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Commentary on 1 Kings 7 verses 13–47
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.
Hence it is good that we are told that two bronze pillars of excellent and marvelous work were set up in this porch and that capitals worked to resemble lilies were placed on top of them. The pillars stood in front of the door of the temple because illustrious teachers, concerning whom the apostle says, “James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars,” precede the coming of our Redeemer, to bear testimony to the coming of the one who said, “I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he will be saved.” One of these [pillars] stood at the right of the door and the other at the left, because they foretold to the people of Israel, then fervent with divine faith and charity, the future incarnation of their Redeemer; and they proclaimed to the Gentiles, still as it were facing north, numb with the cold of unbelief, that this [door] was to be opened to make way for the entry of the Redeemer. That the capitals of the pillars were made by a workman to resemble lilies signifies that the entire import of the preaching [of James, Cephas and John] resounded with the clarity of everlasting happiness and promised that his glory would be seen by their hearers. He who existed as God before the ages became a human being at the end of the ages, so that like the flower of the lily he might have a golden color within and be white on the outside. For what is the significance of the glow of gold surrounded by whiteness except the brilliance of divinity in a human being? He first revealed this human being as brilliant because of his virtues, and after his death he clothed him in the snowy white splendor of incorruptibility.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:15 initiates the detailed description of the two monumental bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, destined for the porch of Solomon's Temple. This verse precisely outlines their impressive dimensions: each standing eighteen cubits high with a circumference of twelve cubits. It marks the commencement of the account of the Temple's elaborate furnishings, underscoring the immense scale, precious materials, and sophisticated craftsmanship dedicated to the construction of God's sacred dwelling in Jerusalem. These pillars were designed not only for architectural grandeur but also to convey profound symbolic meaning, representing strength, stability, and the enduring divine presence.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive narrative of King Solomon's monumental building projects, specifically following the meticulous account of the Temple's primary structural construction in 1 Kings 6. Chapter 7 marks a significant shift in focus, moving from the Temple's foundational elements and main structure to its intricate interior and exterior furnishings, as well as Solomon's own palace. The preceding verses, 1 Kings 7:13-14, introduce Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman renowned for his exceptional skill in bronze work, whom Solomon commissions for these sacred objects. The subsequent description of the pillars in 1 Kings 7:15-22 is notably detailed, emphasizing their grandeur and profound symbolic significance as prominent features at the Temple's entrance. The narrative then continues to detail other elaborate bronze furnishings, such as the great Sea and the movable stands, collectively underscoring the opulence, sacredness, and meticulous design of the Temple's interior and immediate surroundings.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple, constructed in Jerusalem, was envisioned and built as the central and permanent place of worship for the Israelite nation, fulfilling King David's fervent desire to establish a lasting dwelling for the name of the Lord (2 Samuel 7:1-17). The extensive use of bronze, a durable and aesthetically pleasing alloy of copper (often with tin), was commonplace in ancient Near Eastern architecture and for cultic objects. Its selection for these monumental pillars reflects not only the immense wealth and power of Solomon's kingdom but also the advanced metallurgical skills available through strategic alliances, particularly with the skilled artisans of Tyre. Large, freestanding pillars at the entrance of significant buildings, especially temples, were a widespread architectural and symbolic feature across the ancient world. They often conveyed ideas of strength, stability, and the enduring presence of a deity. The Temple itself stood as a marvel of ancient engineering and artistry, meticulously designed to reflect the glory, majesty, and holiness of the God of Israel, serving as a tangible representation of His covenant presence among His people.
Key Themes: The construction and detailing of these impressive bronze pillars contribute significantly to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Kings. Firstly, they powerfully illustrate the theme of Divine Grandeur and Human Devotion, as the sheer scale, precious materials, and meticulous craftsmanship dedicated to these objects reflect Israel's profound commitment to honoring God with the absolute best of their abilities and resources. This echoes the principles of sacrificial giving and worship found throughout the Old Testament, as seen in David's preparations for the Temple (1 Chronicles 29:1-5). Secondly, the pillars embody the theme of Strength and Stability, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people and His steadfast, unwavering presence among them. Their prominent placement at the Temple's entrance would have visually reinforced the theological idea of God as the ultimate support and unshakeable foundation for both the nation and individual faith. Thirdly, these magnificent structures contribute to the theme of Awe and Holiness, serving as a visual prelude that prepared worshippers for an encounter with the divine as they approached the sacred space, thereby fostering a profound sense of reverence and wonder at the majesty and sanctity of God's dwelling place.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The description in 1 Kings 7:15 employs several literary devices to convey the profound significance of the bronze pillars. Precision of Detail is strikingly evident in the specific measurements provided (eighteen cubits high, twelve cubits circumference). This meticulous enumeration lends an air of factual accuracy and underscores the monumental scale and exceptional craftsmanship involved in the Temple's construction. This precision also serves to impress upon the reader the grandeur, costliness, and sacred dedication of God's dwelling. Symbolism is paramount, as the very presence of such massive, freestanding pillars at the entrance of a sacred space inherently conveyed profound ideas of strength, stability, and permanence. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, pillars often symbolized divine support, the enduring presence of a deity, and the steadfastness of a covenant. These pillars would have powerfully communicated the unwavering nature of God's covenant with Israel and His steadfast dwelling among His people. The sheer scale described also borders on Hyperbole, as the dimensions, while likely accurate, are presented in a manner that evokes awe and wonder, emphasizing the extraordinary and unparalleled nature of the Temple as God's earthly abode.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of these magnificent bronze pillars for Solomon's Temple speaks volumes about the Israelite understanding of God's majesty and the profound dedication required in His worship. They were far more than mere architectural elements; they were profound symbols of God's steadfastness, His unwavering power, and the enduring nature of His covenant with Israel. Their imposing size and permanent placement at the Temple's entrance communicated a powerful message of divine strength and stability, assuring the people of God's faithful presence amidst them and His commitment to His promises. This commitment to excellence in building God's house reflects a deep theological conviction that the Lord deserves the very best, echoing principles of sacrificial giving, wholehearted worship, and reverence that permeate the Old Testament narrative.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of these colossal bronze pillars in 1 Kings 7:15 invites us to deeply consider the nature of our own devotion and the foundational truths upon which our faith rests. Just as these pillars stood as enduring testaments to God's presence, power, and permanence at the Temple's entrance, so too are we called to build our lives on unshakeable truths, dedicating our finest efforts, resources, and talents to God's glory. The excellence of craftsmanship and the preciousness of materials used for the Temple serve as a timeless reminder that our worship, service, and daily lives should be characterized by intentionality, quality, and wholeheartedness, reflecting the supreme worth of the One we serve. These pillars, embodying strength and stability, can also prompt us to reflect on the foundational truths of our faith – the unwavering character of God, the absolute reliability of His promises, and the eternal security found in Him – which provide steadfast support and an unmoving anchor in a world of constant change and uncertainty. They call us to a faith that is both grand in its vision and firm in its foundation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the purpose of these two large bronze pillars?
Answer: The two large bronze pillars, later named Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:21), served both an architectural and profound symbolic purpose. Architecturally, they stood prominently at the porch or entrance of the Temple, creating an impressive and imposing facade that would have immediately struck anyone approaching. Symbolically, they represented strength, stability, and the enduring presence of God Himself. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, such monumental pillars often signified the support, permanence, and divine endorsement of a structure or institution. For Solomon's Temple, they were powerful visual declarations of God's unwavering covenant with Israel and His steadfast dwelling among His people, serving to prepare those who entered for an encounter with the divine. It is important to note that they were not primarily structural in the sense of bearing the weight of the main Temple building, but rather stood as independent, symbolic sentinels, marking the threshold of sacred space.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 7:15 describes physical pillars for a physical Temple, its deeper theological resonance finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple itself, with all its elaborate furnishings, was a magnificent shadow, a tangible representation pointing to the ultimate reality of God's dwelling among His people—a reality fully and perfectly embodied in Christ. Just as these bronze pillars symbolized strength, stability, and God's enduring presence, so Jesus is the true and ultimate foundation and pillar of God's eternal house. He is the divine cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual temple of believers is built (Ephesians 2:20-22), providing the ultimate stability, coherence, and eternal security. Furthermore, Christ himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to the temple of His own body, thereby becoming the ultimate locus of God's presence and the means of access to Him. The grandeur and permanence of the bronze pillars foreshadow the eternal majesty, unshakeable nature, and divine glory of God's kingdom, which is established, sustained, and upheld by Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). He is the true and living way into God's presence (John 14:6), the ultimate "entrance" to the divine, through whom we have access to the Father (Ephesians 3:12).