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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 7:40 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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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, 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.
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
FAQ
Who was Hiram, and why was he so important to the Temple's construction?
Answer: Hiram, as referenced in 1 Kings 7:40, 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) 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 and Leviticus 1:5.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous completion of the Temple's furnishings in 1 Kings 7:40, 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). 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). 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). 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) and grants direct, unhindered access to God's presence through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 4:16).