1 Kings 7:46

KJV

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the plain {H3603} of Jordan {H3383} did the king {H4428} cast {H3332} them, in the clay {H4568} ground {H127} between Succoth {H5523} and Zarthan {H6891}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king cast them in the plain of the Yarden, in the clay ground between Sukkot and Tzartan.

Berean Standard Bible

The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan.

American Standard Version

In the plain of the Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 7:46 provides a precise geographical and logistical detail concerning the construction of Solomon's Temple, specifically the casting of its massive bronze furnishings and architectural components. This verse reveals that King Solomon directed this immense industrial undertaking to occur in the Jordan River plain, leveraging the unique, deep clay deposits found in the area situated between Succoth and Zarthan. It underscores the meticulous planning, vast resources, and specialized metallurgical expertise required for such a monumental sacred project, highlighting the practical realities behind the creation of God's dwelling place in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Temple Furnishings"), a chapter that meticulously details the construction of Solomon's Temple furnishings and, subsequently, his own palace. Following the general account of the Temple's completion in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Solomon Builds the Temple"), chapter 7 shifts focus to the intricate and grand features within. Verses [1 Kings 7:13-45](/1_kings/7-13-45 "1 Kings 7:13-45 - Hiram's Bronze Work for the Temple") specifically describe the work of Hiram of Tyre, the master craftsman commissioned for all the bronze elements, including the monumental pillars Jachin and Boaz, the Molten Sea, the lavers, and various other vessels. Verse 46 serves as a crucial geographical interlude, pinpointing the exact industrial site where these colossal bronze objects were cast. This detail emphasizes the sheer scale and logistical complexity of the operation before the narrative returns to the final placement and installation of these items within the Temple structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a zenith of peace and prosperity for the united kingdom of Israel, enabling ambitious national projects like the Temple. This undertaking demanded immense resources, advanced engineering, and highly specialized labor. Phoenicia, particularly the city-state of Tyre, was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its metallurgical prowess. King Hiram of Tyre, a key ally, provided not only precious materials but also a master craftsman (also named Hiram, or Huram-Abi, as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 2:13](/2_chronicles/2-13 "2 Chronicles 2:13 - Hiram's Master Craftsman")), whose expertise was indispensable for the bronze work, as detailed in [1 Kings 7:13-14](/1_kings/7-13-14 "1 Kings 7:13-14 - Hiram of Tyre, the Master Craftsman"). The Jordan Valley, specifically the area between Succoth and Zarthan, was strategically chosen for its abundant deposits of deep, high-quality clay, which was essential for creating the large, durable molds needed for casting massive bronze objects. Furthermore, the proximity to the Jordan River provided an essential water source for preparing the molds and cooling the molten metal, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of ancient industrial logistics and resource management.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, though seemingly a technical detail, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Mandate and Human Excellence**, illustrating that while God commanded the Temple's construction as His dwelling place, He expected and enabled the highest standards of human ingenuity, specialized labor, and meticulous planning. The strategic selection of the casting site and the use of skilled craftsmen like Hiram underscore the diligent effort involved in sacred projects. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Historical Veracity and Geographical Precision**, with the specific mention of "the plain of Jordan" and "between Succoth and Zarthan" lending concrete detail and credibility to the biblical account. This precision authenticates the historical reality of God's interaction with His people. Lastly, it vividly portrays the **Immense Scale and Complexity of the Temple Project**. The necessity of establishing a major industrial operation far from Jerusalem to handle the casting of such colossal elements underscores the vast resources, logistical challenges, and national significance of building God's dwelling place, a project unparalleled in Israel's history since the construction of the Tabernacle described in [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35-40 "Exodus 35-40 - Construction of the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast (Hebrew, _yātsaq'_):** This primitive root verb signifies "to pour out," and by implication, "to melt or cast as metal." In the context of [1 Kings 7:46](/1_kings/7-46 "1 Kings 7:46 - Location of Bronze Casting"), it specifically refers to the highly skilled and labor-intensive process of melting large quantities of bronze and pouring the molten metal into pre-formed molds. The scale of the objects (such as the Molten Sea, which held thousands of gallons, and the massive pillars Jachin and Boaz) indicates an advanced metallurgical operation requiring immense heat, precise temperature control, and careful handling of the molten material to ensure the integrity and quality of the finished products.
* **plain (Hebrew, _kikkâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "circle," this term refers to a circumjacent tract or region, specifically the Ghor or valley of the Jordan. This geographical designation is crucial as it identifies the broad, flat, and often fertile valley through which the Jordan River flows. For the purpose of casting, the "plain of Jordan" provided the necessary expansive space for a large-scale industrial site, away from population centers, and was known for its specific geological features conducive to the work.
* **clay ground (Hebrew, _maʻăbeh_ and _ʼădâmâh'_):** This phrase describes a specific type of soil. **_Maʻăbeh_ (H4568)** means "compact" or "loam," referring to the dense, heavy quality of the clay. **_ʼAdâmâh_ (H127)** refers to "soil" or "ground," often implying its reddish hue. Together, "clay ground" denotes a deep, rich, and cohesive clay deposit. This particular quality of clay was indispensable for constructing the large, robust molds required to withstand the extreme temperatures of molten bronze without cracking, collapsing, or deforming. The abundance of this ideal clay in the Jordan plain was a primary factor in choosing this location for the massive casting operation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them,"**: This initial clause sets the general geographical stage for the significant industrial activity. "Them" refers to the numerous bronze articles for the Temple, including the monumental Molten Sea, the ten lavers, and the two grand pillars, whose fabrication is extensively detailed in the preceding verses of [1 Kings 7](/1_kings/7 "1 Kings 7 - Solomon's Temple Furnishings"). The phrase "did the king cast them" highlights King Solomon's direct authority, initiative, and oversight in this massive undertaking, underscoring his central role in orchestrating the entire Temple construction project, not merely commissioning it.
* **"in the clay ground"**: This phrase provides a critical geological specificity, explaining *why* this particular location in the Jordan plain was chosen. The presence of suitable "clay ground" was not incidental but a paramount requirement. This deep, heavy, and malleable clay was absolutely essential for constructing the robust and precise molds that could endure the immense heat and pressure of molten bronze without compromising the structural integrity or intricate details of the colossal objects being cast. Its unique properties made it ideal for large-scale ancient metallurgy.
* **"between Succoth and Zarthan."**: This final clause offers precise geographical markers, pinpointing the exact area within the Jordan plain where this industrial complex was established. Succoth was located on the east side of the Jordan River, while Zarthan (also known as Zaretan or Zeredathah) was generally situated on the west side, near Adam. This indicates a specific, resource-rich zone in the Jordan Valley, strategically chosen for its abundance of the necessary high-quality clay and its proximity to the Jordan River for water, making it an ideal site for such a large-scale, heavy-industry operation, far from the bustling capital of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its communication of meaning and significance. **Precision** and **Detail** are paramount, as the author meticulously provides exact geographical coordinates for a specific industrial operation. This attention to detail not only enhances the historical credibility of the narrative but also underscores the meticulousness and thoroughness with which the Temple was constructed. The phrase "between Succoth and Zarthan" functions as a form of **Merism**, encompassing the entire region or stretch of land situated between these two points, thereby highlighting the extensive area utilized for this monumental work. While seemingly a simple statement of fact, the verse subtly employs **Understatement** to convey the immense scale and logistical complexity of the Temple project. By locating this critical, heavy industry far from Jerusalem itself, the text implicitly communicates the sheer magnitude of resources, labor, and planning required—an operation too disruptive, dangerous, or space-intensive to conduct within the city walls.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly technical verse on ancient metallurgy holds profound theological implications, revealing God's expectation of excellence, meticulousness, and diligent effort in the service and worship offered to Him. The detailed account of the Temple's construction, even down to the specific location of its workshops and the type of soil used for casting, underscores that God is not indifferent to the quality of human effort in His service. Just as the Tabernacle was built according to precise divine specifications, so too was Solomon's Temple, demonstrating that the sacred requires not only spiritual devotion but also diligent, skilled, and well-planned human labor. This commitment to excellence in the physical construction foreshadows the spiritual reality that God desires our best in all areas of life, recognizing that our work, when done unto Him, can be an act of worship. The physical Temple, built with such care, served as a tangible representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1-5 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezalel and Oholiab Gifted by God"): This passage describes Bezalel and Oholiab being supernaturally filled with the Spirit of God for craftsmanship, highlighting divine enablement for sacred work, mirroring how Hiram's skill was providentially utilized for the Temple.
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Build the House"): God commands His people to "go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the house," emphasizing the importance of active participation, diligent effort, and resourcefulness in constructing His dwelling place.
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly"): This verse states that the earthly sanctuary serves as a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things," implying that the meticulous detail and quality of the physical Temple pointed to a greater, perfect heavenly reality.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's construction, including the precise location of its industrial workshops, serves as a powerful reminder that even in grand spiritual endeavors, there are practical, earthly realities that must be addressed with diligence, wisdom, and excellence. This verse teaches us that God values not only the spiritual intent but also the quality of our work and the responsible use of the resources He provides. It challenges us to consider how we approach our own "building projects"—whether in our careers, families, ministries, or personal development. Are we striving for excellence in the mundane tasks, recognizing that our labor, when offered to God, can be an act of worship? The thoroughness in building the first Temple points to the ultimate reality of God's desire for His presence among His people, a theme later fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who tabernacled among us. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, should reflect the same commitment to integrity, quality, and purpose in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in building the Temple, even down to the location of its workshops, inform our approach to service and work in our own lives?**
* **In what areas of our lives can we apply the principle of "excellence in the mundane," recognizing that all our labor, when done with integrity, can be an act of worship to God?**
* **How does God's provision of specific resources (like the unique clay) and skilled individuals (like Hiram) for the Temple's construction encourage us in our own endeavors and reliance on His divine provision and enablement?**

### FAQ
**Why was the casting of the bronze objects done so far from Jerusalem?**

Answer: The casting operation was conducted in the Jordan Valley, a significant distance from Jerusalem, for several crucial practical and logistical reasons. Firstly, the specific "clay ground" (deep, heavy clay) required for creating the large, durable molds was abundant in this region, particularly between Succoth and Zarthan, but was not readily available in Jerusalem. Secondly, the process of melting and casting massive bronze objects would have generated immense heat, smoke, and noise, making it unsuitable for the densely populated capital city. Thirdly, the sheer scale of the operation, involving the movement of heavy raw materials and the need for large furnaces and ample workspace, necessitated an industrial site with considerable space and access to water (from the Jordan River) for various stages of the process, including cooling. While transporting the finished, heavy bronze articles was a significant logistical challenge, it was ultimately more feasible and less disruptive than performing the entire casting process within Jerusalem itself.

**Who was Hiram, and what was his significance to the Temple project?**

Answer: Hiram (also known as Huram-Abi in parallel accounts like [2 Chronicles 2:13](/2_chronicles/2-13 "2 Chronicles 2:13 - Hiram's Master Craftsman")) was a master craftsman from Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city. He was renowned throughout the ancient world for his exceptional skill in working with various metals (bronze, gold, silver, iron), stone, and wood, as well as in engraving and designing. King Solomon specifically requested his expertise from King Hiram of Tyre (his namesake) because of his unparalleled abilities, especially in metallurgy. Hiram's significance lies in his crucial role in fabricating all the intricate and massive bronze furnishings for the Temple, including the two great pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the enormous Molten Sea, the ten lavers, and numerous other utensils. His craftsmanship ensured that the Temple's bronze elements were not only functional but also aesthetically magnificent, reflecting the high standards of artistry and quality expected for God's dwelling place.

**What was the particular significance of the "clay ground" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: The "clay ground" (Hebrew: _maʻăbeh haʼădâmâh_) was of paramount significance because it refers to a specific type of deep, dense, and rich clay soil found abundantly in the Jordan Valley. This particular quality of clay was absolutely essential for creating the large, robust, and intricate molds needed for casting massive bronze objects like the Molten Sea and the Temple pillars. Unlike ordinary soil, this heavy, compact clay possessed the unique properties to withstand the immense heat of molten bronze without cracking, collapsing, or deforming, which would have ruined the complex castings. Ancient metallurgy relied heavily on understanding the properties of different soils, and the abundance of this ideal clay in the Jordan plain made it the perfect, indeed necessary, location for such a large-scale industrial operation, ensuring the structural integrity and artistic precision of the Temple's bronze elements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail and immense effort dedicated to constructing Solomon's Temple, even down to the specific "clay ground" in the Jordan plain where its bronze components were cast, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, built with such human skill and divine wisdom, was a temporary and imperfect shadow of the perfect, eternal reality of God's presence. In Christ, God's presence is no longer confined to a building made with hands, for He is the true Temple, as He Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the Temple of His Body")). Indeed, in Him "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of God in Christ")). Just as the "clay ground" was essential for the Temple's physical components to be formed, so too was the "clay" of human flesh essential for God's ultimate dwelling among us; the Word became flesh and "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making His dwelling in human form. The wisdom and meticulous planning seen in the Temple's construction find their ultimate expression in Christ, who is the wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) and who perfectly accomplished God's redemptive plan. Through His sacrifice, we, as believers, become living stones built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")), temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), thereby fulfilling the Temple's purpose of housing God's presence in a new and greater way, not in a physical structure, but in redeemed humanity.

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

Joshua 3:16

That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

Genesis 33:17

And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

2 Chronicles 4:17

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.

Joshua 13:27

And in the valley, Betharam, and Bethnimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and [his] border, [even] unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.

1 Kings 4:12

Baana the son of Ahilud; [to him pertained] Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which [is] by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, [even] unto [the place that is] beyond Jokneam: