1 Kings 7:26

KJV

And it [was] an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it was an hand breadth {H2947} thick {H5672}, and the brim {H8193} thereof was wrought {H4639} like the brim {H8193} of a cup {H3563}, with flowers {H6525} of lilies {H7799}: it contained {H3557} two thousand {H505} baths {H1324}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was a handbreadth thick, its rim was made like the rim of a cup, like the flower of a lily; and its capacity was 11,000 gallons.

Berean Standard Bible

It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths.

American Standard Version

And it was a handbreadth thick: and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily: it held two thousand baths.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:26 provides precise dimensional and decorative details for the Molten Sea, a colossal bronze basin located in Solomon's Temple. This verse describes its substantial thickness, its intricately sculpted brim adorned with lily motifs, and its immense capacity of two thousand baths, emphasizing the meticulous craftsmanship and grandeur dedicated to the sacred furnishings of God's dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, specifically within [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Construction of Solomon's Temple and its Furnishings"). Following the description of Solomon's own palace and the Temple's main structure, the narrative shifts focus to the magnificent bronze articles crafted by Hiram of Tyre. Verses [1 Kings 7:15-47](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-47 - Hiram's Bronze Work") meticulously enumerate the two bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the Molten Sea itself (introduced in [1 Kings 7:23](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23 - The Molten Sea")), the ten bronze stands with their basins, and other smaller utensils. The meticulous detail in these descriptions underscores the significance of each item in the Temple's overall design and function, highlighting the divine mandate for excellence in all things pertaining to God's worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple (c. 960 BCE) was a monumental undertaking, reflecting the peak of Israelite power and wealth during the United Monarchy. The use of bronze for such large-scale liturgical items was common in the ancient Near East, but the sheer size and intricate artistry described here would have been exceptional. Hiram of Tyre, a skilled artisan from Phoenicia, brought advanced metallurgical techniques, particularly in bronze casting, to Jerusalem. The "hand breadth" was a common ancient measurement, roughly equivalent to 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm), emphasizing the substantial nature of the basin. The lily motif was a prevalent decorative element in ancient Near Eastern architecture and art, often symbolizing purity, beauty, or fertility, and its inclusion on a sacred vessel like the Molten Sea would have carried symbolic weight.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description of the Molten Sea contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"):
* **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 the work was not merely human endeavor but a response to God's specific instructions (cf. [1 Chronicles 28:19](/1_chronicles/28-19 "1 Chronicles 28:19 - David's Blueprint for the Temple")). It highlights the principle that all offerings and service to God should be of the highest quality and beauty, reflecting 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 confirmed in [2 Chronicles 4:6](/2_chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6 - Purpose of the Molten Sea")). 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.
* **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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand breadth (Hebrew, _ṭephaḥ'_):** 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.
* **Lilies (Hebrew, _shoshan'_):** 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 nature of the purification rituals performed with its water.
* **Baths (Hebrew, _bat'_):** 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 phrase immediately establishes the impressive solidity and robust construction of the Molten Sea. The specified thickness of a "hand breadth" (approximately 3-4 inches) highlights the immense amount of bronze used, conveying the durability and permanence of this sacred vessel. It speaks to the quality and enduring nature of the materials dedicated to God's service.
* **"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, 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 and aesthetic perfection 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 ("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. The mention of "flowers of lilies" also incorporates **Symbolism**, as lilies in ancient Near Eastern contexts often represented purity and beauty, 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 **Grandeur** and awe, emphasizing the magnificent nature of God's dwelling place and the lavish resources dedicated to His worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Molten Sea, as described in 1 Kings 7:26, stands as a powerful symbol of the meticulousness and grandeur required in approaching a holy God. Its immense size and intricate beauty were not merely for show 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.

* [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Bronze Laver")
* [2 Chronicles 4:6](/2_chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6 - Purpose of the Molten Sea for Priests")
* [Psalm 51:7](/psalms/51-7 "Psalm 51:7 - Wash Me, and I Shall Be Whiter Than Snow")

### 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 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous craftsmanship of the Molten Sea challenge your approach to serving God in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you seek to maintain spiritual purity in your daily walk, recognizing the need for cleansing before approaching God?**
* **What does the sheer scale and beauty of the Temple furnishings, like the Molten Sea, communicate about God's character and His worthiness of our best?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Molten Sea in Solomon's Temple, and why was it so large?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Molten Sea was for the ceremonial ablutions of the priests. According to [2 Chronicles 4:6](/2_chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6 - Purpose of the Molten Sea"), it was specifically for the priests to wash themselves. Its immense size and capacity of two thousand baths (approximately 11,600 gallons) 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.

### 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 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!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). 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 (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the New Testament speaks of a spiritual "washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit" ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")), and the ongoing cleansing we receive through the "washing of water with the word" ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Washing of Water by the Word")). 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 access to the Father (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 4:5

And the thickness of it [was] an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; [and] it received and held three thousand baths.

1 Kings 7:19

And the chapiters that [were] upon the top of the pillars [were] of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

Ezekiel 45:14

Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, [ye shall offer] the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, [which is] an homer of ten baths; for ten baths [are] an homer:

Jeremiah 52:21

And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof [was] four fingers: [it was] hollow.

1 Kings 6:32

The two doors also [were of] olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid [them] with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

1 Kings 6:18

And the cedar of the house within [was] carved with knops and open flowers: all [was] cedar; there was no stone seen.

1 Kings 7:38

Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: [and] every laver was four cubits: [and] upon every one of the ten bases one laver.