1 Kings 7:36

KJV

For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

For on the plates {H3871} of the ledges {H3027} thereof, and on the borders {H4526} thereof, he graved {H6605} cherubims {H3742}, lions {H738}, and palm trees {H8561}, according to the proportion {H4626} of every one {H376}, and additions {H3914} round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the sides of the panels and on its corners he carved k'ruvim, lions and palm trees, according to the amount of space each required, with wreaths surrounding.

Berean Standard Bible

He engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and panels, wherever each had space, with wreaths all around.

American Standard Version

And on the plates of the stays thereof, and on the panels thereof, he graved cherubim, lions, and palm-trees, according to the space of each, with wreaths round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:36 meticulously describes the intricate decorative motifs adorning the bronze laver stands within Solomon's Temple, highlighting the masterful craftsmanship of Hiram. It details the engraving of cherubim, lions, and palm trees onto the plates and borders of these movable bases, emphasizing the precise proportion and comprehensive nature of the ornamentation. This verse underscores the profound attention to detail and rich symbolism embedded in every facet of the sacred architecture, reflecting the divine order and the intention to glorify God through exquisite artistry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, specifically focusing on the elaborate bronze work crafted by Hiram of Tyre. Following the construction of the main Temple structure described in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), chapter 7 shifts its focus to the intricate interior and courtyard furnishings. Verses [1 Kings 7:13-47](/1_kings/7-13-47 "1 Kings 7:13-47 - Hiram's Bronze Work for the Temple") describe Hiram's extensive contributions, including the two massive bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the colossal Molten Sea, and the ten intricate bronze stands (bases) designed to hold the ten large washing basins (lavers). The passage [1 Kings 7:27-39](/1_kings/7-27-39 "1 Kings 7:27-39 - Description of the Bronze Stands and Lavers") provides a highly technical and precise description of these ten bases, which were essential for the priests' ceremonial purification rituals. Verse 36 specifically zeroes in on the artistic details found on the plates and borders of these stands, demonstrating that even functional elements were imbued with deep symbolic meaning and crafted with unparalleled precision, contributing to the overall grandeur and sacredness of God's dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) represents the pinnacle of the united Israelite monarchy, a period marked by unprecedented wealth, political stability, and ambitious architectural endeavors. The construction of the Temple was the crowning achievement of his reign, serving as the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's dwelling among His people. The employment of Hiram, a master craftsman from Phoenician Tyre, reflects the common practice of utilizing skilled artisans from neighboring cultures known for their advanced metallurgical and artistic techniques. Phoenician art often incorporated motifs like lions, cherubim, and stylized trees, which were also prevalent in ancient Near Eastern (ANE) sacred iconography. For Israel, however, these symbols were recontextualized and imbued with specific theological significance, affirming God's sovereignty, holiness, and life-giving presence rather than pagan deities. The Temple itself was understood as a microcosm of creation, a sacred space where heaven and earth met, and its decorations reinforced this cosmic understanding and the divine order.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Kings 7:36 contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Meticulous Craftsmanship**, emphasizing that God desires excellence and precision in all that is dedicated to Him. This commitment to perfection mirrors the divine blueprint given for both the Tabernacle and the Temple, where every detail was specified by God (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Tabernacle Pattern")). The phrase "according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about" highlights this unwavering dedication to aesthetic balance and completeness, reflecting God's own character of order, beauty, and holiness. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Symbolism in Sacred Architecture**, where every element, even on the functional laver stands, conveyed profound theological truths. The **cherubim** consistently signify the divine presence, holiness, and guardianship of sacred space, echoing their role at the Garden of Eden ([Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden")) and on the Ark of the Covenant ([Exodus 25:18-22](/exodus/25-18-22 "Exodus 25:18-22 - Cherubim on the Ark")). The **lions** represent strength, royalty, and majesty, often associated with the tribe of Judah ([Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Jacob's Blessing of Judah")) and ultimately the messianic King. The **palm trees** symbolize righteousness, flourishing, prosperity, and victory, as seen in passages like [Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like a Palm Tree"). Together, these motifs transform functional objects into theological statements, pointing to God's holy presence, sovereign power, and the blessedness He bestows upon His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **graved (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This verb (H6605) means "to open wide," and specifically, "to carve" or "to engrave." In this context, it denotes intentional, skilled artistry, implying that the designs were not merely superficial but deeply etched into the bronze. This word suggests precision and permanence, indicating that these motifs were integral to the very fabric of the Temple's furnishings, not merely decorative afterthoughts. The act of "graving" implies a deliberate and enduring mark.
* **proportion (Hebrew, _maʻar'_):** This noun (H4626) refers to a "vacant space" or "proportion." In the context of the Temple's design, it emphasizes the precise and harmonious scale of the engravings. It suggests a deliberate design principle where each motif was sized and placed in perfect relation to the others and to the overall structure. This speaks to the orderliness and aesthetic balance that characterized the Temple's construction, reflecting divine wisdom and meticulous planning in filling the designated spaces.
* **additions (Hebrew, _lôyâh'_):** This noun (H3914) means "a wreath" or "something added." In this verse, it refers to supplementary designs or intricate detailing that completed the overall artistic scheme. It suggests that the engravings were not isolated figures but part of a continuous, elaborate pattern that filled the available space, indicating a comprehensive and richly detailed ornamentation that surrounded the primary motifs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof":** This phrase precisely specifies the locations of the engravings. The "plates" (Hebrew, _lûaḥ_, H3871) refer to the flat, broad surfaces of the stands, while the "borders" (Hebrew, _miçgereth_, H4526) denote the frames or edges that enclosed these panels. This indicates that the decoration was comprehensive, covering both the main panels and the surrounding structural elements, leaving no part of the significant surfaces unadorned.
* **"he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees":** This identifies the specific iconographic motifs chosen for the ornamentation. Each symbol carried profound meaning in Israelite theology and ancient Near Eastern culture. **Cherubim** represented divine presence, holiness, and guardianship; **lions** symbolized strength, royalty, and the tribe of Judah; and **palm trees** signified righteousness, flourishing, and victory. Their inclusion transformed the functional laver stands into visual sermons, communicating profound theological truths about God's character and His covenant people.
* **"according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about":** This final clause underscores the meticulousness and completeness of the craftsmanship. "According to the proportion of every one" highlights the precise sizing and harmonious arrangement of each individual motif, ensuring aesthetic balance and order within the design. "And additions round about" suggests that the engravings were not merely isolated figures but part of a continuous, intricate design that encompassed the entire surface, demonstrating a thorough and elaborate artistic execution that left no space unadorned.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Kings 7:36 is **Symbolism**. Each of the engraved motifs—cherubim, lions, and palm trees—carries deep theological and cultural significance beyond its literal form. **Cherubim** symbolize the holy presence of God, guardians of sacred space, and heavenly beings associated with the divine throne. Their presence on the laver stands would have reminded priests and worshippers of the sanctity of the Temple and the awesome nature of the God they served. **Lions** are powerful symbols of strength, royalty, and majesty, often representing the sovereign power of God and the kingly lineage of Judah. Their inclusion underscores the divine authority and might associated with the Temple. **Palm trees** symbolize righteousness, flourishing, prosperity, and victory, often depicted in sacred contexts to represent God's blessing and the vitality of His people. The meticulous description itself, with its emphasis on "proportion" and "additions," also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the extraordinary detail, quality, and comprehensive nature of the Temple's construction, thereby magnifying its significance as God's dwelling place. The overall effect is one of **Iconography**, where visual images are intentionally employed to convey complex theological truths and enhance the sacred atmosphere.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The detailed description of the Temple's decorations in 1 Kings 7:36, even on functional items like the laver stands, reveals profound theological insights into God's character and His relationship with humanity. It demonstrates that God is a God of order, beauty, and excellence, desiring the highest quality in all that is dedicated to Him. The Temple, as God's dwelling place, was not merely a functional structure but a visual theology, where every carved cherub, lion, and palm tree served to communicate His holiness, sovereignty, and life-giving presence. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the sacredness of worship and the importance of giving God our very best, reflecting His own perfection. The symbolism also connects the earthly sanctuary to heavenly realities, reminding worshippers that they were entering a space where the divine and human realms intersected, a place of encounter with the living God, whose glory was reflected even in the smallest artistic detail.

* [Exodus 25:18](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18 - Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant")
* [Ezekiel 41:18-20](/ezekiel/41-18-20 "Ezekiel 41:18-20 - Temple Decorations in Ezekiel's Vision")
* [Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like a Palm Tree")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous craftsmanship described in 1 Kings 7:36, even on the functional laver stands, offers a powerful challenge and inspiration for our lives today. It reminds us that God is not indifferent to beauty, order, and excellence in our worship and service. Just as no detail was too small or insignificant in creating a dwelling place for the Lord, so too should our spiritual lives and corporate worship reflect intentionality, devotion, and a commitment to giving God our very best. This means cultivating an attitude of excellence in our gifts, our time, and our resources, recognizing that our efforts, however small, contribute to the larger tapestry of God's glory. Furthermore, the rich symbolism of cherubim, lions, and palm trees invites us to reflect on the nature of God—His holy presence, His sovereign power, and His desire for His people to live righteous and flourishing lives. We are called not only to admire these truths but to embody them, allowing our lives to become living symbols of God's character in the world, marked by holiness, strength in faith, and spiritual fruitfulness that points others to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Temple's construction, as seen in 1 Kings 7:36, challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a sense of beauty, order, and intentionality in our spiritual lives and communities, reflecting God's character?**
* **What "symbols" or visual representations in our contemporary Christian practice point to God's holiness, power, and blessing? How effectively do they communicate these truths?**
* **How can understanding the ancient symbolism of cherubim, lions, and palm trees deepen our appreciation for God's character and plan for our lives?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific creatures (cherubim, lions) and plants (palm trees) chosen for decoration?**

Answer: These motifs were chosen for their deep symbolic significance within ancient Israelite culture and broader ancient Near Eastern iconography, but reinterpreted through a monotheistic lens. **Cherubim** were consistently associated with the divine presence, guarding sacred spaces (like the Garden of Eden in [Genesis 3:24](/genesis/3-24 "Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim Guarding Eden") and the Ark of the Covenant in [Exodus 25:18](/exodus/25-18 "Exodus 25:18 - Cherubim on the Ark")) and signifying God's holiness and transcendence. **Lions** symbolized strength, royalty, and majesty, often representing the sovereign power of God and the kingly lineage of Judah, from which the Messiah would come (as seen in [Genesis 49:9](/genesis/49-9 "Genesis 49:9 - Jacob's Blessing of Judah")). **Palm trees** were symbols of righteousness, flourishing, prosperity, and victory, frequently depicted in sacred contexts to represent God's blessing and the vitality of His people (e.g., [Psalm 92:12](/psalm/92-12 "Psalm 92:12 - The Righteous Flourish Like a Palm Tree")). Together, they transformed the Temple's furnishings into visual theological statements, communicating God's awesome presence, His supreme authority, and the blessed life He offers.

**Does this verse imply that God cares about aesthetics and artistic detail in worship?**

Answer: The extensive and precise descriptions of the Tabernacle in Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 25:1-9](/exodus/25-1-9 "Exodus 25:1-9 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")) and Solomon's Temple throughout [1 Kings 6-7](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6-7 - Construction and Furnishing of the Temple") demonstrate God's profound interest in beauty, order, and excellence in the spaces and objects dedicated to Him. The artistry was not merely for human aesthetic pleasure but served to glorify God and communicate theological truths. Every detail, from the materials used to the specific engravings, was designed to reflect God's own perfection and to inspire awe and reverence in those who worshipped Him. This emphasis on beauty and detail underscores that worship involves not just our hearts and minds, but also our best craftsmanship and artistic expression, all offered back to the Creator.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intricate symbolism of 1 Kings 7:36, found on the very instruments of purification within the Temple, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Temple itself, with all its detailed craftsmanship, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality: Jesus is the true and ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as He powerfully declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple"). The cherubim, symbolizing God's holy presence and guarding access to Him, are fulfilled in Christ, who perfectly reveals the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God")) and grants us direct access to the Father through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ")). The lion, a powerful emblem of royalty and strength, finds its complete embodiment in Jesus, the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of Judah")), who reigns as the sovereign King over all creation. Furthermore, the palm trees, representing righteousness, flourishing, and victory, are realized in Christ, who is our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Righteousness")) and through whom believers experience true spiritual flourishing and victory over sin and death ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). Thus, the meticulous detail and rich symbolism on the Temple's laver stands ultimately point to the perfect, beautiful, and complete work of Christ, who purifies us and brings us into the very presence of God, establishing a new and living way.

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

1 Kings 7:29

And on the borders that [were] between the ledges [were] lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges [there was] a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen [were] certain additions made of thin work.

Ezekiel 40:31

And the arches thereof [were] toward the utter court; and palm trees [were] upon the posts thereof: and the going up to it [had] eight steps.

1 Kings 6:35

And he carved [thereon] cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered [them] with gold fitted upon the carved work.

1 Kings 6:29

And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.

Ezekiel 41:18

And [it was] made with cherubims and palm trees, so that a palm tree [was] between a cherub and a cherub; and [every] cherub had two faces;

Ezekiel 41:20

From the ground unto above the door [were] cherubims and palm trees made, and [on] the wall of the temple.

Ezekiel 40:37

And the posts thereof [were] toward the utter court; and palm trees [were] upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side: and the going up to it [had] eight steps.