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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 the surface of the bases was not level at any point, but whichever side one turned, it was carved with mystical figures because the minds of the saints, indeed their whole way of life, displays the charm of the virtues in everything, and not an empty or idle hour passes them by that they fail to have time for good works or words or, at all events, thoughts. They have little crowns carved on them when they yearn with untiring longing for entry into eternal life; they have ledges when, amid their longing for the life of heaven that is above, they never undo the bonds of fraternal intercourse that is at hand; they have lions between the little crowns and ledges when they so raise their minds to hope for heavenly things and so open them out to the love of their neighbor that they do not shirk the zealous exercise of stern denunciation on any sinners entrusted to their charge. In addition to lions, they have oxen when they employ even the invective of correction in a spirit of meekness, when, in the heat of rebuking, they never cease to have the cloven hoof of prudent action and word or to roll the words of divine reading around in the mouth as if ruminating on them. Finally, blessed Stephen, the one who was the pillar of excellence of the Lord’s temple, seemed to show the fierce teeth and claws of a lion when he said to his persecutors, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit; which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” and so forth; but in saying this he showed how much of the compassion of bovine meekness he nurtured in his heart within, when, for these same persecutors raging to kill him, he knelt and said, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” But because we can have neither hope of things eternal in heaven, nor love of neighbor on earth, nor the fervor of trenchant zeal nor the gentleness of compassionate restraint, without knowledge of the holy Scriptures, it is aptly remarked that after crown and ledges, after lions and oxen, cherubim too were carved. For it is generally accepted that cherubim are a type of sacred scripture, whether because the two cherubim on the propitiatory of the ark were fashioned as a figure of the two Testaments that sing in harmony of Christ or because the name itself means “much knowledge.”
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:28 offers a precise architectural detail regarding the construction of the ten movable bronze bases designed to support the lavers within Solomon's magnificent Temple. This verse, embedded in a larger section describing the Temple's elaborate furnishings, highlights the intricate craftsmanship and structural specifics of these significant components, emphasizing the meticulous attention given to every element of the sacred edifice.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within 1 Kings chapter 7, which provides an exhaustive description of the various furnishings, vessels, and architectural elements crafted for King Solomon's Temple. Following the detailed account of the Temple's main structure in 1 Kings chapter 6, chapter 7 shifts focus to the interior and exterior bronze work, particularly the contributions of Hiram of Tyre. Verses 27-39 specifically delineate the design and dimensions of the ten bronze bases and the lavers they supported, which were essential for the priests' ritual washings. The meticulous detail in this passage underscores the importance of every component in the sacred space, reflecting a commitment to divine specifications.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple, built in Jerusalem, was the central place of worship for ancient Israel, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people. Its construction, a monumental undertaking, involved the finest materials and skilled artisans, including Hiram, a master craftsman from Tyre, a region renowned for its metalwork. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were often considered microcosms of the divine order, and their construction frequently involved precise, divinely revealed specifications. The lavers, supported by these bases, were crucial for priestly purification rituals, reflecting the high value placed on ceremonial cleanliness and holiness in approaching God, a practice deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law, as seen in instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus 30:17-21. This emphasis on purity underscored the vast chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, requiring ritual preparation for divine encounter.
Key Themes: The detailed description of the bases in 1 Kings 7:28 contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Meticulous Design and Craftsmanship, emphasizing that God's dwelling place demanded the highest quality and precision, a testament to the divine standard of excellence. This attention to detail reflects the theological truth that God is a God of order and beauty, and His creation, as well as the structures dedicated to Him, should reflect His character. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Divine Order and Holiness, as every element, including these bases for purification vessels, served a specific purpose in maintaining the sanctity of worship and the sacred space. This meticulousness reflects God's own character—a God of order, beauty, and perfection. Finally, the practical function of the bases in facilitating priestly purification points to the enduring theme of Purity in Worship, a concept foundational to Israelite religious practice and echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in Leviticus 10:3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 1 Kings 7:28, and indeed throughout the architectural descriptions in 1 Kings 6-7, is Technical Description or Architectural Blueprint. The text functions as a detailed, almost engineering-like, account of the Temple's construction, providing precise measurements, materials, and structural relationships. This meticulous detailing emphasizes the divine origin and sacred nature of the structure, implying that every component, no matter how small, was significant and crafted according to a divine standard. The use of specific terminology for parts like "borders" and "ledges" further underscores this precise descriptive style, creating a sense of awe at the complexity and grandeur of the edifice. Additionally, there is an element of Repetition in the broader context of 1 Kings 7, where similar descriptive patterns are used for various Temple elements, reinforcing the theme of meticulous craftsmanship and the sheer scale of Solomon's building project, which was designed to reflect the glory and majesty of God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail provided for the bronze bases in 1 Kings 7:28, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. It underscores the biblical principle that God values excellence, precision, and beauty in all that pertains to His worship and presence. The fact that even the supporting structures for the lavers—vessels of purification—were crafted with such care speaks to the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of appropriate preparation for those who would draw near to Him. This attention to detail reflects God's own character as a God of order, who delights in perfection and demands the best from His people in their service and devotion. It teaches us that nothing is too small or insignificant when it comes to honoring the Lord, and that true worship encompasses every aspect of our lives, presented with integrity and excellence before Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of the Temple bases in 1 Kings 7:28, while historical, offers timeless spiritual insights for believers today. Just as every part of the Temple was crafted with precision and purpose for God's glory, so too are our lives meant to be built with intentionality and excellence in service to Him. This verse challenges us to consider the quality of our "work"—our spiritual disciplines, our relationships, our professional endeavors, and our worship. Do we approach these areas with the same meticulous care and dedication that Hiram and his craftsmen applied to the Temple furnishings? Furthermore, the bases supported the lavers, which were used for purification. This reminds us of the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing and preparation in our lives. Our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This requires a commitment to purity, not just outwardly, but inwardly, reflecting the divine standard of holiness in all that we do. We are called to be "bases" that uphold the truth and facilitate spiritual purity in a world that desperately needs it, ensuring our own "borders" are firmly set within God's "ledges" of truth and righteousness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What were these "bases" used for in Solomon's Temple?
Answer: The "bases" were elaborate, wheeled bronze stands designed to support ten large bronze lavers (basins). These lavers held water used by the priests for washing their hands and feet before ministering in the sanctuary, ensuring ritual purity as they performed their sacred duties. Their mobility, enabled by the wheels, allowed them to be moved as needed within the Temple courts, facilitating the various purification rites essential for maintaining the sanctity of the sacred space.
Why is so much detail given to these seemingly minor parts of the Temple?
Answer: The extensive detail given to the bases, along with other Temple furnishings, underscores several key theological and practical points. Firstly, it emphasizes the sacredness and importance of every element associated with God's dwelling place. Nothing was considered too small or insignificant for the Lord, as His presence sanctified the entire structure. Secondly, it highlights the divine standard of excellence and precision that God required for His worship, reflecting His own character as a God of order, beauty, and perfection. Finally, it serves as a historical record of the Temple's construction, demonstrating the immense resources and skill invested in building a structure worthy of the Almighty, mirroring the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus 25-31.
Who was Hiram of Tyre, and what was his role in the Temple's construction?
Answer: Hiram of Tyre was a highly skilled bronze craftsman and artisan, described as "filled with wisdom and understanding and skill to work in all kinds of bronze work" in 1 Kings 7:14. He was commissioned by King Solomon to oversee and execute the extensive bronze work for the Temple, including the two great bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the great Sea (a large bronze basin), and the ten movable bases and lavers described in 1 Kings 7:15-47. His unparalleled expertise was crucial in bringing Solomon's vision and God's specifications for the Temple's intricate furnishings to fruition.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate details of the Temple bases and lavers, designed for ritual purification, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system of washings and sacrifices, though divinely ordained, was a shadow of the perfect and ultimate cleansing to come. The lavers symbolized the necessary purification for approaching a holy God, a constant reminder of humanity's sinfulness and need for atonement. However, these rituals could not truly cleanse the conscience or provide lasting purity (Hebrews 9:9-10). Christ, as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, perfectly fulfills the need for purification through His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, shedding His blood to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Moreover, Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to His body. Through Him, believers are now made pure and become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, able to draw near to God with confidence, not through ritual washings, but through the perfect and complete cleansing provided by His atoning work (Hebrews 10:19-22). Thus, the meticulous craftsmanship of the Temple bases points forward to the perfect work of Christ, who perfectly cleanses and perfectly enables our access to God, establishing a new and living way.