1 Kings 7:39

KJV

And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he put {H5414} five {H2568} bases {H4350} on the right {H3225} side {H3802} of the house {H1004}, and five {H2568} on the left {H8040} side {H3802} of the house {H1004}: and he set {H5414} the sea {H3220} on the right {H3233} side {H3802} of the house {H1004} eastward {H6924} over against {H4136} the south {H5045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He arranged five of the trolleys on the right side of the house and five on the left side. The Sea he placed on the right side of the house, toward the southeast.

Berean Standard Bible

He set five stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north, and he put the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple.

American Standard Version

And he set the bases, five on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:39 meticulously details the final placement of key 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 on the south side and five on the north side of the house. Furthermore, it specifies the location of the immense Molten Sea on the southeast side, serving as the primary basin for the priests' ritual purification. This precise arrangement underscores the divine order and the paramount importance of ritual purity in 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](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"). The chapter progresses from the two grand pillars, Jachin and Boaz ([1 Kings 7:15-22](/1_kings/7-15 "1 Kings 7:15-22 - The Bronze Pillars")), to the immense Molten Sea ([1 Kings 7:23-26](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23-26 - Description of the Molten Sea")), and then to the ten elaborate wheeled bases and their accompanying lavers ([1 Kings 7:27-38](/1_kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27-38 - The Bronze Bases and Lavers")). 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](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of the Temple").

* **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](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness") 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. 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. 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](/exodus/29-4 "Exodus 29:4 - Aaron and Sons Consecrated").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bases (Hebrew, _mekhonot'_):** These were not simple pedestals but elaborate, wheeled stands, described in detail in [1 Kings 7:27-38](/1_kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27-38 - Description of the Bases"). They were made of bronze, adorned with intricate carvings of lions, oxen, and cherubim, and designed to hold the bronze lavers. Their mobility, though perhaps not frequently utilized, suggested their potential for repositioning or their symbolic representation of the dynamic nature of God's presence or the movement of His people. Their primary function was to elevate and stabilize the lavers, making them accessible for priestly use.
* **Sea (Hebrew, _yam'_):** Often referred to as the "Molten Sea" or "Brazen Sea," this was an enormous bronze basin, described in [1 Kings 7:23-26](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23-26 - The Molten Sea"). It measured ten cubits (approx. 15 feet) in diameter, five cubits (approx. 7.5 feet) high, and was supported by twelve bronze oxen. Its capacity was immense, estimated at 10,000-12,000 gallons, serving as the primary source of water for the priests' ritual ablutions before entering the Temple or performing sacrifices. Its sheer size conveyed the magnitude of the need for purification and the abundance of provision for it.
* **Right Side (Hebrew, _yemen'_):** In ancient Hebrew orientation, one typically faced east when describing directions. Therefore, the "right side" (יֶמֶן, _yemen_) consistently refers to the **south**, and the "left side" (שְׂמֹאול, _s'mol_) refers to the **north**. This detail is crucial for visualizing the layout of the Temple courtyard and understanding the precise architectural plans. The placement on the "right side of the house eastward over against the south" for the Sea indicates its prominent position in the southeast corner of the courtyard.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house:"**: This clause describes the symmetrical and balanced placement of the ten bronze bases, each holding a laver. "Right side" refers to the south, and "left side" refers to the north. This arrangement ensured that the lavers were readily accessible to the priests for the washing of sacrificial offerings and for their own ritual purification, facilitating the numerous daily rituals associated with the Temple service. The equal distribution speaks to order and efficiency in worship.
* **"and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south."**: This specifies the singular, prominent location of the Molten Sea. "Right side of the house" again means the south. The additional phrase "eastward over against the south" clarifies its exact position, indicating it was placed in the southeast corner of the Temple courtyard. Its solitary and central placement, distinct from the smaller lavers, underscores its primary role as the main source of water for the priests' personal cleansing, a massive communal basin for the most vital aspect of their preparation for ministry.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Precision/Detail** as a primary literary device, meticulously describing the exact number and placement of the Temple furnishings. This 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 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. Furthermore, there is an implicit **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 bases, while the Sea stands alone, 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.

* [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver for the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 16:4](/leviticus/16-4 "Leviticus 16:4 - Priestly Garments and Washing for Atonement Day")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")

### 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Temple's construction and furnishing challenge our modern, often casual, approach to worship and spiritual disciplines?**
* **In what ways do you seek "cleansing" or "purification" in your daily life before engaging with God, knowing that Christ has provided ultimate purification?**
* **What does the emphasis on order and precision in the Temple's design teach us about God's character and His expectations for our lives?**
* **If our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit, how does the care and intentionality shown for the physical Temple in 1 Kings 7:39 inform how we should care for our spiritual and physical well-being?**

### 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](/2_chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6 - Purpose of the Lavers").

**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](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Laver for Priestly Washing").

**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" (יֶמֶן, _yemen_) would be the south, and the "left side" (שְׂמֹאול, _s'mol_) 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.

### 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](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice"). 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](/john/13-10 "John 13:10 - Jesus Washes Peter's Feet"). 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](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"). 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](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Bold Access to God").

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

2 Chronicles 4:6

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea [was] for the priests to wash in.

2 Chronicles 4:10

And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south.