1 Kings 7:27

And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits [was] the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.

And he made {H6213} ten {H6235} bases {H4350} of brass {H5178}; four {H702} cubits {H520} was the length {H753} of one {H259} base {H4350}, and four {H702} cubits {H520} the breadth {H7341} thereof, and three {H7969} cubits {H520} the height {H6967} of it.

He made ten bronze trolleys, each one seven feet long, seven feet wide, and five-and-a-quarter feet high.

In addition, he made ten movable stands of bronze, each four cubits long, four cubits wide, and three cubits high.

And he made the ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.

Commentary

1 Kings 7:27 offers a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the construction of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This particular verse details the dimensions of the ten movable stands, or 'bases of brass,' which were crucial components designed to hold the large lavers (basins) used for ritual washing by the priests.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader narrative in 1 Kings chapters 6 and 7 that provides an exhaustive description of the building of the Temple and Solomon's own palace. Following the general structure of the Temple, the text shifts to the intricate furnishings and sacred vessels. The construction was a monumental undertaking, involving highly skilled artisans, most notably Hiram of Tyre, who was responsible for casting many of these brass and bronze elements. These bases were not merely decorative; they served a vital function in supporting the ten lavers, which were used by the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering, signifying the essential role of purification in divine service.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate and Meticulous Detail: The precise measurements provided—four cubits in length, four cubits in breadth, and three cubits in height—underscore the extraordinary attention to detail in the Temple's construction. This reflects God's desire for order, excellence, and adherence to specific plans for His worship space, much like the earlier Tabernacle.
  • Functionality for Sacred Service: The primary purpose of these bases was to hold the lavers, which were indispensable for the daily priestly rituals. This highlights the theme of purification and sanctification necessary for those who approached God's presence and performed sacred duties.
  • Grandeur and Abundant Resources: The sheer number (ten) of these substantial brass bases, along with the other precious materials used throughout the Temple, speaks to King Solomon's immense wealth and his profound dedication of resources to the house of the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The measurement unit, "cubits," was a standard ancient Hebrew measure, typically based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact modern equivalent varies, it generally ranged from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). Therefore, each base would have measured roughly 6-7 feet (about 1.8-2.1 meters) in length and width, and about 4.5-5.25 feet (about 1.4-1.6 meters) in height, indicating they were large and robust structures.

Significance and Application

Although the physical Temple and its specific implements are no longer in use, the spiritual principles they represent remain eternally relevant. This verse, like the broader descriptions of the Temple, offers valuable insights into:

  • Reverence and Intentionality in Worship: The elaborate preparation for worship teaches us to approach God with deep respect, intentionality, and a recognition of His holiness.
  • The Ongoing Need for Spiritual Purity: Just as the priests needed to wash, believers today are called to live lives of holiness, recognizing the cleansing power of Christ's blood and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification.
  • Excellence in Our Service to God: Solomon's commitment of the finest materials and craftsmanship encourages us to offer our best gifts, talents, and efforts in serving God and His kingdom.

Cross-References

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 4:14

    He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;

  • 2 Kings 25:13

    And the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

  • Jeremiah 52:17

    Also the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans brake, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.

  • 2 Kings 25:16

    The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

  • 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.

  • Jeremiah 52:20

    The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight.
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