1 Kings 7:43

KJV

And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the ten {H6235} bases {H4350}, and ten {H6235} lavers {H3595} on the bases {H4350};

Complete Jewish Bible

the ten trolleys, the ten basins on the trolleys,

Berean Standard Bible

the ten stands; the ten basins on the stands;

American Standard Version

and the ten bases, and the ten lavers on the bases;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:43 provides a concise inventory of two crucial elements within Solomon's Temple: the ten elaborate bronze bases and the ten bronze lavers that rested upon them. These items, meticulously crafted by Huram, were integral to the Temple's ritual functions, particularly concerning purification, and underscored the immense scale, order, and divine purpose of the sanctuary as the central place of worship for ancient Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a detailed account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, specifically focusing on the intricate bronze work. Following the completion of the main structure in [1 Kings 6](/1-kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"), Chapter 7 shifts to the interior and courtyard furnishings. Verses 13-47 describe the work of Huram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, who fashioned the large bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the Molten Sea, and numerous other vessels. Verses 27-39 provide an exhaustive description of the "bases" themselves, detailing their dimensions, wheels, and intricate ornamentation with lions, oxen, and cherubim. Verse 43 serves as a summary statement, confirming the number and placement of these components, which were essential for the Temple's sacrificial system and ritual purity, echoing the earlier instructions for the Tabernacle's laver in [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and national consolidation for Israel. The construction of the Temple was the crowning achievement of his reign, fulfilling David's desire to build a permanent dwelling for the Lord. This grand edifice was not merely a place of worship but a symbol of God's covenant presence among His people and Israel's prominence among nations. The use of skilled Phoenician artisans like Huram reflects the extensive trade and diplomatic relations Solomon cultivated. In the ancient Near East, temples were often lavishly adorned, reflecting the power and wealth of the deity and the patron king. Ritual purity was paramount in Israelite worship, distinguishing it from surrounding pagan practices. The provision of multiple lavers on movable bases suggests a highly organized and active sacrificial system, capable of handling a large volume of offerings and maintaining the necessary cleanliness.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1-kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings"): **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Temple was the designated place for God to meet with His people. **Meticulous Craftsmanship and Abundance**, highlighted by the detailed descriptions and the sheer quantity of items, indicating the immense resources and skill dedicated to God's sanctuary. This reflects the belief that only the best was fitting for the Lord. The theme of **Ritual Purity** is central, as the lavers were specifically for washing, emphasizing the necessity of cleanliness in approaching a holy God and performing sacred service, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite law and worship, as seen throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Holiness and Sacrifice"). The repetition of "ten" also subtly reinforces themes of **Order and Completeness**, signifying a fully equipped and functional sanctuary.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bases (Hebrew, _mekhonot'_):** This term refers to the elaborate, wheeled stands upon which the lavers rested. As described in [1 Kings 7:27-39](/1-kings/7-27 "1 Kings 7:27-39 - Description of the Ten Bases"), these were not mere pedestals but intricately designed bronze structures, adorned with carvings of lions, oxen, cherubim, and palm trees. Their mobility allowed for flexibility in the Temple court, likely facilitating the washing of sacrifices. The word emphasizes their sturdy construction and detailed artistry.
* **lavers (Hebrew, _kiyyōrôt'_):** These were large, round bronze basins, each capable of holding "forty baths" (approximately 230 gallons or 870 liters). Their primary function, as clarified in [2 Chronicles 4:6](/2-chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6 - Purpose of the Lavers"), was for the priests to wash the burnt offerings. This highlights their crucial role in the sacrificial system, ensuring the ritual purity of the offerings before they were presented to God. The term denotes a vessel specifically for washing or cleansing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the ten bases,"**: This clause specifies the number and type of the support structures. The mention of "ten" immediately conveys a sense of scale and abundance, far exceeding the single laver of the Tabernacle. These bases were not simple stands but complex, ornate, and movable structures, indicating the high level of craftsmanship and the significant investment in the Temple's furnishings. Their detailed description in earlier verses underscores their importance as works of art and functional components.
* **"and ten lavers on the bases;"**: This second clause identifies the basins themselves and their placement atop the aforementioned bases. The pairing of ten lavers with ten bases further emphasizes the symmetry, order, and comprehensive provision for the Temple's ritual needs. These large bronze basins were central to the purification rites associated with the sacrificial system, ensuring that all offerings were ritually cleansed before being presented to the holy God. Their capacity and number suggest a Temple designed for extensive and frequent sacrificial worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Enumeration** is prominent, with the explicit mention of "ten bases" and "ten lavers," which emphasizes the sheer quantity and the grand scale of the Temple's furnishings compared to the single laver of the Tabernacle. This repetition also creates a sense of **Order** and completeness, suggesting a meticulously planned and fully equipped sanctuary. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where these specific items (bases and lavers) represent the broader theme of the Temple's elaborate construction and its emphasis on ritual purity. The concise nature of the verse, following detailed descriptions, also serves as a **Summary Statement**, bringing together the preceding architectural and furnishing details into a unified inventory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The ten bases and ten lavers in Solomon's Temple powerfully underscore the theological necessity of purity in the presence of a holy God. Just as the single bronze laver in the Tabernacle served as a place for priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place or approaching the altar, these multiple, larger lavers in the Temple amplified that requirement for cleansing, particularly for the sacrificial offerings. This physical act of washing symbolized the spiritual truth that sin and defilement must be addressed before one can draw near to the Lord. The abundance of these vessels speaks to the comprehensive nature of God's provision for His people to approach Him righteously, even within a system that foreshadowed a greater, ultimate cleansing.

* [Exodus 30:18](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle")
* [2 Chronicles 4:6](/2-chronicles/4-6 "2 Chronicles 4:6 - Purpose of the Lavers")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalms/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple and its elaborate furnishings no longer stand, the spiritual truths they embodied remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The lavers, with their purpose of cleansing, serve as a timeless reminder of the absolute necessity of purity when approaching a holy God. As Christians, we are called to be a "spiritual house" and "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House")), and our bodies are considered temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). This implies a call to spiritual purity in our thoughts, words, and actions. Just as the priests needed to be ritually clean to serve, we too must strive for holiness, recognizing that our access to God is not based on our own merit but on the cleansing provided by Christ. This should lead us to regular self-examination, confession of sin, and a deep reliance on the grace that continually purifies us, enabling us to worship and serve Him acceptably.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "cleansing" in the Temple's design inform our understanding of God's holiness and our need for purity today?**
* **In what ways do believers, as "spiritual temples," need to be "cleansed" in their daily lives and worship?**
* **What practical steps can we take to pursue spiritual purity and prepare our hearts to draw near to God?**
* **How does the transition from a single laver in the Tabernacle to ten lavers in the Temple speak to God's abundant provision for His people?**

### FAQ
**Why were there ten of each, rather than just one like in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The increase from one laver in the Tabernacle to ten lavers and ten bases in Solomon's Temple reflects the significantly larger scale and grandeur of the permanent Temple structure, as well as the anticipated increase in sacrificial activity. Solomon's Temple was designed to accommodate a much larger worshipping community and a more extensive system of offerings. The number "ten" often symbolizes completeness, order, and abundance in biblical numerology, suggesting that God's provision for cleansing and worship in the Temple was comprehensive and overflowing, commensurate with the nation's prosperity under Solomon's reign and the expanded scope of its spiritual life. It also speaks to the meticulous detail and lavishness with which the Temple was constructed, reflecting the honor due to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The bronze lavers, essential for ritual purification in the Old Testament Temple, find their ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The repeated washing of hands, feet, and sacrificial offerings symbolized the necessary cleansing from sin and defilement required to approach a holy God. However, these rituals were merely shadows, pointing forward to the perfect and once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the temporary and repeated cleansing offered by the lavers and the blood of animals, Christ's blood provides true and eternal purification. As [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience") declares, His blood "purifies our conscience from dead works to serve the living God." Through faith in Him, believers are not just ritually clean but spiritually regenerated and made holy, becoming a "spiritual house" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as a Spiritual House")) and the very "temple of God" ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1-corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). The abundance of the lavers in Solomon's Temple foreshadows the boundless grace and complete cleansing available to all who come to Christ, who is the inexhaustible fountain of living water, providing purification and life everlasting ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")).

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.