TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
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
Ten Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
For by the brim of a cup is expressed the taste of the Lord’s passion, and by the leaf of a crisped lily the glory of his resurrection is openly revealed. For that the chalice of his passion is indicated in the cup is attested by the Lord, who on approaching his passion prayed to his Father, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this chalice from me”; but the lily, which, in addition to the grace of a most pleasant fragrance, displayed a white color on the outside and a golden color on the inside, appositely suggests the glory of the resurrection of him who showed the disciples the immortality of his body externally and at the same time taught that there was within him a soul shining with divine light. One can also fittingly take the crisped lily as the “mediator of God and humankind” himself crowned with glory and honor on account of the suffering of his death, who prior to his passion was still, as it were, a closed lily and shone forth as an illustrious human being by reason of his signs and wonders, but after his resurrection and ascension showed himself to the citizens of the heavenly homeland a crisped lily because he showed forth in his assumed humanity the power of the divine glory that he had with the Father before the world was.
Two thousand bates: That is, about ten thousand gallons. This was the quantity of water which was usually put into it: but it was capable, if brimful, of holding three thousand. See 2 Par. 4. 5.
Continue studying 1 Kings 7:26 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
1 Kings 7:26 offers precise dimensional and decorative specifications for the Molten Sea, a monumental bronze basin within Solomon's Temple. This verse details its substantial thickness, its intricately sculpted brim adorned with lily motifs, and its immense capacity of two thousand baths, collectively emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship, grandeur, and symbolic significance dedicated to the sacred furnishings of God's dwelling place.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of Solomon's construction of the Temple and his royal palace, detailed in 1 Kings 6-7. Following the structural description of the Temple itself, the focus shifts in 1 Kings 7 to the magnificent bronze articles crafted by Hiram of Tyre, a master artisan. Specifically, 1 Kings 7:23-26 provides a dedicated description of the Molten Sea, its dimensions, and its artistic features. The meticulous enumeration of these sacred vessels—including the two bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the ten bronze stands, and various other utensils—underscores the divine mandate for precision and excellence in all aspects of God's worship, reflecting a continuity with the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction of Solomon's Temple, circa 960 BCE, marked a zenith of Israelite power, wealth, and architectural ambition during the United Monarchy. The use of bronze for large-scale liturgical items was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but the sheer size and intricate artistry described for the Molten Sea would have been unparalleled. Hiram of Tyre, a skilled craftsman from the Phoenician city of Tyre, was renowned for his advanced metallurgical techniques, particularly in bronze casting, which he brought to Jerusalem. The "hand breadth" (ṭêphach) was a common ancient measurement, approximately 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm), highlighting the substantial nature of the basin's construction. The lily motif (shûwshan) was a ubiquitous decorative element in ancient Near Eastern art and architecture, often symbolizing purity, beauty, fertility, or even divine favor. Its inclusion on a sacred vessel like the Molten Sea would have imbued it with profound symbolic weight, connecting it to themes of life and purity.
Key Themes
The detailed description of the Molten Sea in 1 Kings 7:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes present throughout 1 Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative:
Divine Mandate and Meticulous Craftsmanship
The extensive details regarding the Temple's construction and furnishings, including the Molten Sea's dimensions and decorations, emphasize that this was not merely a human architectural feat but a direct response to God's specific instructions (compare 1 Chronicles 28:19). It underscores the principle that all offerings and service to God should be of the highest quality and beauty, reflecting profound reverence and devotion.
Purity and Holiness
While not explicitly stated in this verse, the primary function of the Molten Sea was for the ceremonial ablutions of the priests (as explicitly confirmed in 2 Chronicles 4:6). Its immense capacity and prominent placement underscored the absolute necessity of ritual purity for those who ministered in God's presence, a foundational concept in Old Testament worship and a precursor to the spiritual purity required by God's people.
Grandeur and God's Glory
The sheer scale and lavishness of the Molten Sea, along with the entire Temple complex, served to magnify the God of Israel. It was designed to impress and declare the majesty and glory of the One who chose to dwell among His people, reinforcing His sovereignty and power to both Israelites and surrounding nations, echoing the divine glory that filled the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "a spread of the hand, i.e., a palm-breadth." This ancient unit of measurement, approximately 3 to 4 inches (7.5-10 cm), indicates the remarkable thickness and solidity of the bronze basin. The substantial nature of the material speaks to the durability and permanence intended for this sacred vessel, ensuring it could withstand the immense weight of its contents and serve for generations within the Temple.
Referring to "a lily (from its whiteness), as a flower of architectural ornament." The decorative motif of lilies on the brim signifies not only aesthetic beauty but also carries symbolic weight. In ancient Near Eastern iconography, lilies often represented purity, beauty, and new life. Their inclusion on the Molten Sea's brim would have reinforced the themes of holiness and the life-giving, cleansing nature of the purification rituals performed with its water.
Probably from the same as battah, meaning "a bath or Hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids." A "bath" was a standard liquid measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 5.8 gallons (22 liters). Thus, "two thousand baths" translates to an astonishing capacity of approximately 11,600 gallons (44,000 liters). This immense volume underscores the monumental scale of the Molten Sea, emphasizing its function as a primary reservoir for the extensive purification needs of the numerous priests serving in the Temple.
Verse Breakdown
"And it [was] an hand breadth thick"
This initial phrase immediately establishes the impressive solidity and robust construction of the Molten Sea. The specified thickness of a "hand breadth" (approximately 3-4 inches or 7.5-10 cm) highlights the immense amount of bronze used, conveying the durability and permanence intended for this sacred vessel. It speaks to the quality and enduring nature of the materials dedicated to God's service, reflecting the divine standard for excellence.
"and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies"
This clause describes the intricate and artistic detailing of the basin's upper edge. The comparison to "the brim of a cup" suggests a graceful, perhaps flared or rounded, shape, while the "flowers of lilies" indicate a delicate and beautiful decorative motif. This detail underscores that even functional items in the Temple were crafted with exceptional artistry and beauty, reflecting the glory, aesthetic perfection, and symbolic purity attributed to God.
"it contained two thousand baths"
This final phrase quantifies the Molten Sea's enormous capacity. A "bath" being a significant liquid measure, "two thousand baths" (approximately 11,600 gallons or 44,000 liters) reveals the colossal volume of water it could hold. This immense capacity was necessary to accommodate the extensive ritual purification needs of the priests ministering in the Temple, emphasizing the scale of operations and the abundance required for maintaining holiness in God's presence.
Literary Devices
The description in 1 Kings 7:26 primarily employs Detailed Description and Imagery. The verse meticulously outlines the physical attributes of the Molten Sea, providing precise measurements ("an hand breadth thick") and vivid visual details ("wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies"). This Imagery allows the reader to visualize the grandeur and intricate beauty of the sacred object, appealing directly to the senses. The mention of "flowers of lilies" also incorporates Symbolism, as lilies in ancient Near Eastern contexts often represented purity, beauty, and new life—themes highly relevant to the Molten Sea's function in priestly purification. The sheer scale implied by "two thousand baths" also contributes to a sense of Hyperbole or Grandeur, emphasizing the magnificent nature of God's dwelling place and the lavish resources dedicated to His worship, creating an impression of awe and divine majesty.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The Molten Sea, as described in 1 Kings 7:26, stands as a profound symbol of the meticulousness and grandeur required in approaching a holy God. Its immense size, substantial construction, and intricate beauty were not merely for ostentation but pointed to the profound importance of purity for those who served in the Temple. The lavish resources and skilled craftsmanship dedicated to its creation underscored the Israelite understanding that God deserved nothing less than the absolute best. This emphasis on external purity through ritual washing foreshadowed a deeper spiritual need for cleansing, a theme that resonates throughout biblical theology, highlighting humanity's inherent defilement and the divine provision for purification, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
Reflection and Application
The detailed description of the Molten Sea, from its substantial thickness to its delicate lily adornments and vast capacity, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our worship and service to God should not be characterized by mediocrity or half-heartedness, but by a spirit of excellence, reverence, and wholehearted devotion. Just as the priests needed to be ritually cleansed before entering God's presence, so too are we called to pursue a life of holiness and purity, recognizing that our access to God is not earned but graciously granted through Christ's sacrifice, yet still demands a transformed life. The grandeur of the Molten Sea also inspires us to reflect God's majesty in our own lives, living in a way that magnifies His glory and testifies to His worthiness, understanding that our lives are to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of the Molten Sea in Solomon's Temple, and why was it so large?
The primary purpose of the Molten Sea was for the ceremonial ablutions of the priests. According to 2 Chronicles 4:6, it was specifically for the priests to wash themselves. Its immense size and capacity of two thousand baths (approximately 11,600 gallons or 44,000 liters) were necessary to provide a plentiful supply of water for the numerous priests who served in the Temple, ensuring they could ritually cleanse themselves before performing their sacred duties. This emphasized the critical importance of purity and holiness required for ministering in the presence of God, a principle foundational to Old Testament worship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Molten Sea, with its immense capacity for ritual purification, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing to the ultimate and perfect cleansing offered through Jesus Christ. While the Molten Sea provided water for the external washing of priests, foreshadowing the need for holiness, it could not truly cleanse the conscience or remove the stain of sin. That profound spiritual purification is accomplished solely by the shed blood of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. Christ's sacrifice on the cross is the definitive act that cleanses us from all unrighteousness, making us fit to enter God's presence, not through ritual baths but through His perfect atoning work (Hebrews 9:14). Furthermore, the New Testament speaks of a spiritual "washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5), and the ongoing cleansing we receive through the "washing of water with the word" (Ephesians 5:26). Thus, the Molten Sea, a grand symbol of necessary purity, finds its glorious and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Christ, who provides an eternal and internal cleansing for all who believe, granting us direct and confident access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22).