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1 Kings 7:45

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And the pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the LORD, [were of] bright brass.

And the pots {H5518}, and the shovels {H3257}, and the basons {H4219}: and all these vessels {H3627}, which Hiram {H2438} made {H6213} to king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} for the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, were of bright {H4178} brass {H5178}.

the ash pots, the shovels and the sprinkling basins. All these articles that Hiram made for King Shlomo in the house of ADONAI were of burnished bronze.

and the pots, shovels, and sprinkling bowls. All the articles that Huram made for King Solomon in the house of the LORD were made of burnished bronze.

and the pots, and the shovels, and the basins: even all these vessels, which Hiram made for king Solomon, in the house of Jehovah, were of burnished brass.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a detailed description of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Chapters 6 and 7 of 1 Kings meticulously chronicle the architecture and the numerous sacred vessels and implements. Verse 45 specifically focuses on a set of practical tools used in the Temple service: "pots" (likely for carrying ashes or other sacrificial byproducts), "shovels" (for handling ashes or coals), and "basons" (for catching blood or performing ablutions). These were crafted by Hiram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, whom King Solomon commissioned for this monumental task. The mention of "bright brass" (or bronze) highlights the quality and luster of these items, indicating they were not merely utilitarian but also beautiful and fitting for the House of the LORD.

Key Themes

  • Excellence in Divine Service: The use of "bright brass" for even the most utilitarian items like pots and shovels underscores the principle that everything dedicated to God's service should be of the highest quality. It reflects a commitment to offering one's best to the Lord, not just in grand structures but in every detail.
  • Attention to Detail: The Bible's meticulous enumeration of these specific items (pots, shovels, basons) emphasizes that God cares about the particulars of worship and the functionality of His house. Every piece had a purpose in the sacred rituals.
  • Sacred Craftsmanship: Hiram's expertise, combined with Solomon's vision, resulted in sacred objects of immense value and beauty. This collaboration highlights how human skill, when consecrated to God, can produce works that glorify Him.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "bright brass" translates the Hebrew word nechoshet (נְחֹשֶׁת), which more accurately refers to bronze. Bronze was a common and valuable metal in the ancient Near East, known for its durability, strength, and ability to take on a polished, lustrous appearance when refined. Its use here signifies not only the material value but also the aesthetic quality and permanence intended for the Temple vessels, ensuring they were fit for sacred use and would endure for generations.

Practical Application

Though we no longer worship in a physical Temple with such ritual implements, the principles behind 1 Kings 7:45 remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us that our service to God, whether in grand endeavors or seemingly mundane tasks, should be marked by excellence and dedication. Just as every item in the Temple was fashioned with care, so too should our spiritual gifts, talents, and resources be offered to God with intentionality and our very best effort (Colossians 3:23). It encourages us to consider how we use our 'pots, shovels, and basons' – our daily tools and responsibilities – for God's glory, ensuring that even the small things are done with a heart of worship and a commitment to quality.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 27:3 (5 votes)

    And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass.

  • Exodus 38:3 (3 votes)

    And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, [and] the fleshhooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he [of] brass.

  • 2 Chronicles 4:16 (3 votes)

    The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.

  • Leviticus 8:31 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Moses said unto Aaron and to his sons, Boil the flesh [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and there eat it with the bread that [is] in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it.

  • Zechariah 14:21 (2 votes)

    Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

  • Ezekiel 46:20 (2 votes)

    Then said he unto me, This [is] the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear [them] not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.

  • Ezekiel 46:24 (2 votes)

    Then said he unto me, These [are] the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.