1 Kings 7:44

And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;

And one {H259} sea {H3220}, and twelve {H8147}{H6240} oxen {H1241} under the sea {H3220};

the one Sea, the twelve oxen under the Sea,

the Sea; the twelve oxen underneath the Sea;

and the one sea, and the twelve oxen under the sea;

Commentary

1 Kings 7:44 continues the detailed description of the magnificent furnishings and structures built for King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. This particular verse focuses on two critical elements of the Temple's bronze work: the immense "sea" and its supporting "twelve oxen."

Context

Chapter 7 of 1 Kings meticulously chronicles the construction of King Solomon's palace and, more importantly, the sacred vessels and architectural features of the First Temple. After describing the pillars Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:15-22) and the bronze stands with their lavers (1 Kings 7:27-39), the narrative shifts to the grandest bronze piece: the Molten Sea. This massive basin was cast from bronze by Hiram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, commissioned by Solomon for the Temple's forecourt. Its primary purpose was for the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering in the holy place, emphasizing the necessity of ritual purity in divine service, a principle established earlier with the Tabernacle.

Key Elements and Symbolism

  • The Molten Sea: This was a colossal bronze basin, ten cubits (about 15 feet) in diameter and five cubits (about 7.5 feet) high, with a capacity of thousands of gallons (described in 2 Chronicles 4:5). While called a "sea" (Hebrew: yam), it was a giant laver. Its immense size underscored the grandeur of God's dwelling and the ample provision for priestly cleansing. It served as a symbolic reservoir of purification for those who served God.
  • The Twelve Oxen: Providing the structural support for this enormous basin were twelve bronze oxen, cast in groups of three, facing the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). The number twelve is highly significant, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, the foundation of the nation. The oxen themselves symbolized strength, steadfastness, and service, as they were commonly used for labor and sacrifice in ancient Israel. Their presence undergirding the Molten Sea visually connected the purification rituals to the entire covenant community of Israel.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew term for "sea" here is יָם (yam), which literally means "sea" or "large body of water." In this context, it is used metaphorically to describe the vast size and capacity of the bronze basin, much larger than the typical "laver" (כִּיּוֹר - kiyyor) found in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:18). This choice of word emphasizes its monumental scale and significance within the Temple complex.

Reflection and Application

The Molten Sea and its twelve oxen in Solomon's Temple offer several enduring insights:

  • Purity in Worship: The elaborate provision for washing underscores the biblical principle that those who draw near to God must do so with clean hands and a pure heart. While the Temple's physical cleansing rituals were superseded by Christ's sacrifice, the spiritual reality of needing purification to approach a holy God remains central (Hebrews 10:22).
  • Divine Order and Symbolism: Every detail in the Temple, from the practical to the decorative, carried profound symbolic meaning. The oxen supporting the sea spoke to the strength and unity of Israel, bearing the weight of God's sacred practices. This reminds us of God's meticulous attention to detail and the layered meaning in His revelation.
  • God's Grandeur: The sheer scale and artistry of the Molten Sea, along with the entire Temple, reflect the majesty and glory of the God it was built to honor. Solomon spared no expense in creating a dwelling place worthy of the King of Kings, showcasing the awe and reverence due to God.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 7:23 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Kings 7:25 (2 votes)

    It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea [was set] above upon them, and all their hinder parts [were] inward.