1 Kings 7:40

KJV

And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hiram {H2438} made {H6213} the lavers {H3595}, and the shovels {H3257}, and the basons {H4219}. So Hiram {H2438} made {H3615} an end of doing {H6213} all the work {H4399} that he made {H6213} king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} for the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Hiram made the ash pots, shovels and sprinkling basins. With that, Hiram completed all the work he had done for King Shlomo in the house of ADONAI -

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, Huram made the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished all the work that he had undertaken for King Solomon in the house of the LORD:

American Standard Version

And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basins. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he wrought for king Solomon in the house of Jehovah:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:40 serves as a pivotal summary, marking the triumphant conclusion of the extensive and intricate bronze work for Solomon's Temple, meticulously crafted by Hiram, the master artisan from Tyre. This verse encapsulates the thorough completion of essential cultic implements—specifically the lavers, shovels, and basins—which were indispensable for the sacrificial, purification, and maintenance rituals within the sacred House of the LORD, underscoring the unparalleled dedication, precision, and divine provision required for God's earthly dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** First Kings chapter 7 is entirely devoted to the detailed account of Solomon's monumental building projects, following the completion of the Temple's main structure in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"). The narrative begins with the construction of Solomon's own palace (verses 1-12), a project that spanned thirteen years, highlighting its grandeur and scale. Subsequently, the focus shifts dramatically to the specialized and highly intricate bronze work for the Temple, a task entrusted to Hiram of Tyre (verses 13-39). This section provides an exhaustive inventory and description of magnificent bronze items, including the two colossal pillars Jachin and Boaz, the immense "molten sea" for priestly ablutions, and the ten elaborate movable stands, each supporting a laver. Verse 40 functions as a climactic summary statement, signaling the successful and comprehensive completion of all these bronze articles. This concluding declaration of Hiram's specific contribution meticulously sets the stage for the Temple's grand dedication and the divine indwelling described in [1 Kings 8](/1_kings/8 "1 Kings 8 - Dedication of Solomon's Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was an undertaking of immense national and religious significance for ancient Israel, symbolizing their unified kingdom under Solomon and their commitment to establishing a permanent sanctuary for Yahweh. In the broader ancient Near East, temples were not merely places of worship but served as the spiritual and often political epicenters of their respective societies, typically built with the finest materials and employing the most skilled artisans available. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state, was renowned throughout the region for its advanced metallurgical capabilities, particularly in bronze casting and intricate metalwork. The strategic alliance between King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre, which facilitated the acquisition of resources and the expertise of craftsmen like Hiram, underscores the sophisticated international relations and the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of this era. The specific items mentioned—lavers, shovels, and basins—were not merely ornamental; they were highly functional elements integral to the elaborate sacrificial system mandated by the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the critical importance of ritual purity, atonement, and meticulous adherence to divine commands in Israelite worship, as exemplified in passages detailing Tabernacle implements and their use, such as [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17-21 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver and Basin") and [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching theological and narrative themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical metanarrative. The theme of **Divine Mandate and Human Obedience** is prominent, as the Temple's construction was a direct fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the Lord's name (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-13](/2_samuel/7-12-13 "2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God's Covenant with David")). It also highlights **Divine Provision and Empowered Craftsmanship**, demonstrating how God not only commanded the Temple's construction but also supernaturally provided the necessary resources, wisdom, and exceptionally skilled individuals, like Hiram and those earlier mentioned in [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1-6 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-Filled Craftsmen"), to accomplish His sacred purposes. The meticulous creation of items such as "lavers," "shovels," and "basins" underscores the theme of **Precision, Holiness, and Purpose in Worship**, emphasizing the reverence, attention to detail, and ceremonial purity required for approaching a holy God. These items were essential for the **Holiness and Purity** of the Temple rituals, which were central to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh and their understanding of His immanent presence among them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hiram (Hebrew, _Chîyrâm'_):** This refers specifically to the master bronze craftsman from Tyre, a highly skilled artisan distinct from King Hiram of Tyre (mentioned in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Treaty with Hiram, King of Tyre")). He is described in [1 Kings 7:14](/1_kings/7-14 "1 Kings 7:14 - Hiram's Skill and Background") as "a man skilled in bronze work, filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge." His expertise was absolutely crucial for fabricating the numerous and complex bronze components of the Temple, demonstrating God's provision of specific, divinely-enabled talents for His sacred work.
* **Lavers (Hebrew, _kîyôwr'_):** From H3595, meaning "properly, something round (as excavated or bored), i.e. a chafing-dish for coals or a caldron for cooking; hence (from similarity of form) a washbowl." These were large bronze basins, specifically the ten smaller ones that rested on the movable stands (described in [1 Kings 7:27-39](/1_kings/7-27-39 "1 Kings 7:27-39 - The Ten Movable Stands and Lavers")), distinct from the massive "molten sea" (mentioned in [1 Kings 7:23-26](/1_kings/7-23-26 "1 Kings 7:23-26 - The Molten Sea")). Their primary function was for washing sacrificial animals and for the priests to ritually cleanse their hands and feet before ministering, symbolizing purification and the necessity of ceremonial cleanliness for approaching God.
* **Basons (Hebrew, _mizrâq'_):** From H4219, meaning "a bowl (as if for sprinkling)." These were bowls or basins primarily used for catching or sprinkling the blood from sacrifices, or for holding other liquids related to the Temple service. Their use underscores the centrality of blood in the atonement process and the meticulous handling of sacred substances within the Temple rituals, highlighting the gravity and precision required for covenant worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons."**: This initial clause precisely identifies some of the key cultic implements crafted by Hiram. The specific mention of "lavers" (for washing), "shovels" (for handling ashes from the altar, ensuring cleanliness), and "basins" (for blood and other liquids) serves as a representative list, highlighting the practical and ritualistic functions of the items. These were not merely decorative but were essential tools for the daily operations and the intricate sacrificial system of the Temple, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Hiram's contribution to the sacred space.
* **"So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:"**: This concluding clause functions as a powerful declaration of completion and fulfillment. The phrase "made an end of doing all the work" signifies the thoroughness, successful culmination, and exhaustive nature of Hiram's extensive and highly specialized contribution. It emphatically states that the entire bronze work, a critical and intricate part of the Temple's furnishing, was fully finished according to King Solomon's precise specifications and, ultimately, in alignment with God's divine plan for His sacred dwelling place. This marks a significant milestone in the Temple's construction, preparing it for its ultimate purpose.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to underscore its message of completion and significance. The **Repetition** of "Hiram made" (implied through the subject and verb in both clauses) reinforces the craftsman's central role and the comprehensive nature of his task. The listing of "the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons" is a prime example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where a few representative parts are named to signify a larger, complete whole. In this context, these specific items stand for the entire collection of bronze articles meticulously described in the preceding verses, signaling the full completion of all such elements. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement**, providing a conclusive capstone to the detailed descriptions of the bronze craftsmanship in [1 Kings 7:13-39](/1_kings/7-13-39 "1 Kings 7:13-39 - Hiram's Bronze Work for the Temple"), thereby creating a profound sense of finality and accomplishment before the narrative transitions to the Temple's dedication. The items themselves carry deep **Symbolism**, representing the necessary components for a system of worship centered on purification and sacrifice, pointing to the absolute holiness of God and the imperative for humanity to be ceremonially cleansed to approach Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous completion of the Temple's bronze furnishings by Hiram, as emphatically noted in 1 Kings 7:40, underscores a profound and enduring theological truth: God demands excellence, precision, and thoroughness in all that pertains to His worship and the establishment of His dwelling place. The detailed craftsmanship and the exhaustive list of items were not merely for aesthetic grandeur but served crucial ritual functions, emphasizing the sanctity of the Temple and the solemnity of approaching a holy God. This divine expectation of precision in the physical structure and its implements reflects a timeless spiritual principle: our service and devotion to God should likewise be marked by diligence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to completing the tasks He entrusts to us. Every talent, every effort, when consecrated and offered with excellence, contributes meaningfully to His greater purpose and the building of His spiritual kingdom. The successful completion of these essential items prepared the way for God's manifest presence to fill the Temple, signifying His readiness to dwell intimately among His people.

* [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Completion of the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The completion of Hiram's monumental work for the Temple, a task demanding immense skill, precision, and dedication, offers a powerful and enduring lesson for contemporary believers. Just as every piece of bronze served a vital function in the ancient worship system, so too are our individual gifts, talents, and efforts meant to contribute meaningfully to the spiritual "house of the Lord" today—His church, His kingdom, and the lives of those around us. This verse calls us to embrace a posture of diligence and excellence in all our endeavors, whether in our professional vocations, our service within the local church, or our personal spiritual disciplines. It serves as a profound reminder that God is worthy of our very best, and that consecrated work, no matter how seemingly small or mundane, is profoundly valued by Him when offered with a heart of devotion. Furthermore, the meticulous preparation of the physical Temple for God's dwelling encourages us to prepare our own lives and hearts as living temples of the Holy Spirit, striving for purity, readiness, and a consistent desire to host His presence and participate in authentic, meaningful worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or service are you called to demonstrate greater diligence and excellence, reflecting the meticulousness seen in Hiram's work for God's dwelling?**
* **How does the comprehensive completion of the Temple's furnishings inspire you to ensure your own "spiritual house" is prepared and purified for God's indwelling presence?**
* **What unique talents or skills has God specifically entrusted to you, and how can you consecrate them more fully and with greater excellence to His service, following the example of Hiram?**

### FAQ

**Who was Hiram, and why was he so important to the Temple's construction?**

Answer: Hiram, as referenced in [1 Kings 7:40](/1_kings/7-40 "1 Kings 7:40 - Completion of Hiram's Work"), was a master bronze worker from Tyre, a Phoenician city renowned throughout the ancient world for its advanced metallurgical expertise. He was distinct from Hiram, the king of Tyre, who provided timber and other resources for the Temple. This craftsman Hiram was specifically sought out by King Solomon for his exceptional abilities in casting and fashioning the intricate bronze components of the Temple. His importance cannot be overstated, as the Temple required numerous specialized bronze items—such as the massive "molten sea," the ten movable stands with their lavers, and various other basins and utensils—all of which demanded unparalleled technical skill, artistic mastery, and adherence to precise divine specifications. His work ensured that these essential elements for the Temple's sacrificial and purification rituals were fashioned with the highest quality and precision, making the sanctuary fully functional.

**What was the specific purpose of the "lavers, shovels, and basons" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: These items were absolutely integral to the daily operations and the maintenance of ritual purity within the Temple, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The **lavers** (specifically the ten smaller ones on movable stands, described in [1 Kings 7:27-39](/1_kings/7-27-39 "1 Kings 7:27-39 - The Ten Movable Stands and Lavers")) were primarily used for washing sacrificial animals before they were offered, and for the priests to ritually cleanse their hands and feet before ministering in the holy place, signifying the indispensable need for purity in approaching a holy God. The **shovels** were practical tools used to remove ashes and other refuse from the altar of burnt offering, maintaining cleanliness and order in the sacrificial area. The **basins** (or bowls) were essential for catching, holding, or sprinkling the blood of sacrifices, as well as for other liquids used in the Temple service. Together, these implements facilitated the complex and meticulous system of sacrifice and purification that was central to Israelite worship and their covenant relationship with Yahweh, as detailed in passages like [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17-21 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver and Basin") and [Leviticus 1:5](/leviticus/1-5 "Leviticus 1:5 - Sprinkling of Blood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous completion of the Temple's furnishings in [1 Kings 7:40](/1_kings/7-40 "1 Kings 7:40 - Completion of Hiram's Work"), particularly the implements designed for cleansing and sacrifice, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, with its elaborate rituals, the constant need for purification through lavers, and the shedding of blood in basins, served as a tangible shadow, pointing forward to the perfect and final work of Christ. He is the true and ultimate Temple, as He Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of His body ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). The ceremonial cleansing provided by the lavers foreshadows the spiritual purification offered by Christ's shed blood, which "cleanses us from all sin" ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The completed work of Hiram for the earthly sanctuary beautifully prefigures the completed, perfect, and all-sufficient work of Christ on the cross, through which He offered "one sacrifice for sins forever" ([Hebrews 10:12](/hebrews/10-12 "Hebrews 10:12 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Thus, the physical preparations for God's dwelling in the Old Testament Temple find their spiritual reality in the person and finished work of Jesus, who enables believers to become living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and grants direct, unhindered access to God's presence through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")).

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 4:11

¶ And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;

2 Chronicles 4:16

The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.

2 Chronicles 4:8

He made also ten tables, and placed [them] in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.

2 Kings 25:14

And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

2 Kings 25:15

And the firepans, and the bowls, [and] such things as [were] of gold, [in] gold, and of silver, [in] silver, the captain of the guard took away.

Jeremiah 52:18

The caldrons also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the bowls, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

Jeremiah 52:19

And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; [that] which [was] of gold [in] gold, and [that] which [was] of silver [in] silver, took the captain of the guard away.