1 Kings 7:35

KJV

And in the top of the base [was there] a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof [were] of the same.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the top {H7218} of the base {H4350} was there a round {H5696} compass {H5439} of half {H2677} a cubit {H520} high {H6967}: and on the top {H7218} of the base {H4350} the ledges {H3027} thereof and the borders {H4526} thereof were of the same.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the top of the trolley was a circular support ten-and-a-half inches high, and the trolley's corner-posts and panels were attached to its top.

Berean Standard Bible

At the top of each stand was a circular band half a cubit high. The supports and panels were cast as a unit with the top of the stand.

American Standard Version

And in the top of the base was there a round compass half a cubit high; and on the top of the base the stays thereof and the panels thereof were of the same.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:35 provides a highly specific architectural detail concerning the movable bronze bases within Solomon's Temple, describing a "round compass" of half a cubit high, along with its "ledges" and "borders." This verse, part of an extensive account of the Temple's furnishings, highlights the extraordinary level of precision, craftsmanship, and divine order that characterized every aspect of the sacred structure, underscoring the reverence and dedication involved in constructing a dwelling place for the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 1 Kings 7, a chapter dedicated to the detailed description of the various furnishings and structures within Solomon's Temple, particularly those crafted from bronze by Hiram of Tyre. Following the account of the two immense bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:15-22), and the colossal "molten sea" (1 Kings 7:23-26), the narrative shifts to the ten smaller, highly elaborate bronze bases and their accompanying lavers (1 Kings 7:27-39). These bases were designed to be movable and featured intricate decorations such as lions, oxen, and cherubim. Verse 35 specifically focuses on the uppermost part of these bases, detailing a circular rim or "round compass" along with its supporting "ledges" and "borders," all crafted with meticulous precision. This level of detail underscores the sacredness and divine blueprint of the entire Temple complex.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, around the 10th century BCE, marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, establishing a permanent central sanctuary for the worship of Yahweh, replacing the mobile Tabernacle. The project was a monumental undertaking, requiring vast resources, skilled labor, and advanced metallurgical knowledge, much of which was provided by Hiram, King of Tyre, and his master craftsman, also named Hiram. In the ancient Near East, temples were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved immense wealth, intricate design, and precise execution to reflect the deity's power and majesty. The meticulous descriptions in 1 Kings, including the details of the lavers and their bases, reflect this cultural emphasis on divine order and ritual purity, as the lavers were used for washing and purification within the Temple courts.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous detail of 1 Kings 7:35 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Precision and Order**, illustrating that God's dwelling place was to be constructed with absolute exactness, mirroring the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle in the wilderness (e.g., the comprehensive blueprint found in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - More Tabernacle Instructions")). Secondly, the unparalleled craftsmanship highlights the theme of **Excellence in Worship and Service**, demonstrating that no effort or detail was too small when building a house for the Lord. This speaks to the reverence and dedication expected in all acts of service to God. Lastly, the grandeur and intricate design of the Temple furnishings, even seemingly minor components like these bases, served to magnify **God's Glory and Presence**, creating a physical space that visually communicated the majesty of the One who would dwell there, a theme echoed in the dedication prayer of [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Round compass (חֻגָּה, _chuggah'_):** This Hebrew term refers to a circular rim, crown, or border. In this context, it denotes a precisely formed, circular element at the very top of the bronze base, likely serving as a seating or securing mechanism for the laver that rested upon it. Its inclusion highlights the exactness of the design.
* **Ledges (שְׁלַבִּים, _sh'labbim'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to join," this term likely refers to connecting pieces, frames, or panels that formed part of the structural and decorative elements of the base. It suggests intricate joinery and robust construction, emphasizing the durability and complexity of the bronze work.
* **Borders (מִסְגְּרוֹת, _misgerot'_):** This word signifies enclosures, frames, or panels. It points to the defined, contained nature of the design elements, suggesting decorative framing or reinforcing edges that contributed to both the aesthetic appeal and the structural integrity of the bases.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the top of the base [was there] a round compass of half a cubit high":** This clause describes a distinct circular feature at the uppermost part of each of the ten bronze bases. This "round compass" stood approximately 9 inches (or 23 cm) tall, based on a cubit being roughly 18 inches. Its height suggests it was a significant, visible component, likely designed to provide a stable and secure platform for the lavers, preventing them from shifting or falling. The precision of the measurement underscores the meticulous engineering involved.
* **"and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof [were] of the same":** This second clause specifies that the structural and decorative elements—the "ledges" and "borders"—located on the upper portion of the base were crafted from the same material (bronze) and exhibited the same high quality and consistent design as the "round compass" and the rest of the base. This repetition of "of the same" emphasizes uniformity, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in every component, reinforcing the overall grandeur and sacredness of the Temple's furnishings.

#### Literary Devices
The description in 1 Kings 7:35, like much of the surrounding text, employs **Technical Description**, providing precise architectural and material specifications. This device serves to convey the exactness required for the sacred space and underscores the divine authority behind its design. Furthermore, the mention of "ledges" and "borders" alongside the "round compass" can be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two or more contrasting or complementary parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, these terms collectively encompass all the intricate structural and decorative elements of the base's top, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the craftsmanship. The phrase "[were] of the same" also acts as a form of **Repetition**, emphasizing the consistency of material and quality throughout the construction, thereby reinforcing the theme of meticulous craftsmanship and uniformity in the Temple's sacred furnishings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail found in 1 Kings 7:35, describing even the "round compass" and "ledges" of the Temple's bronze bases, speaks profoundly to the nature of God and His expectations for worship. It reveals that God is a God of order, precision, and beauty, who delights in excellence and demands holiness in all that pertains to Him. The Temple, as His designated dwelling place, was not merely a functional building but a sacred space designed to reflect His glory and character in every minute detail. This level of care for a physical structure serves as a powerful theological statement about the infinite value God places on His presence among His people and the reverence due to Him. It teaches us that true worship involves not just grand gestures but also faithfulness and excellence in the seemingly small, hidden aspects of our service and lives.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's construction, even down to the "round compass" and "ledges" of a bronze base, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that if God cared so deeply about the minute architectural details of a physical structure, how much more does He value precision, excellence, and holiness in the "temples" of our own lives—our bodies, our character, our relationships, and our service. This verse challenges us to consider whether we approach our work, our worship, and our daily responsibilities with the same diligence and commitment to quality that was evident in the building of the Temple. It encourages us to recognize that faithfulness in the "small things" is not insignificant but contributes to a larger, divine purpose, reflecting God's own character of order and beauty. Our lives, lived for God's glory, should be marked by intentionality and excellence, knowing that every detail matters to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or service to God might you be tempted to overlook "small" details, and how can this verse encourage greater diligence and precision?**
* **How does the emphasis on precision and beauty in the Temple's construction inform your understanding of worship and the pursuit of excellence in your spiritual walk?**
* **Considering that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), how does the meticulous care given to the ancient Temple inspire you to care for your own spiritual and physical well-being?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a minute detail recorded in Scripture?**

Answer: The recording of such minute details, like the "round compass" of half a cubit high, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine origin and authority of the Temple's design. It emphasizes that God's plan extended to every single component, not just the overall structure, reinforcing the idea that the Temple was built "according to the pattern" revealed by God, much like the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle")). Secondly, it highlights the immense value and sacredness attributed to the Temple as God's dwelling place; no effort, resource, or level of precision was considered too great for its construction. This communicates the reverence and awe due to God. Finally, for the original audience and for us, it serves as a historical and theological record, confirming the exact fulfillment of the divine blueprint and the unparalleled craftsmanship involved, thereby demonstrating both Solomon's devotion and God's glory. It teaches us that God cares about the details, and so should we in our service to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 7:35 meticulously describes a component of the physical Temple, its profound emphasis on precision, perfection, and divine order finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly Temple, with all its intricate details and sacred furnishings, was but a shadow and a copy of a greater, heavenly reality (as described in [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly")). Jesus himself declared that He was the true Temple, speaking of the temple of His body (as seen in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). Every "round compass," "ledge," and "border" in Solomon's Temple, crafted with flawless precision, foreshadowed the perfect, unblemished life and sacrifice of Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God's presence. He is the Lamb of God, whose perfect offering cleanses us from sin, making the physical lavers and their bases obsolete (as elaborated in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle")). Moreover, through Christ, believers are incorporated into a spiritual Temple, becoming living stones built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone (as taught in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). Our bodies, too, become temples of the Holy Spirit (as affirmed in [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies are Temples of the Holy Spirit")), called to reflect the same divine order, purity, and excellence that characterized every detail of the ancient Temple, all made possible by the perfect work of Christ.

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.