1 Kings 7:28

KJV

And the work of the bases [was] on this [manner]: they had borders, and the borders [were] between the ledges:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the work {H4639} of the bases {H4350} was on this manner: they had borders {H4526}, and the borders {H4526} were between the ledges {H7948}:

Complete Jewish Bible

They were designed with panels that were set between the corner-posts,

Berean Standard Bible

This was the design of the stands: They had side panels attached to uprights,

American Standard Version

And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had panels; and there were panels between the ledges;

Commentary

### 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](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Temple Furnishings"), 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](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - The Building of Solomon's Temple"), 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.

* **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. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were considered microcosms of the divine order, and their construction often 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](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle").

* **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. 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](/leviticus/10-3 "Leviticus 10:3 - God's Holiness and Priestly Conduct").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bases (Hebrew, _mekhonot'_):** The Hebrew word מְכוֹנֹת (_mekhonot_), plural of מְכוֹנָה (_mekhonah_), refers to the elaborate, wheeled stands designed to support the bronze lavers. These were not simple pedestals but complex structures, described in detail throughout 1 Kings 7, featuring wheels, axles, and decorative panels adorned with lions, oxen, and cherubim. Their mobility allowed the lavers to be moved for various ritual purposes, indicating a practical yet highly ornate design.
* **Borders (Hebrew, _misgerot'_):** The term מִסְגְּרֹת (_misgerot_), plural of מִסְגֶּרֶת (_misgeret_), signifies frames, enclosures, or panels. In this context, it refers to the structural and decorative frames that formed the sides of the bases. These borders were likely intricately worked and provided both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, serving as the canvas for the detailed carvings mentioned elsewhere in the chapter.
* **Ledges (Hebrew, _shelabbim'_):** The Hebrew word שְׁלַבִּים (_shelabbim_), plural of שֶׁלֶּב (_shellev_), most likely refers to connecting bars, cross-pieces, or perhaps tenons that joined the various parts of the bases together. The phrase "the borders were between the ledges" suggests that these ledges formed the framework into which the decorative borders or panels were securely fitted, indicating a sophisticated joinery technique.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the work of the bases [was] on this [manner]:"** This introductory clause signals a transition from a general description to a specific, detailed account of the construction and design of the bronze bases. It primes the reader for an intricate architectural explanation, emphasizing the precise nature of the Temple's furnishings.
* **"they had borders, and the borders [were] between the ledges:"** This clause provides the fundamental structural arrangement of the bases. It describes a design where decorative or structural panels ("borders") were integrated within a larger framework of connecting elements ("ledges"). This suggests a robust and well-engineered construction, where the panels were not merely superficial attachments but integral parts of the base's overall integrity, held securely within a supporting skeleton.

#### 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. 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.

### 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.

* [Exodus 30:18](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Tabernacle Furnishings")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the construction of the Temple furnishings challenge my own approach to excellence in daily life and service to God?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be neglecting "borders" and "ledges"—the foundational structures—that support my spiritual purity and effectiveness?**
* **What does the emphasis on physical purity in the Temple teach us about the importance of spiritual purity in our lives as New Testament believers?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of awe and reverence for God's holiness, mirroring the care taken in preparing His ancient dwelling place?**

### 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.

**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. Secondly, it highlights the **divine standard of excellence** and precision that God required for His worship. The meticulous craftsmanship reflected God's own character as a God of order and beauty. 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, as also seen in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions").

**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" ([1 Kings 7:14](/1_kings/7-14 "1 Kings 7:14 - Hiram's Skill")). 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](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-47 - Hiram's Bronze Work"). His expertise was crucial in bringing Solomon's vision and God's specifications for the Temple's 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](/hebrews/9-9 "Hebrews 9:9-10 - Limitations of Old Covenant Rituals")). Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), 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](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). 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 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the True Temple")), referring to His body. Through Him, believers are now made pure and become living stones, built into a spiritual house, a [holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and 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](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). 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.

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.