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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.
For the number seven is conventionally used to denote the grace of the Holy Spirit, as attested in the Apocalypse by John, who, after saying that he had seen “the lamb with seven horns and seven eyes,” went on to add, by way of explanation, “which are the seven spirits of God sent into the whole world.” This the prophet Isaiah more clearly explains when, speaking of the Lord who was to be born in the flesh, he says, “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the spirit of counsel and of fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of the Lord.” The reason why there were seven rows of net in both capitals is that it was through the grace of one and the same septiform Spirit that the Fathers of both Testaments received the privilege of election.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:17 meticulously details the intricate decorative elements adorning the "chapiters" (capitals) of the two massive bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of King Solomon's Temple. The verse describes "nets of checker work" and "wreaths of chain work," specifying that "seven" of these adornments were crafted for each chapiter, highlighting the extraordinary craftsmanship, opulence, and symbolic precision invested in the construction of God's dwelling place.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. Detailed Description is paramount, as the text meticulously enumerates the specific decorative elements ("nets of checker work," "wreaths of chain work"). This precision emphasizes the extraordinary craftsmanship and the immense value placed on the Temple's construction, highlighting the sacredness of God's dwelling. Repetition of the number "seven" ("seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter") serves to underscore its symbolic importance, drawing the reader's attention to its theological implications of completeness or perfection. Furthermore, Symbolism is inherent in the number seven itself, which, as noted, carries rich connotations throughout Scripture, suggesting that the Temple's design was not merely aesthetic but encoded with divine meaning and purpose. The very act of describing such intricate, non-functional ornamentation also contributes to the overall sense of Magnificence and Awe, showcasing an unparalleled level of dedication and resource in glorifying God's dwelling.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous description of the Temple's ornamentation, even down to the "checker work" and "chain work" on the chapiters, underscores a profound theological truth: God values excellence, beauty, and intentionality in what is offered to Him and in the spaces dedicated to His presence. The Temple was not merely a functional building but a tangible representation of God's glory and a symbol of His covenant presence among His people. The lavish detail, particularly the symbolic use of the number seven, speaks to a desire for perfection and completeness in worship and in the physical manifestation of divine order. This attention to detail reflects the character of God Himself, who is a God of order, beauty, and infinite perfection, and who delights in the finest expressions of human skill offered in devotion, setting a standard for the reverence and honor due to Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of 1 Kings 7:17, describing the elaborate adornments of the Temple pillars, offer a powerful lesson for contemporary believers. Just as every part of the earthly Temple was crafted with the utmost care and beauty, reflecting God's glory, so too should our spiritual lives and our acts of worship be characterized by excellence and intentionality. This passage calls us to consider the quality of our devotion, our service, and our contributions to God's kingdom. It's not just about grand gestures, but about the "checker work" and "chain work"—the seemingly small, hidden details of our faithfulness, integrity, and love that collectively form a beautiful offering to God. Our diligence in these matters, our pursuit of excellence in all we do for Him, and our commitment to living lives that reflect His holiness contribute to a grander picture of devotion and reverence for God, honoring Him who deserves nothing less than our very best.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What are "chapiters" in the context of the Temple, and why were they so important?
Answer: "Chapiters" (or capitals) were the decorative top portions of pillars, transitioning from the main shaft to the structure they supported. In the Temple, they were crucial because they crowned the two massive bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, which stood prominently at the entrance. These pillars, and especially their highly ornamented capitals, were not merely structural but deeply symbolic, representing God's strength, stability, and presence. Their elaborate design, as described in 1 Kings 7:17-22, contributed significantly to the overall grandeur and theological meaning of the Temple, serving as a visual testament to the majesty of the God worshipped within.
Why does the Bible provide such minute details about the Temple's construction, even down to "nets of checker work"?
Answer: The Bible's meticulous description of the Temple's construction, including seemingly small details like "nets of checker work" and "wreaths of chain work," serves several purposes. Firstly, it underscores the immense value and sacredness of the structure as God's dwelling place on earth. Every detail reflected the glory and majesty of God, signifying that nothing was too good for Him. Secondly, it highlights the extraordinary resources and craftsmanship dedicated to its building, emphasizing the Israelites' devotion and King Solomon's commitment to honoring God. Thirdly, these details often carried symbolic meaning, as seen with the number seven, contributing to the theological richness of the Temple's design. This level of detail also authenticates the historical account and demonstrates the divine inspiration behind the project, where even the aesthetic elements were part of a larger, divinely ordained plan for a holy sanctuary.
What is the significance of the number "seven" being mentioned for each chapiter?
Answer: The repeated mention of "seven" for each chapiter is highly significant in biblical numerology. Throughout Scripture, the number seven frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, divine order, or holiness. For example, God completed creation in seven days, and there are numerous instances of sevens in the Law and prophetic literature (e.g., the seven-branched menorah, the seven feasts). In the context of the Temple, its use here suggests that the design was not arbitrary but imbued with sacred meaning, aiming for a perfect and divinely ordered aesthetic for God's dwelling. It communicates a sense of divine fullness and sacred beauty inherent in the structure, reflecting God's own perfect nature and His desire for completeness in worship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The earthly Temple, with its magnificent architecture and intricate details like the "nets of checker work" and "wreaths of chain work" on its pillars, served as a powerful symbol of God's dwelling among His people. While awe-inspiring, it was ultimately a temporary structure, a shadow pointing to a greater reality. In Christ, we find the ultimate fulfillment of all that the Temple represented. Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (referring to His body). He is the perfect dwelling place of God, the one in whom "all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily" (Colossians 2:9). The meticulous craftsmanship of the Temple, reflecting excellence and divine order, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the "radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" (Hebrews 1:3). Furthermore, through Christ's sacrifice, believers are now incorporated into a spiritual temple, becoming "a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22). The beauty and perfection sought in the physical Temple find their ultimate and eternal realization in the person of Jesus Christ and in the redeemed community of His people, who are being built together into a holy sanctuary for the Lord, a "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5) for priestly service.