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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.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 and the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:18) 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). 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). 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) and Solomon's Temple throughout 1 Kings 6-7 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. 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) and grants us direct access to the Father through His atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-20). 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), 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) and through whom believers experience true spiritual flourishing and victory over sin and death (John 10:10). 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.