1 Kings 7:46

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

1 Kings 7 details the extensive construction of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, followed by the building of his own palace. This particular verse, 1 Kings 7:46, focuses on the massive bronze work for the Temple's furnishings and architectural features, such as the Molten Sea, the lavers, and the grand pillars (Jachin and Boaz). The sheer scale and complexity of these bronze objects required specialized expertise, which King Solomon acquired through Hiram of Tyre, a skilled craftsman mentioned in 1 Kings 7:13-14. The verse pinpoints the exact geographical location where this heavy industrial work of casting took place, away from Jerusalem itself, highlighting the meticulous planning behind the Temple's construction.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Human Skill: This verse highlights the practical aspects of building God's dwelling place. While God commanded the Temple's construction, human ingenuity, specialized labor, and careful planning, guided by divine wisdom (as seen in Solomon), were essential. The use of skilled craftsmen like Hiram and the selection of suitable materials and locations underscore the meticulous effort involved in sacred projects.
  • Geographical Precision: The specific mention of "the plain of Jordan" and "between Succoth and Zarthan" emphasizes the historical accuracy and detail of the biblical account. This area was known for its deep clay deposits, which were ideal for creating the massive molds needed for large-scale bronze casting.
  • Scale of the Temple Project: The fact that such a major industrial operation had to be carried out in a specific, distant location demonstrates the immense scale, logistical complexity, and vast resources required for the construction of Solomon's Temple. It was an undertaking of national significance.

Linguistic and Cultural Insights

The phrase "clay ground" (Hebrew: מַעֲבֵה הָאֲדָמָה, ma'aveh ha'adamah, literally "thickness of the ground" or "heavy earth") refers to the rich, deep clay soil found abundantly in the Jordan Valley. This specific type of earth was crucial for creating the large, durable molds necessary for casting massive bronze objects without them cracking or collapsing under the intense heat of the molten metal. Ancient metallurgy relied heavily on understanding the properties of different soils. The location between Succoth (east of the Jordan) and Zarthan (also known as Zaretan or Zeredathah, west of the Jordan, near Adam) was strategically chosen for its abundance of this specific clay and its proximity to water from the Jordan River, which was necessary for various stages of the casting process, including cooling.

Practical Application and Reflection

This seemingly technical verse offers several profound reflections. It reminds us that even in grand spiritual endeavors, there are practical, earthly realities that must be addressed with diligence and wisdom. The detailed account of the Temple's construction, including the precise location of its workshops, underscores the biblical emphasis on craftsmanship, excellence, and the faithful use of God-given resources and talents. It teaches us that significant undertakings, whether spiritual or secular, require careful planning, appropriate resources, and dedicated effort. Just as Solomon ensured the Temple was built with the best materials and methods, so too should we strive for excellence in our endeavors, recognizing that our work can be an act of worship and a testament to God's provision. 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.

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

  • Joshua 3:16 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Joshua 13:27 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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: