1 Kings 7:23

And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other: [it was] round all about, and his height [was] five cubits: and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

And he made {H6213} a molten {H3332} sea {H3220}, ten {H6235} cubits {H520} from the one brim {H8193} to the other {H8193}: it was round {H5696} all about {H5439}, and his height {H6967} was five {H2568} cubits {H520}: and a line {H6957}{H6961} of thirty {H7970} cubits {H520} did compass {H5437} it round about {H5439}.

He made the cast metal "Sea" circular, seventeen-and-a-half feet from rim to rim, eight-and-three quarter feet high and fifty-two-and-a-half feet in circumference.

He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference.

And he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and the height thereof was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about.

Commentary

1 Kings 7:23 describes a magnificent piece of furniture in Solomon's Temple: the "molten sea." This verse provides its fundamental dimensions, giving us a glimpse into the grandeur and meticulous design of the sacred structure built for the worship of God in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in 1 Kings chapters 6-7, which meticulously describes King Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and his own palace. Following the completion of the main Temple structure, chapter 7 focuses on the various bronze furnishings and vessels crafted by Hiram of Tyre, a skilled artisan. The Molten Sea was one of the most prominent and symbolically significant items, serving a crucial function in the priestly service. This massive basin represented a significant upgrade from the smaller laver used in the Tabernacle, reflecting the greater scale and permanence of the Temple, a fulfillment of God's promise to David regarding building a house for His name.

Description and Significance

The "molten sea" was an enormous bronze basin, cast in a single piece. Its dimensions are given precisely: ten cubits (approximately 15 feet) in diameter from brim to brim, five cubits (about 7.5 feet) in height, and thirty cubits (about 45 feet) in circumference. It was not a bathing pool for the common worshiper but a ritual basin for the priests. Its primary purpose was for the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering in the Temple, ensuring their ceremonial purity as they approached God's holy presence and performed their sacred duties. This emphasis on cleanliness highlighted the holiness of God and the reverence required in His service.

Linguistic Insights

The dimensions provided in this verse (10 cubits diameter, 30 cubits circumference) lead to a mathematical curiosity. If the circumference is 30 and the diameter is 10, then the implied value of Pi (circumference divided by diameter) is exactly 3. Modern mathematics, of course, knows Pi to be approximately 3.14159. This apparent discrepancy is generally understood not as a mathematical error in the biblical text, but as a practical measurement or a rounded figure common in ancient calculations. It was sufficient for the architectural and functional purposes of the time, demonstrating that the Bible speaks in the language and understanding of its original audience without needing to provide precise modern scientific data.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity and Holiness in Worship: The Molten Sea powerfully symbolized the absolute necessity of ritual and spiritual cleansing for anyone approaching God. It underscored that God is holy and demands purity from those who serve Him.
  • Divine Detail and Excellence: The meticulous description of the Temple's furnishings, including the precise dimensions of the Molten Sea, highlights God's expectation for excellence and order in all aspects of worship and service.
  • Symbolism of Cleansing: While a physical object, the Molten Sea pointed to a deeper spiritual truth about the need for purification before communion with a holy God.

Practical Application

While Christians today do not perform ritual washings before worship, the principle of the Molten Sea remains profoundly relevant. It serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness of God and our need for spiritual cleansing. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are cleansed by His shed blood, which makes us acceptable to draw near to God. The Molten Sea points us to the importance of a pure heart and life, urging us to cleanse ourselves from all defilement as we seek to walk with Him and worship Him in spirit and truth.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 4:2 (5 votes)

    Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

  • 2 Kings 25:13 (5 votes)

    And the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

  • Jeremiah 52:17 (4 votes)

    Also the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans brake, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.

  • 1 Chronicles 18:8 (2 votes)

    Likewise from Tibhath, and from Chun, cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much brass, wherewith Solomon made the brasen sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.

  • Exodus 30:18 (2 votes)

    Thou shalt also make a laver [of] brass, and his foot [also of] brass, to wash [withal]: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

  • Exodus 30:21 (2 votes)

    So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, [even] to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

  • Exodus 38:8 (2 votes)

    And he made the laver [of] brass, and the foot of it [of] brass, of the lookingglasses of [the women] assembling, which assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.