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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Kings 7:13–47. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
The number forty conventionally typifies great perfection because, of course, four tens make forty; now there are ten precepts whereby our whole code of conduct is laid down in the divine law, but four books of the Gospels in which entry into our heavenly homeland was opened to us through the plan of the Lord’s incarnation. And because all who are involved in the ministry of sacred baptism must, together with the faith and mysteries of the gospel, show the fruits of upright conduct, it is fitting that each of the lavers in which the whole burnt offerings were washed should hold forty baths.
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Summary
1 Kings 7:38 meticulously details the construction of ten substantial bronze lavers for Solomon's Temple, specifying their considerable capacity and precise dimensions. Each laver was engineered to hold forty baths of water and measured four cubits, designed to rest securely upon one of the ten movable bases previously described. These vessels were integral to the Temple's elaborate furnishings, serving the essential purpose of providing water for the extensive purification rituals vital for priestly service and the ceremonial washing of sacrificial offerings within the sacred precinct, thereby underscoring the meticulous attention to detail and abundant provision for ceremonial purity in Israelite worship.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within the comprehensive architectural and furnishing account of Solomon's Temple, spanning 1 Kings 6-7. Following the detailed description of the Temple's main structure in 1 Kings 6, Chapter 7 shifts focus to the magnificent bronze work commissioned from Hiram of Tyre. The narrative progresses from grand elements like the imposing bronze pillars, Jachin and Boaz, and the colossal Molten Sea, to the more specific, yet equally crucial, ritual implements. Immediately preceding 1 Kings 7:38, verses 1 Kings 7:27-37 meticulously describe the ten movable bronze bases, which were specifically designed to support these very lavers. Thus, 1 Kings 7:38 completes the description of these integrated units, emphasizing their capacity and dimensions, and highlighting their essential role in the Temple's overall design for facilitating ritual purity.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Israelite worship, ritual purity was an indispensable prerequisite for approaching a holy God. The Temple, conceived as God's earthly dwelling, demanded strict adherence to ceremonial cleanliness for both the officiating priests and the sacrificial offerings. The sheer quantity (ten) and immense size of these lavers, each capable of holding forty baths of water, vividly illustrate the scale of daily sacrificial activity and priestly service. Priests were mandated to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle or approaching the altar, as commanded in Exodus 30:18-21. Furthermore, the thorough washing of sacrificial animals was a critical step in the offering process. The sophisticated craftsmanship, particularly the extensive use of bronze and the intricate details described for the accompanying bases, showcases the advanced metallurgical skills available during this era and the immense resources Solomon dedicated to the Temple's construction, underscoring its unparalleled significance as the spiritual and political epicenter of the nation.
Key Themes
1 Kings 7:38 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the precision and detail in divine service, demonstrating that God demands meticulousness and excellence in worship, where even functional components are crafted with utmost care and purpose. Secondly, the abundance of lavers and their substantial capacity emphasize the abundant provision for purification, signifying the constant and extensive need for cleansing before drawing near to a holy God. This highlights the pervasive nature of human sin and the continuous necessity of atonement and purification. Thirdly, these lavers serve as powerful symbols of cleansing and purification, a foundational theme woven throughout the Old Testament's sacrificial system and ritual laws, which consistently pointed forward to a more profound spiritual cleansing. Finally, the grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship of these vessels contribute to the overarching theme of God's glory and majesty, magnificently reflected in the opulent and sacred dwelling place prepared for Him.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root meaning "something round," refers to large, round basins or washstands. In the Temple context, these were not merely decorative but highly functional vessels specifically designed to hold water for extensive purification rituals. They were essential for washing sacrificial animals and for the ceremonial ablutions of the priests, ensuring ritual purity before divine service and the presentation of offerings.
A "bath" was an ancient Hebrew liquid measure of capacity. While its precise modern equivalent varies slightly, it is generally understood to be approximately 5.8 to 6 gallons (around 22 liters). Therefore, "forty baths" indicates that each laver could hold a substantial volume of water, roughly 232 to 240 gallons (approximately 880 to 900 liters). This immense capacity underscores the practical utility and necessity of these lavers for the numerous daily sacrifices and priestly washings.
An ancient unit of length, typically defined as the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact modern equivalent could vary, it is commonly estimated at about 18 inches (approximately 45 cm). Thus, "four cubits" would translate to roughly 6 feet (1.8 meters), indicating that each laver was a considerable size, suggesting their prominence and stability within the Temple courtyard.
Verse Breakdown
"Then made he ten lavers of brass:"
This initial clause immediately specifies the quantity and material of these crucial Temple furnishings. The number "ten" signifies abundance and completeness, indicating that ample provision was made for the extensive purification needs within the sacred space. "Brass" (more accurately, bronze, an alloy of copper and tin) was a durable and valuable metal, frequently employed for sacred implements in both the Tabernacle and the Temple, symbolizing strength, endurance, and the enduring nature of divine ordinances.
"one laver contained forty baths:"
This detail highlights the immense capacity of each individual laver. The "forty baths" (approximately 232-240 gallons) signifies the practical necessity of holding a very large volume of water. This substantial capacity was essential for the continuous washing of sacrificial animals and the ritual cleansing of the priests, emphasizing the high demand for water in the daily, extensive Temple service.
"[and] every laver was four cubits:"
This specifies the physical dimensions of each laver. "Four cubits" (approximately 6 feet) indicates a significant diameter or height, suggesting that these were substantial, prominent, and impressive vessels. Their considerable size would have made them practical for their intended use and visually impactful within the Temple courtyard.
"[and] upon every one of the ten bases one laver."
This final clause explicitly connects the lavers directly to the previously described ten movable bronze bases (1 Kings 7:27-37). It clarifies their integrated design and function, indicating that each laver was designed to sit securely upon its own wheeled base, allowing for mobility within the Temple courtyard to facilitate the various purification rituals efficiently and effectively.
Literary Devices
The description of the lavers in 1 Kings 7:38 employs several significant literary devices. Most prominently, there is Symbolism. The lavers, as vessels holding water for cleansing, powerfully symbolize the absolute necessity of purification before any entity or individual could approach a holy God. This physical washing prefigures the deeper spiritual cleansing required for true communion with the divine. The immense quantity (ten) and capacity (forty baths) also contribute to Hyperbole or Emphasis, underscoring the lavishness of God's provision for purification and the meticulousness demanded in His worship. This detailed enumeration of specific components, like the lavers, contributes to a broader literary technique of Merism, where individual parts are described in precise detail to convey the grandeur, completeness, and functional integrity of the entire Temple structure, emphasizing that every aspect, no matter how seemingly functional, was consecrated and integral to the sacred space.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The bronze lavers, with their immense capacity and meticulous design, serve as profound theological symbols. They underscore the absolute necessity of purification for anyone or anything that would approach a holy God. In the Old Testament economy, physical cleanliness was a non-negotiable prerequisite for ritual participation, reflecting a deeper spiritual truth: sin inherently defiles, and God is utterly pure and holy. The abundance of water provided by these ten lavers highlights the constant and extensive need for cleansing, not merely as a one-time event but as an ongoing requirement for those who serve God. This emphasis on ritual purity, though external, pointed forward to a more profound internal transformation. The lavers, like the entire sacrificial system, were a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about the profound holiness of God and the defiling nature of sin, thereby preparing them for the ultimate and perfect cleansing that would come through a new covenant.
Reflection and Application
While the physical lavers of Solomon's Temple no longer stand, the spiritual truths they embody remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The meticulous detail and abundant provision for cleansing in the Temple remind us that God still calls His people to a life of purity and holiness. We are no longer cleansed by ritualistic washing, but by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the atoning work of Christ. This spiritual cleansing is not a license for complacency but an empowerment for diligent service and a life lived in reverence before a holy God. Just as every detail in the Temple was crafted with excellence for divine service, so too are we called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, doing all things "heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23). The lavers prompt us to regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and embrace the ongoing process of sanctification, ensuring that our lives reflect the purity and devotion that God desires from His redeemed people. We are to continually draw near to God with clean hands and a pure heart, not through our own merit, but through the grace provided by Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of these ten lavers?
The primary purpose of the ten bronze lavers was to provide water for the extensive purification rituals required for priestly service and the washing of sacrificial animals within the Temple courtyard. Priests needed to wash their hands and feet before performing duties, and sacrificial animals had to be ritually cleansed before being offered. The lavers ensured a constant and abundant supply of clean water for these essential ceremonial acts, maintaining the ritual purity necessary for approaching a holy God.
Why were there ten lavers, and why were they so large?
The presence of ten lavers, each with a substantial capacity of forty baths (approximately 232-240 gallons), speaks to the sheer volume of sacrificial activity and priestly service in the Temple. The daily offerings, especially during major festivals, would have required significant amounts of water for washing. The large size and number ensured that there was always ample provision for cleansing, reflecting the meticulousness and abundance characteristic of God's dwelling place. Their size also made them prominent features in the Temple courtyard, underscoring the importance of purity. The mobility provided by their wheeled bases also allowed for efficient placement during the sacrificial rites, as implied in 2 Chronicles 4:6.
How did these lavers relate to the Molten Sea, which was also a large basin for water?
While both the ten lavers and the Molten Sea held water for purification, they served distinct primary purposes within the Temple complex. The Molten Sea, an enormous single basin, was primarily designated for the priests to wash themselves (specifically their hands and feet) before entering the Temple or ministering at the altar, as explicitly stated in 2 Chronicles 4:6. The ten smaller (though still large) lavers, on the other hand, were specifically used for washing the sacrificial animals and their parts, as also indicated in 2 Chronicles 4:6. Furthermore, the lavers were movable, sitting on wheeled bases, allowing them to be positioned conveniently around the altar for efficient use during the various sacrificial rites.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The bronze lavers of Solomon's Temple, essential for ritual purification, find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Covenant, the physical washing with water from these lavers symbolized the necessary cleansing from defilement before approaching God, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of humanity's pervasive sinfulness and God's absolute holiness. However, these rituals, as the author of Hebrews profoundly explains, were merely "a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities" (Hebrews 10:1). Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, is the true and living Laver. His shed blood provides not just ritual cleansing but a complete, eternal, and spiritual purification from sin, effectively cleansing our consciences from dead works to enable us to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:14). Through His perfect sacrifice, we receive the "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5), making us truly clean and enabling us to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22). The abundance of water in the lavers foreshadowed the boundless grace and infinite cleansing power available through Christ, who "sanctifies and cleanses the church by the washing of water with the word" (Ephesians 5:26). He is the inexhaustible source of spiritual purity, making us fit to stand in the holy presence of God, not by our own merit, but by His perfect work.