1 Kings 7:48

¶ And Solomon made all the vessels that [pertained] unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread [was],

And Solomon {H8010} made {H6213} all the vessels {H3627} that pertained unto the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}: the altar {H4196} of gold {H2091}, and the table {H7979} of gold {H2091}, whereupon the shewbread {H3899}{H6440} was,

Shlomo made all the objects that were inside the house of ADONAI: the gold altar; the table of gold on which the showbread was displayed;

Solomon also made all the furnishings for the house of the LORD: the golden altar; the golden table on which was placed the Bread of the Presence;

And Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of Jehovah: the golden altar, and the table whereupon the showbread was, of gold;

Commentary

1 Kings 7:48 describes some of the most sacred and valuable furnishings Solomon crafted for the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights the altar of gold and the table of gold for the shewbread, emphasizing the immense wealth and meticulous detail dedicated to the worship of the LORD.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in 1 Kings chapters 6-7, which meticulously describes the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, often referred to as the First Temple. After years of labor, the focus shifts from the structure itself to the sacred vessels and implements necessary for daily worship and ritual. The items mentioned here—the altar and the table for the shewbread—were central to the priestly duties and represented key aspects of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Their construction from gold signifies not only the kingdom's prosperity under King Solomon's reign but also the unparalleled reverence and devotion intended for the "House of the LORD" (Hebrew: Beyt Yahweh).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Majesty and Glory: The extensive use of gold for these holy vessels underscores the profound reverence and honor due to God. It reflects the belief that only the finest materials were suitable for the dwelling place of the Most High.
  • Continuity of Worship: These furnishings are direct counterparts to those found in the Mosaic Tabernacle, signaling a seamless transition of the covenant worship practices from a portable tent to a permanent, magnificent structure.
  • God's Provision and Presence: The "shewbread" (Hebrew: lechem panim, meaning "bread of presence") was twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes of Israel, perpetually set before the LORD. This symbolized God's faithful provision for His people and His constant presence among them. The golden table upon which it rested further amplified its significance.
  • Sacredness of Worship: The mention of the "altar of gold" likely refers to the altar of incense, placed in the Holy Place. This altar was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints rising to God, and its golden nature set it apart as exceptionally holy, distinct from the bronze altar of burnt offering in the outer court.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shewbread" is derived from the Hebrew lechem panim, literally "bread of the face" or "bread of presence," signifying its constant display "before the face" of God. This emphasizes God's perpetual awareness of and provision for His people. The "altar of gold" distinguishes it from the larger bronze altar for sacrifices, highlighting its function for sacred incense rather than animal offerings, and its proximity to the Holy of Holies.

Practical Application

While we no longer worship in a physical temple with golden vessels, the principles behind these furnishings remain relevant. They remind us of the importance of offering our very best to God in worship and service. The symbolism of the shewbread points to God's continuous provision for His people, and ultimately to Jesus Christ as the true Bread of Life, who sustains us spiritually. Our worship should be marked by reverence, intentionality, and a deep appreciation for God's constant presence and provision in our lives.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 37:10

    ¶ And he made the table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [was] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof:

  • Exodus 37:16

    And he made the vessels which [were] upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, [of] pure gold.

  • 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.

  • Exodus 39:36

    The table, [and] all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,

  • 1 Corinthians 10:21

    Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

  • Ezekiel 44:16

    They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.

  • Malachi 1:12

    But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] polluted; and the fruit thereof, [even] his meat, [is] contemptible.
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