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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.
“And the sea he set on the right side of the temple facing the east southwards.” And this was placed in the same court to the east. His words, “on the right side of the temple,” he repeats when he says “southwards.” For those who entered the court from the east had first to turn southwards, where the sea stood in the very corner ready for the priests to wash; then, as they proceeded inside, they were met by lavers placed on either side for washing the victims; inside these was a bronze dais five cubits long and five cubits wide and three cubits high, on which Solomon stood when dedicating the temple; then as they proceeded further they came to the altar of burnt offering facing the south side of the court, then the temple porticoes or vestibule in which were bronze pillars around the door of the temple. Therefore, the fact that he placed the sea at the right side of the temple signifies that it is through the bath of baptism we must reach the kingdom of heaven, which is properly represented by the term “right hand.” For “he who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” For where right as well as left hand are taken in the positive sense, they indicate either Judea and the Gentiles, as we have said above in the explanation of the bases, or the present and future life of the church, or the happy and sad things of the world, or something of the sort, but where the right hand by itself is used in the positive sense, it more frequently stands for eternal joys. But the fact that he made the sea face eastwards has virtually the same significance, namely, that the splendor of eternal glory is revealed to us through the bath of the holy font; the fact that it was at the south side of the court signifies that the faithful are apt to be kindled into a blazing fire of genuine love through the reception of the Holy Spirit, for in the Scriptures the heat of the noonday sun customarily meant the ardor of love and the light of the Holy Spirit, through whom this love is poured forth in the hearts of the elect.
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SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:39 meticulously details the final placement of significant bronze furnishings within the outer court of Solomon's Temple. It describes the strategic positioning of the ten ornate bases, each supporting a laver for priestly washing, with five placed on the south side and five on the north side of the main temple structure. Furthermore, it specifies the location of the immense Molten Sea in the southeast corner of the courtyard, serving as the primary basin for the priests' ritual purification. This precise arrangement underscores the divine order, the paramount importance of ritual purity, and the functional design necessary for Israelite worship.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: 1 Kings 7 is dedicated to cataloging the intricate and magnificent furnishings crafted for Solomon's Temple, following the completion of the main structure described in 1 Kings 6. The narrative progresses from the two grand pillars, Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:15-22), to the immense Molten Sea (1 Kings 7:23-26), and then to the ten elaborate wheeled bases and their accompanying lavers (1 Kings 7:27-38). Verse 39 serves as the culmination of these descriptions, detailing the final, precise arrangement of these large bronze objects within the Temple courtyard, thereby completing the physical preparation for the sacred rituals. This verse transitions the narrative from the creation of these items to their functional placement, setting the stage for the dedication of the Temple in 1 Kings 8.
Historical & Cultural Context: The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying the establishment of a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, replacing the portable Tabernacle. This grand project reflected Solomon's wealth, power, and commitment to the worship of Yahweh, but also involved significant resources and skilled labor, including Phoenician artisans like Hiram of Tyre. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were often considered microcosms of the divine order, and every detail, from architecture to furnishings, carried symbolic weight. Ritual purity was a foundational concept in Israelite worship, as seen in the extensive laws in Leviticus concerning cleanliness and offerings. The bronze lavers and the Molten Sea were essential for the priests to ritually cleanse themselves and the sacrificial implements before ministering, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God. The directional descriptions ("right side," "left side," "eastward over against the south") are consistent with ancient Hebrew orientation, where one generally faced east, making the "right" side the south and the "left" side the north.
Key Themes: The meticulous description in 1 Kings 7:39 highlights several key themes central to Israelite worship and theology. Firstly, Divine Order and Precision are paramount; the exact placement of these heavy, functional elements signifies that worship was not haphazard but carefully orchestrated according to divine specifications, reflecting God's own orderly nature. Secondly, the emphasis on the lavers and the Molten Sea underscores the theme of Purity and Holiness. These vessels were indispensable for the ritual cleansing of the priests and the sacrificial offerings, symbolizing the necessity of spiritual purity for approaching a holy God. This theme is foundational to the entire sacrificial system and the covenant relationship, as seen in passages like Exodus 40:30-32. Thirdly, the sheer scale and artistry of these bronze objects, as part of the broader Temple construction, speak to God's Magnificence and Worthiness of Worship. The lavishness of the Temple was a testament to the honor due to Yahweh. Finally, the practical function of these items points to the theme of Priestly Mediation and Service, as the priests were the designated mediators between God and Israel, and their ritual purity was essential for their sacred duties, as outlined in passages like Exodus 29:4.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs Precision and Detail as a primary literary device, meticulously describing the exact number and placement of the Temple furnishings. This granular level of detail emphasizes the divine command for order and the sanctity of the worship space, where every element had its designated place and purpose. The pervasive use of Directional Language ("right side," "left side," "eastward over against the south") functions as a form of Architectural Description, allowing the reader to mentally construct the layout of the Temple courtyard with remarkable clarity. Furthermore, there is an inherent Symbolism in the objects themselves; the water in the lavers and the Molten Sea powerfully symbolizes purification and cleansing, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament. The symmetrical placement of the ten bases, contrasted with the singular, prominent placement of the Molten Sea, also suggests a form of Contrast or Hierarchy of Function, highlighting the unique importance of the large Molten Sea for the priests' personal ablutions versus the more numerous lavers for sacrificial preparations.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous placement of the lavers and the Molten Sea in 1 Kings 7:39 underscores a fundamental theological truth: God is holy, and those who approach Him must do so with purity and reverence. The physical cleansing rituals were not ends in themselves but outward expressions of an inward requirement for holiness. These elaborate provisions for washing symbolized the constant need for purification from defilement, both ritual and moral, before entering into God's presence or performing sacred duties. This principle of purity is not unique to the Temple era but is a timeless demand of a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual cleansing provided through Christ. The Temple's design, with its various courts and implements, was a pedagogical tool, teaching Israel about God's character and the nature of true worship.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's furnishings and their precise placement in 1 Kings 7:39 serves as a profound reminder that our approach to God should be marked by intentionality, reverence, and a pursuit of purity. While Christians no longer engage in ritual washing in a physical temple, the underlying spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant. The need for cleansing before approaching God points to our inherent sinfulness and His absolute holiness. For believers today, this cleansing is not achieved through water from a bronze basin but through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Our "worship space" is no longer a physical building but our very lives, and our "offerings" are spiritual sacrifices of praise, service, and obedience. This verse challenges us to consider the state of our hearts when we engage in worship, prayer, or service, prompting us to confess sin and rely on Christ's cleansing power, ensuring our lives reflect the holiness of the God we serve. It calls us to a life of deliberate consecration, recognizing that God's presence demands our best and purest devotion, not merely in grand acts, but in the meticulous details of our daily walk.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of the "bases" and "lavers" mentioned in 1 Kings 7:39?
Answer: The ten "bases" were ornate, wheeled stands designed to hold the "lavers," which were bronze basins. Their primary purpose was to provide water for the priests to wash the parts of the burnt offerings before they were presented on the altar, as well as for the priests' own ritual purification. Their placement, five on the north side and five on the south side of the Temple courtyard, ensured accessibility for the numerous daily sacrificial rituals, emphasizing the necessity of cleanliness in all aspects of worship, as also seen in 2 Chronicles 4:6.
What was the "molten sea" and what was its function?
Answer: The "molten sea" was a colossal bronze basin, much larger than the individual lavers. It held an immense quantity of water and was supported by twelve bronze oxen. Its primary function was to serve as the main source of water for the priests to wash themselves, providing a large communal basin for their ritual ablutions before they ministered in the Temple. Its sheer size underscored the magnitude of the need for priestly purity and the abundant provision for it, a requirement for those who drew near to God's holy presence, as described in Exodus 30:18-21.
Why is the specific orientation ("right side... eastward over against the south") important for understanding the Temple layout?
Answer: In ancient Hebrew culture, directions were often given relative to facing east. Therefore, when facing east, the "right side" (יָמִין, yâmîyn) would be the south, and the "left side" (שְׂמֹאול, sᵉmôʼwl) would be the north. This detail is crucial for visualizing the precise layout of the Temple courtyard. 1 Kings 7:39 specifies that the Molten Sea was placed on the "right side of the house eastward over against the south," meaning it was situated in the southeast corner of the courtyard. This precise directional language highlights the meticulous planning and divine order that governed the construction and arrangement of the sacred space, emphasizing that every detail served a purpose in facilitating holy worship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed account of the lavers and the Molten Sea in 1 Kings 7:39, with their emphasis on ritual cleansing and purity, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament system, with its elaborate washings and sacrifices, served as a shadow pointing to the reality of Christ. The water in these bronze vessels could only cleanse outwardly and ceremonially, but Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice, provides true and complete spiritual purification. He is the ultimate means by which we are made clean and granted access to God's holy presence. The author of Hebrews explains that Christ entered the true, heavenly tabernacle, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption and purifying our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (Hebrews 9:11-14). Furthermore, while the Temple priests needed to wash themselves repeatedly, Jesus' cleansing is complete and permanent, as He told Peter, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean" (John 13:10). Through faith in Him, we are not only cleansed but also become the very dwelling place of God's Spirit, the living Temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Thus, the meticulous preparations for purity in Solomon's Temple foreshadow the perfect and enduring purity that Christ provides, granting us bold and confident access to God's throne of grace (Hebrews 10:19-22).