
This verb signifies being full of something, in a wide application, both literally and figuratively. When used in conjunction with wisdom, understanding, and cunning, as here, it strongly implies a divine endowment or a complete saturation with these qualities. It suggests that Huram's abilities were not merely acquired through training but were supernaturally enhanced, making him uniquely qualified for the sacred task. This echoes the language used for Spirit-filled individuals chosen for specific divine work.
Derived from the root "to know," this term refers to knowledge, skill, and ingenuity. While "cunning" can have negative connotations in modern English, here it signifies masterful cleverness, expert discernment, and practical skill in execution. When paired with "wisdom" (chokmâh) and "understanding" (tâbûwn), it describes a comprehensive and divinely-imparted aptitude for complex craftsmanship, indicating that Huram possessed not just technical proficiency but also the insight to design, innovate, and solve intricate problems in metalwork.
Verse Breakdown
"He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali"
This clause establishes Huram's Israelite lineage through his mother, connecting him to the covenant people and a specific tribal inheritance, despite his father's foreign origin. The designation "widow's son" often implied a degree of vulnerability or dependence in ancient society, yet God elevates him to a position of immense importance, demonstrating His care for the vulnerable and His ability to use anyone for His purposes. This detail also subtly highlights the divine providence in preserving and preparing such a uniquely gifted individual.
"and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass"
This part reveals Huram's Phoenician heritage and the direct source of his specialized craft. Tyre was a renowned center for skilled artisans, particularly in metalwork, and his father's profession indicates a family legacy of expertise. This dual heritage signifies the unique blend of Israelite spiritual purpose and Tyrian artistic excellence that Huram embodied, making him uniquely suited for the Temple project, bridging cultural and technical divides.
"and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass"
This is the core declaration of Huram's exceptional ability and divine enablement. The phrase "filled with" suggests a supernatural endowment, akin to the Spirit-filled craftsmen of the Tabernacle. "Wisdom" refers to practical skill and discernment, "understanding" to insight and comprehension, and "cunning" (as discussed in Key Word Analysis) to ingenious expertise. This comprehensive description emphasizes that his abilities were not merely human talent but a God-given capacity for all aspects of bronze work, encompassing design, execution, and problem-solving.
"And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work"
This final clause describes the practical outcome of Huram's divine gifting and Solomon's initiative. Huram was summoned by Solomon, a testament to his widespread reputation and the king's discernment in seeking out the best. The phrase "wrought all his work" emphasizes his diligent application of his extraordinary talents, indicating that he faithfully and completely executed every aspect of the complex bronze work assigned to him, demonstrating the full utilization of his gifts in the service of God's house.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to underscore Huram's unique qualifications and the divine nature of his abilities. Juxtaposition is prominently featured in the description of his parentage: an Israelite mother from Naphtali is contrasted with a Tyrian father. This highlights his dual heritage, which is essential for the unprecedented international collaboration required for the Temple project. The language used to describe his abilities—"filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning"—is a clear instance of Divine Endowment, echoing the Spirit-filled language used for Bezalel and Aholiab in the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:3). This parallelism elevates Huram's craftsmanship beyond mere human skill to a supernaturally gifted capacity. Furthermore, there is an element of Emphasis through repetition and specificity: he is a "worker in brass" and "cunning to work all works in brass," underscoring his specialized and comprehensive mastery of this particular medium. This meticulous detail serves to highlight the extraordinary nature of his skill, which was absolutely essential for the sacred and elaborate work of the Temple.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Kings 7:14 beautifully illustrates God's sovereignty in raising up and equipping individuals for specific purposes within His divine plan. Huram's story demonstrates that God's work often involves a confluence of diverse talents, backgrounds, and even nations. His divinely-imparted wisdom and skill for metalwork underscore the biblical principle that all good gifts come from God, and that excellence in craftsmanship, when directed towards God's glory, is a profound form of worship. The meticulous detail and high quality of the Temple's construction, facilitated by Huram, reflect God's own character of perfection and His desire for His dwelling place to be of the highest standard. This also implicitly teaches that God can use those from outside the immediate covenant community to contribute significantly to His Kingdom purposes, breaking down narrow conceptions of who is "qualified" for divine service and demonstrating His universal reach.
Reflection and Application
The account of Huram serves as a powerful reminder that God has uniquely gifted each individual with specific talents, abilities, and even life experiences for His purposes. Just as Huram's mixed heritage and exceptional skill were perfectly suited for the task of adorning the Temple, so too are our own diverse backgrounds and inherent capacities intended for God's glory. We are called not merely to possess these gifts but to cultivate them with diligence and to deploy them with excellence in whatever sphere God has placed us—whether in professional work, family life, or direct ministry. This verse challenges us to identify our "brass work," the specific area where our unique combination of "wisdom, understanding, and cunning" can best serve God and others. It also encourages us to embrace collaboration, recognizing that the Kingdom of God is built not by isolated individuals but by the synergistic efforts of diverse people, each contributing their part to the larger divine tapestry, reflecting the multifaceted wisdom of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Huram (or Hiram) mentioned here, and why was he so important?
Huram, also known as Hiram (as in 2 Chronicles 2:13), was a master craftsman specifically skilled in bronze work. He was of mixed heritage, with an Israelite mother from the tribe of Naphtali and a Phoenician father from Tyre, a city renowned for its artisans. He was crucial because he possessed exceptional, divinely-endowed wisdom, understanding, and ingenuity in all aspects of metal craftsmanship. King Solomon specifically sought him out to oversee and execute the intricate and large-scale bronze work for the Temple in Jerusalem, including the massive pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the "molten sea," and various vessels. His unique blend of Israelite connection and Tyrian expertise made him the ideal person for this monumental sacred project, ensuring the highest quality of craftsmanship for God's dwelling place.
Why is Huram's mixed heritage significant for the Temple's construction?
Huram's mixed heritage (Israelite mother, Tyrian father) is highly significant as it embodies the international collaboration between Israel and Tyre that was essential for building the Temple. While the Temple was for the God of Israel, its construction required resources and expertise that Israel alone did not possess. Tyre, under King Hiram, was a leading maritime and artistic power. Huram's background allowed him to bridge these two worlds, bringing the sophisticated metallurgical techniques of Phoenicia to serve the sacred purposes of Israel. This highlights God's ability to use people from diverse backgrounds and nations to accomplish His grand purposes, demonstrating that His work transcends national or ethnic boundaries, and that all gifts, regardless of their origin, can be consecrated to Him. It also shows God's providence in preparing the right person with the right skills for the right moment in history.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Huram's divinely-gifted skill in crafting the earthly Temple's furnishings points forward to the ultimate master builder and the true Temple, Jesus Christ. Just as Huram was "filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning" to construct a physical dwelling for God, so too is Christ the very embodiment of divine wisdom and the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). The elaborate Temple, built by human hands and skills, was a shadow of a greater reality, a temporary dwelling that anticipated the permanent presence of God among His people. Jesus declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body (John 2:19-21). He is the ultimate dwelling place of God, the perfect High Priest who ministers in the "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" (Hebrews 8:1-2). Furthermore, in Christ, believers are now being built together into a spiritual house, a holy temple for the Lord, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). The Holy Spirit, who indwelt Huram for his craftsmanship, now indwells believers, empowering them with diverse gifts to build up this spiritual temple, the Church, for God's glory (1 Corinthians 3:16). Thus, Huram's work, essential for the physical Temple, foreshadows the comprehensive and perfect work of Christ in establishing God's eternal dwelling place among humanity, a dwelling built not of bronze, but of redeemed souls.