1 Kings 7 Commentary

Updated: Fri, 02/21/2025 - 10:54 By admin

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Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission
1 Kings Chart from Charles Swindoll

THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL

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1 Kings 7:1 Now Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

thirteen years: 1Ki 9:10 2Ch 8:1 Ec 2:4,5 Mt 6:33

Jerusalem in Solomon's Reign
Source: ESV Global Study Bible

Now Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house - The obvious point is that Solomon spent 7.5 years building the Temple for Jehovah and 13 years building his own domicile! Does this suggest Solomon gave more attention to personal property than to the glory of God? Consider three things to answer this. (1) In fairness, Solomon's personal buildings included a number of public and private buildings. (2) In addition, the Temple had been planned and provided for by Solomon's father David which would have expedited the Temple project. (3) The amount of "ink" devoted to Solomon's personal property (1Ki 7:1-12) is considerably less than that devoted to description of the Temple, exterior, interior and furnishings (1Ki 6:1-38, 1Ki 7:13-51).

In 1Ki 7:12 we discover that the Temple was included in a complex with Solomon's palace. In 1Ki 9:10 we learn that the building time for Temple and Palace was 20 years, or half of Solomon's 40 year reign.

Click the picture above to enlarge the diagram above to see possible locations of Solomon's Palace and the Royal Complex. The ESV Note says "Solomon’s temple was Israel’s first permanent sanctuary. The temple was constructed on the top of Mount Moriah (2 Chron. 3:1+). The royal complex was built to the immediate south of the temple. It consisted of Solomon’s own palace and a smaller house for his Egyptian wife (1 Kings 7:8), an armory called the “House of the Forest of Lebanon” (1Ki 7:2–5), a Hall of Pillars (1Ki 7:6), and a Hall of the Throne (1Ki 7:7). A special “Ascent” connected this complex with the temple. The area between the temple complex and the city of David was called the Ophel."

Ligonier has a comment that I am not sure is a fair assessment but it is a consideration - Two details stand out. First, Solomon took seven years to finish the temple in Jerusalem, but he spent thirteen years building his palace, spending nearly twice as long on his own house as he did on the holy sanctuary (1Ki 6:37–7:1). This suggests that for all of Solomon’s devotion to the work of temple building, he was more concerned with the details and size of his palace than with the sanctuary where God would be worshiped. In some ways, Solomon was more devoted to his own glory than he was to the glory of the Lord....Like Solomon, we are apt to get distracted and focus more on our own concerns than on the Lord and His worship. Remaining sin means we will fall short in putting God first until we are glorified, and thanks be to the Lord, Christ atoned for that as well. Still, we should seek to grow in our love for God on a daily basis, and we do that through prayer, repentance, and regular attention to the Word of God, as well as weekly participation in corporate worship.

Alfred Hoerth does not agree with Ligonier (or several other sources) writing ‘The temple took seven years to complete, but sometimes Solomon is faulted for spending about twice that much time to build his palace. This is hardly a valid criticism because the Bible makes it quite clear Solomon did his best to make God’s temple the finest structure in the world and that God was pleased with the results (1 Kgs. 8:10–11). Certainly Solomon spared no expense on the precious woods and gold overlay used in building and outfitting the temple. Moreover, the structure was not large (temple size was not necessarily an indication of devotion to deity), the main building measured only ninety feet long by thirty feet wide by forty-five feet high. Seven years seems a generous length of time to build such a small edifice’ (BORROW Archaeology and the Old Testament 282).

Dale Ralph Davis adds "Yet there is a matter of emphasis: there is very cursory attention paid to the House of the Forest of Lebanon et al. These government buildings are dwarfed by the massive blocks of temple material on either side of them, as if the writer says, ‘This [vv. 1–12] doesn’t matter too much.’ De-emphasis is a perfectly legitimate ploy. Franklin D. Roosevelt used this technique politically. He told his associates never to mention the name of the opponent. One could call him ‘our opponent’ or ‘the gentleman from Indiana,’ but never mention his name. His rationale was that if people ‘don’t hear the opponent’s name, that is a clear gain for us.’ He didn’t ‘want to do anything to advertise the name of the opposing candidate.’Now I hold that our writer is engaging in de-emphasis here in 1 Kings 6–7. By minimizing the space given the government buildings he magnifies the importance of the temple.

Dale Ralph Davis says "Now 1 Kings 7 is mostly concerned with interior decorating i.e. with the furnishings that went into the temple building of chapter 6." ...Since the chapter is lengthy a map of its contents may be useful:

1 Kings 7:1–12 Royal Complex

House of the Forest of Lebanon (1 Kings 7:2–5)
Hall of Pillars (NIV: colonade; 1 Kings 7:6)
Hall of Justice (1 Kings 7:7)
House of Solomon (1 Kings 7:8a)
House for Pharaoh’s daughter (1 Kings 7:8b)
Construction notes (1 Kings 7:9–12)

1 Kings 7:13–51 Temple Furnishings

Hiram’s work in bronze (cf. 1 Kings 7:13–14):

2 bronze pillars (1 Kings 7:15–22)
the sea (1 Kings 7:23–26)
10 movable stands (1 Kings 7:27–39)
summary (1 Kings 7:40–47)

Solomon’s provision of gold (1 Kings 7:48–51)

Article from ISBE on Solomon's Jerusalem

Solomon:

With the accession of Solomon, the increased magnificence of the court, the foreign wives and their establishments, the new officials and the great number of work people brought to the city for Solomon's great buildings must necessarily have enormously swelled the resident population, while the recorded buildings of the city, the temple, the king's house, the House of the Daughter of Pharaoh, the House of the Forest of Lebanon, the Throne Hall and the Pillared Hall (1 Ki 7:1-8) must have altered the whole aspect of the site. In consequence of these new buildings, the sanctuary together with the houses of the common folk, a new wall for the city was necessary, and we have a statement twice made that Solomon built "the wall of Jerusalem round about" (1 Ki 3:1; 9:15); it is also recorded that he built Millo (1 Ki 9:15,24; 11:27), and that "he repaired the breach of the city of David his father" (1 Ki 11:27). The question of the Millo is discussed elsewhere (see MILLO); the "breach" referred to may have been the connecting wall needed to include the Millo within the complete circle of fortifications, or else some part of David's fortification which his death had left incomplete.

Solomon's City Wall:

As regards the "Wall of Jerus" which Solomon built, it is practically certain that it was, on the North and West, that described by Josephus as the First Wall (see VI, 7 above). The vast rock-cut scarps at the southwestern corner testify to the massiveness of the building. Whether the whole of the southwestern hill was included is matter of doubt. Inasmuch as there are indications at Bliss's tower (see VI, 4th above) of an ancient wall running northeasterly, and enclosing the summit of the southwestern hill, it would appear highly probable that Solomon's wall followed that line; in this case this wall must have crossed the Tyropeon at somewhat the line of the existing southern wall, and then have run southeasterly to join the western wall of the old city of the Jebusites. The temple and palace buildings were all enclosed in a wall of finished masonry which made it a fortified place by itself--as it appears to have been through Hebrew history--and these walls, where external to the rest of the city, formed part of the whole circle of fortification.

Although Solomon built so magnificent a house for Yahweh, he erected in the neighborhood shrines to other local gods (1 Ki 11:7,8), a lapse ascribed largely to the influence of his foreign wives and consequent foreign alliances.

The above note is from the original ISBE. Borrow the Revised International Standard Bible Encyclopedia for a more detailed discussion.

1 Kings 7:2 He built the house of the forest of Lebanon; its length was 100 cubits and its width 50 cubits and its height 30 cubits, on four rows of cedar pillars with cedar beams on the pillars.

NET 1 Kings 7:2 He named it "The Palace of the Lebanon Forest"; it was 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. It had four rows of cedar pillars and cedar beams above the pillars.

CSB 1 Kings 7:2 He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon. It was 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high on four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams on top of the pillars.

ESV 1 Kings 7:2 He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Its length was a hundred cubits and its breadth fifty cubits and its height thirty cubits, and it was built on four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams on the pillars.

NIV 1 Kings 7:2 He built the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon a hundred cubits long, fifty wide and thirty high, with four rows of cedar columns supporting trimmed cedar beams.

NLT 1 Kings 7:2 One of Solomon's buildings was called the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon. It was 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. There were four rows of cedar pillars, and great cedar beams rested on the pillars.

NRS 1 Kings 7:2 He built the House of the Forest of the Lebanon one hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high, built on four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams on the pillars.

1Ki 9:19 10:17 2Ch 9:16 Song 7:4

HOUSE OF
LEBANON

He built the house of the forest of Lebanon; its length was 100 cubits and its width 50 cubits and its height 30 cubits, on four rows of cedar pillars with cedar beams on the pillars - NET - "He named it "The Palace of the Lebanon Forest"; it was 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high. It had four rows of cedar pillars and cedar beams above the pillars." 1 Kings 10:16-17 mentions 500 gold shields that were hung in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. Isaiah specifically called this building an armory in Isaiah 22:8.

NOTE: At the outset of the discussion of Solomon's building projects it needs to be understood that the relationship of the location of the palace complex to the Temple is not clear. The diagram above is one individual's reconstruction of what it may have looked like, but we cannot be dogmatic. If you compare this diagram with the diagram of Jerusalem in Solomon's Reign, you will note differences, such as the "House of Lebanon", etc.

R D Patterson comments on house of the forest of Lebanon that "Its exact function is not perfectly clear, though it is referred to in 1Ki 10:17 as the repository of three hundred shields of gold. Isaiah 22:8 also speaks of armor placed in the “Palace of the Forest.” This latter passage is in a context of warfare; so real weapons, not ceremonial shields, are involved. This indicates that the building was at least in part an armory." (See 1 Samuel - 2 Kings - Volume 3 - Page 689)

ISBE - House of the Forest of Lebanon This building was so named because of the use of cedar beams made from trees imported from Lebanon. The port at which these huge tree trunks were landed is the modern Tell el-Qasîleh, N of Tel Aviv, by the Yarkon River. The site was excavated by B. Maisler (Mazar). Cedar was used for pillars, beams, roofing, ceilings, and paneling (1 Kings 6:15, 18; 7:2–5). It is a reasonable assumption that this house was part of the royal palace (“his entire house,” 1 Kings 7:1–5). The most probable location of the royal house was South of the temple area. (BORROW The International standard Bible encyclopedia page 1008)

1 Kings 7:3 It was paneled with cedar above the side chambers which were on the 45 pillars, 15 in each row.

NET 1 Kings 7:3 The roof above the beams supported by the pillars was also made of cedar; there were forty-five beams, fifteen per row.

CSB 1 Kings 7:3 It was paneled above with cedar at the top of the chambers that rested on 45 pillars, 15 per row.

ESV 1 Kings 7:3 And it was covered with cedar above the chambers that were on the forty-five pillars, fifteen in each row.

NIV 1 Kings 7:3 It was roofed with cedar above the beams that rested on the columns--forty-five beams, fifteen to a row.

NLT 1 Kings 7:3 The hall had a cedar roof. Above the beams on the pillars were forty-five side rooms, arranged in three tiers of fifteen each.

NRS 1 Kings 7:3 It was roofed with cedar on the forty-five rafters, fifteen in each row, which were on the pillars.

1Ki 6:5

It was paneled with cedar above the side chambers which were on the 45 pillars, 15 in each row.

1 Kings 7:4 There were artistic window frames in three rows, and window was opposite window in three ranks.

NET 1 Kings 7:4 There were three rows of windows arranged in sets of three.

CSB 1 Kings 7:4 There were three rows of window frames, facing each other in three tiers.

ESV 1 Kings 7:4 There were window frames in three rows, and window opposite window in three tiers.

NIV 1 Kings 7:4 Its windows were placed high in sets of three, facing each other.

NLT 1 Kings 7:4 On each end of the long hall were three rows of windows facing each other.

NRS 1 Kings 7:4 There were window frames in the three rows, facing each other in the three rows.

window: 1Ki 7:5 6:4 Isa 54:12 Eze 40:16,22,25,29,33,36 41:26

There were artistic window frames in three rows, and window was opposite window in three ranks

NET NOTE - Heb "and framed [windows in] three rows, and opening to opening three times." The precise meaning of this description is uncertain. Another option might be, "overhung [in] three rows." This might mean they were positioned high on the walls.

1 Kings 7:5 All the doorways and doorposts had squared artistic frames, and window was opposite window in three ranks.

NET 1 Kings 7:5 All of the entrances were rectangular in shape and they were arranged in sets of three.

CSB 1 Kings 7:5 All the doors and doorposts had rectangular frames, the openings facing each other in three tiers.

ESV 1 Kings 7:5 All the doorways and windows had square frames, and window was opposite window in three tiers.

NIV 1 Kings 7:5 All the doorways had rectangular frames; they were in the front part in sets of three, facing each other.

NLT 1 Kings 7:5 All the doorways and doorposts had rectangular frames and were arranged in sets of three, facing each other.

NRS 1 Kings 7:5 All the doorways and doorposts had four-sided frames, opposite, facing each other in the three rows.

All the doorways and doorposts had squared artistic frames, and window was opposite window in three ranks.

1 Kings 7:6 Then he made the hall of pillars; its length was 50 cubits and its width 30 cubits, and a porch was in front of them and pillars and a threshold in front of them.

NET 1 Kings 7:6 He made a colonnade 75 feet long and 45 feet wide. There was a porch in front of this and pillars and a roof in front of the porch.

CSB 1 Kings 7:6 He made the hall of pillars 75 feet long and 45 feet wide. A portico was in front of the pillars, and a canopy with pillars was in front of them.

ESV 1 Kings 7:6 And he made the Hall of Pillars; its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth thirty cubits. There was a porch in front with pillars, and a canopy in front of them.

NIV 1 Kings 7:6 He made a colonnade fifty cubits long and thirty wide. In front of it was a portico, and in front of that were pillars and an overhanging roof.

NLT 1 Kings 7:6 Solomon also built the Hall of Pillars, which was 75 feet long and 45 feet wide. There was a porch in front, along with a canopy supported by pillars.

NRS 1 Kings 7:6 He made the Hall of Pillars fifty cubits long and thirty cubits wide. There was a porch in front with pillars, and a canopy in front of them.

1Ki 7:6

Then he made the hall of pillars; its length was 50 cubits (75 feet) and its width 30 cubits (45 feet) , and a porch was in front of them and pillars and a threshold in front of them.

ISBE - Hall of Pillars The term should perhaps be emended to “Audience Hall,” reading hʿwmdym instead of hʿmwdym (1 Ki 7:6). It was part of the royal palace, as was “the Hall of the Throne,” or “the Hall of Judgment” (1Ki 7:7). The king’s private quarters were “in the outer court back of the wall” (v 8), and Pharaoh’s daughter had a similar house. Some idea of the size and splendor of the royal palace complex may be seen in the fact that it took seven years to build the Lord’s house, and thirteen to build Solomon’s (1 Ki 6:38–7:1). (BORROW The International standard Bible encyclopedia page 1008)

1 Kings 7:7 He made the hall of the throne where he was to judge, the hall of judgment, and it was paneled with cedar from floor to floor.

NET 1 Kings 7:7 He also made a throne room, called "The Hall of Judgment," where he made judicial decisions. It was paneled with cedar from the floor to the rafters.

CSB 1 Kings 7:7 He made the Hall of the Throne where he would judge-- the Hall of Judgment. It was paneled with cedar from the floor to the rafters.

ESV 1 Kings 7:7 And he made the Hall of the Throne where he was to pronounce judgment, even the Hall of Judgment. It was finished with cedar from floor to rafters.

NIV 1 Kings 7:7 He built the throne hall, the Hall of Justice, where he was to judge, and he covered it with cedar from floor to ceiling.

NLT 1 Kings 7:7 Solomon also built the throne room, known as the Hall of Justice, where he sat to hear legal matters. It was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling.

NRS 1 Kings 7:7 He made the Hall of the Throne where he was to pronounce judgment, the Hall of Justice, covered with cedar from floor to floor.

a porch: 1Ki 6:3
for the throne: 1Ki 10:18-20 Ps 122:5 Isa 9:7
of judgment: 1Ki 3:9,28 Pr 20:8
from one side of the floor to the other: Heb. from floor to floor

THE HALL OF
JUDGMENT

He made the hall of the throne where he was to judge, the hall of judgment, and it was paneled with cedar from floor to floor.

1 Kings 7:8 His house where he was to live, the other court inward from the hall, was of the same workmanship. He also made a house like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom Solomon had married.

NET 1 Kings 7:8 The palace where he lived was constructed in a similar way. He also constructed a palace like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had married.

CSB 1 Kings 7:8 Solomon's own palace where he would live, in the other courtyard behind the hall, was of similar construction. And he made a house like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, his wife.

ESV 1 Kings 7:8 His own house where he was to dwell, in the other court back of the hall, was of like workmanship. Solomon also made a house like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter whom he had taken in marriage.

NIV 1 Kings 7:8 And the palace in which he was to live, set farther back, was similar in design. Solomon also made a palace like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had married.

NLT 1 Kings 7:8 Solomon's living quarters surrounded a courtyard behind this hall, and they were constructed the same way. He also built similar living quarters for Pharaoh's daughter, whom he had married.

another court: 2Ki 20:4
an house: 1Ki 3:1 9:24 2Ch 8:11

His house where he was to live, the other court inward from the hall, was of the same workmanship. He also made a house like this hall for Pharaoh's daughter, whom Solomon had married.

NET NOTE - Heb "and his house where he lived, the other court [i.e., as opposed to the great court], separated from the house belonging to the hall, was like this work [i.e., this style of architecture]."

1 Kings 7:9 All these were of costly stones, of stone cut according to measure, sawed with saws, inside and outside; even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside to the great court.

NET 1 Kings 7:9 All of these were built with the best stones, chiseled to the right size and cut with a saw on all sides, from the foundation to the edge of the roof and from the outside to the great courtyard.

CSB 1 Kings 7:9 All of these buildings were of costly stones, cut to size and sawed with saws on the inner and outer surfaces, from foundation to coping and from the outside to the great courtyard.

ESV 1 Kings 7:9 All these were made of costly stones, cut according to measure, sawed with saws, back and front, even from the foundation to the coping, and from the outside to the great court.

NIV 1 Kings 7:9 All these structures, from the outside to the great courtyard and from foundation to eaves, were made of blocks of high-grade stone cut to size and trimmed with a saw on their inner and outer faces.

NLT 1 Kings 7:9 From foundation to eaves, all these buildings were built from huge blocks of high-quality stone, cut with saws and trimmed to exact measure on all sides.

costly stones: 1Ki 7:10,11 5:17

All these were of costly stones, of stone cut according to measure, sawed with saws, inside and outside; even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside to the great court.

1 Kings 7:10 The foundation was of costly stones, even large stones, stones of ten cubits and stones of eight cubits.

NET 1 Kings 7:10 The foundation was made of large valuable stones, measuring either 15 feet or 12 feet.

CSB 1 Kings 7:10 The foundation was made of large, costly stones 12 and 15 feet long.

ESV 1 Kings 7:10 The foundation was of costly stones, huge stones, stones of eight and ten cubits.

NIV 1 Kings 7:10 The foundations were laid with large stones of good quality, some measuring ten cubits and some eight.

NLT 1 Kings 7:10 Some of the huge foundation stones were 15 feet long, and some were 12 feet long.

the foundation: Isa 28:16 54:11 1Co 3:10,11 Rev 21:19,20

The foundation was of costly stones, even large stones, stones of ten cubits (15 feet) and stones of eight cubits (12 feet ).

NET NOTE - Heb "stones of ten cubits and stones of eight cubits" (it is unclear exactly what dimension is being measured). If both numbers refer to the length of the stones (cf. NCV, CEV, NLT), then perhaps stones of two different sizes were used in some alternating pattern.

1 Kings 7:11 And above were costly stones, stone cut according to measure, and cedar.

KJV 1 Kings 7:11 And above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and cedars.

BGT 1 Kings 7:48 καὶ ἐπάνωθεν τιμίοις κατὰ τὸ μέτρον ἀπελεκήτων καὶ κέδροις

LXE 1 Kings 7:11 And above with costly stones, according to the measure of hewn stones, and with cedars.

NET 1 Kings 7:11 Above the foundation the best stones, chiseled to the right size, were used along with cedar.

CSB 1 Kings 7:11 Above were also costly stones, cut to size, as well as cedar wood.

ESV 1 Kings 7:11 And above were costly stones, cut according to measurement, and cedar.

NIV 1 Kings 7:11 Above were high-grade stones, cut to size, and cedar beams.

NLT 1 Kings 7:11 The blocks of high-quality stone used in the walls were also cut to measure, and cedar beams were also used.

Eph 2:20-22 1Pe 2:5

And above were costly stones, stone cut according to measure, and cedar.

1 Kings 7:12 So the great court all around had three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams even as the inner court of the house of the LORD, and the porch of the house.

KJV 1 Kings 7:12 And the great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.

BGT 1 Kings 7:49 τῆς αὐλῆς τῆς μεγάλης κύκλῳ τρεῖς στίχοι ἀπελεκήτων καὶ στίχος κεκολαμμένης κέδρου

LXE 1 Kings 7:12 There were three rows of hewn stones round about the great hall, and a row of sculptured cedar: and Solomon finished all his house.

NET 1 Kings 7:12 Around the great courtyard were three rows of chiseled stones and one row of cedar beams, like the inner courtyard of the LORD's temple and the hall of the palace.

CSB 1 Kings 7:12 Around the great courtyard, as well as the inner courtyard of the LORD's temple and the portico of the temple, were three rows of dressed stone and a row of trimmed cedar beams.

ESV 1 Kings 7:12 The great court had three courses of cut stone all around, and a course of cedar beams; so had the inner court of the house of the LORD and the vestibule of the house.

NIV 1 Kings 7:12 The great courtyard was surrounded by a wall of three courses of dressed stone and one course of trimmed cedar beams, as was the inner courtyard of the temple of the LORD with its portico.

NLT 1 Kings 7:12 The walls of the great courtyard were built so that there was one layer of cedar beams between every three layers of finished stone, just like the walls of the inner courtyard of the LORD's Temple with its entry room.

three rows: 1Ki 6:36
the porch: Joh 10:23 Ac 3:11 5:12

THE COURT ENCLOSED THE TEMPLE
AND SOLOMON'S PALACE

So the great court all around had three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams even as the inner court of the house of the LORD, and the porch of the house - This completes the description of Solomon's personal house and adjacent buildings.

R D Patterson comments that the enclosure of the palace and the Temple "was no doubt intended to give visual expression to the fact that the king was to act on behalf of God. He himself was to walk in God’s ways and, as shepherd of the people, lead them and direct them to God. As such he was a type of Christ, the Son of David, who will rule the earth from Jerusalem and who even now is seated at the right hand of God." (See 1 and 2 Kings)

1 Kings 7:13 Now King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre.

KJV 1 Kings 7:13 And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

BGT 1 Kings 7:1 καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Σαλωμων καὶ ἔλαβεν τὸν Χιραμ ἐκ Τύρου

LXE 1 Kings 7:13 And king Solomon sent, and took Chiram out of Tyre,

NET 1 Kings 7:13 King Solomon sent for Hiram of Tyre.

CSB 1 Kings 7:13 King Solomon had Hiram brought from Tyre.

ESV 1 Kings 7:13 And King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre.

NIV 1 Kings 7:13 King Solomon sent to Tyre and brought Huram,

NLT 1 Kings 7:13 King Solomon then asked for a man named Huram to come from Tyre.

Hiram: 1Ki 7:40 2Ch 2:13 2Ch 4:11

Related Passages:

2 Chronicles 2:13 “Now I am sending Huram-abi, a skilled man, endowed with understanding,

2 Chronicles 4:11 Huram also made the pails, the shovels and the bowls. So Huram finished doing the work which he performed for King Solomon in the house of God:

HIRAM OF TYRE FROM
KING HIRAM OF TYRE

Now King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre - This is not King Hiram of Tyre but an artisan from Tyre by the same name.

Hiram/Huram - The name of a skillful Tyrian artisan in brass and other substances, whom Solomon secured from Hiram king of Tyre to do work on the Temple. His father was a brass-worker of Tyre, and his mother was a woman of the tribe of Naphtali (1 Ki 7:14), "a woman of the daughters of Dan" (2 Ch 2:14; 1Ki 7:13ff; 2Ch 2:13f. He is also called Huram in 2 Ch 2:13, 4:11,16.

Gleason Archer - How can the second commandment be reconciled with God’s directions for pictorial ornamentation in the tabernacle (Exod. 25–27) and the temple (1 Kings 6:1–38; 7:13–51)?

The second commandment (Exod. 20:4–5) deals with the sin of idolatry and concerns itself, therefore, with the fashioning of carved images or other representations of “any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth” (NASB) for the purposes of worshiping them as numinous powers or deities. The connection between the first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me” (v.3, NASB), and the second commandment is very close, and furnishes a setting in which to understand the true, full intent of this prohibition. Verse 5 continues this commandment by specifying, “You shall not worship them or serve them” (NASB). In other words, there are to be no material likenesses made of persons or things that are likely to be worshiped as supernatural or divine. That this is God’s intention is clearly brought out by the passages cited in the question. Exodus 25:18, 20 specifies: “You shall make two cherubim of gold, make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat.… And the cherubim shall have their wings spread upwards, covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing one another” (NASB).

In the great temple of Solomon, the inner sanctum was to be guarded by two images of cherubim at least fifteen or eighteen feet tall (“ten cubits”), with a wing span of ten cubits as well (1 Kings 6:23–27). These cherubim would of course be invisible to the general public because of their location in the Holy of Holies, protected from view by worshipers outside by its drape or hanging. As such they could not become objects of worship. But there were also figures of cherubim that were carved into the wall of the “Holy Place,” along with palm trees and open flowers (6:29, 32). Apparently they were hardly susceptible of be coming cult objects when they were used as ornamentation along the walls in a recurring pattern of this sort. Therefore they were not considered objectionable or contrary to the mandate of the second commandment.

1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill for doing any work in bronze. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work.

KJV 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

BGT 1 Kings 7:2 υἱὸν γυναικὸς χήρας καὶ οὗτος ἀπὸ τῆς φυλῆς Νεφθαλι καὶ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ἀνὴρ Τύριος τέκτων χαλκοῦ καὶ πεπληρωμένος τῆς τέχνης καὶ συνέσεως καὶ ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ ποιεῖν πᾶν ἔργον ἐν χαλκῷ καὶ εἰσήχθη πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα Σαλωμων καὶ ἐποίησεν πάντα τὰ ἔργα

LXE 1 Kings 7:14 the son of a widow woman; and he was of the tribe of Nephthalim, and his father was a Tyrian; a worker in brass, and accomplished in art and skill and knowledge to work every work in brass: and he was brought in to king Solomon, and he wrought all the works.

NET 1 Kings 7:14 He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. He had the skill and knowledge to make all kinds of works of bronze. He reported to King Solomon and did all the work he was assigned.

CSB 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a bronze craftsman. Hiram had great skill, understanding, and knowledge to do every kind of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and carried out all his work.

ESV 1 Kings 7:14 He was the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in bronze. And he was full of wisdom, understanding, and skill for making any work in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all his work.

NIV 1 Kings 7:14 whose mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali and whose father was a man of Tyre and a craftsman in bronze. Huram was highly skilled and experienced in all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.

NLT 1 Kings 7:14 He was half Israelite, since his mother was a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father had been a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. Huram was extremely skillful and talented in any work in bronze, and he came to do all the metal work for King Solomon.

Naphtali: 2Ch 2:14
his father: 2Ch 4:16
filled: Ex 31:2-6 Ex 35:30-35 Ex 36:1,2,8 Isa 28:26

Related Passages:

Exodus 35:30-35+ Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 “And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; 32 to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, 33 and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. 34 “He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 “He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

Exodus 36:1; 2; 8+ “Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.” 2 Then Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every skillful person in whom the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.....8 All the skillful men among those who were performing the work made the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material, with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman, Bezalel made them.

HIRAM FILLED WITH
WISDOM & UNDERSTANDING

He was a widow's son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre - The mother of Hiram in Chronicles, is said to have been of "the daughters of Dan;" and she might have been of Naphtali by her father, and of Dan by her mother; or she might originally be of the tribe of Dan, and have been first married to a man of the tribe of Naphtali; and, in either case, she might be indifferently called "of the tribe of Naphtali," or of "the daughters of Dan."

John MacArthur adds "2Ch 2:14 states that Hiram's mother came from the tribe of Dan. Probably one verse refers to her place of birth and the other to her place of residence. Or, if her parents were originally from the two tribes, then he could legitimately claim either." (See MacArthur Study Bible)

R D Patterson - It ought also to be noted that Hiram was the son of a widow. This was a considerable handicap in the ancient world. That he should achieve such renown in his craftsmanship attests not only to his diligence but also to the grace of God. ... In 2 Chronicles 2:14 Hiram the king says that the mother of Hiram the craftsman is from Dan. This apparent contradiction has a ready solution if one considers that the city Dan and its territories were by Solomon’s time part of the general region of Napthali (cf. Aharoni/Avi Yonah, map 113). Thus Hiram’s mother could easily be of the tribe of Napthali yet have lived in Dan. (See 1 and 2 Kings)

A worker in bronze; and he was filled (male; Lxx = pleroo) with wisdom and understanding (tebunah; Lxx = sunesis) and skill for doing any work in bronze - The description of Hiram reminds one of the artisan in Exodus who worked on the Tabernacle, Moses recording "See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 “I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, 5 and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 “And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you (Ex 31:2-6+, see other references above)

Personally, I believe Hiram/Huram, who was half Jewish, was a man filled by Jehovah with His Spirit, Who enabled him to accomplish God's work for God's glory, just as He had enabled Bezalel.

So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work - I like that last phrase "performed all his work." This reminds me of Luke's description of King David "after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep." (Acts 13:36) While Hiram did not fall asleep, he did complete the work on the Temple, the high and holy purpose God had assigned to him!

THOUGHT - God has called all us to do a work for Him and has give us His Spirit to enable us to perform all His work! Paul writes "we are His workmanship (poiema - see God's Masterpiece, His Poiema), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Eph 2:10+)

Filled (04390) male means to fill or to be full, to complete, to fulfill, to finish, to satisfy. Male is used of something full in both the spatial and temporal sense.The first use in Ge 1:22 is God's command to His creatures to fill the earth. In figurative usage, an intangible substance may "fill" a tangible or intangible or metaphorical container. Examples include someone being filled with the spirit of wisdom (Exo. 28:3) or the Spirit of God (Exo. 31:3; 35:31), with good (Ps. 107:9; Isa. 33:5), with indignation (Jer. 15:17). The Canaanites had filled the Promised Land with filthiness by their religious abominations (Ezra 9:11). The glory of Yahweh filled the Tabernacle and the Temple (Exo. 40:34f; 1 Kings 8:10); similar images occur in 2 Chr. 5:14; 7:1f; Isa. 6:1; Jer. 23:24; Ezek. 10:3; 43:5; 44:4. Examples of a metaphorical container include "filling someone's heart to do something" (Est. 7:5; Ecc. 8:11).

Understanding(08394) tebunah from bin = to discern) is a noun describing the ability to discern a right course of action (Dt 32:28, Ps 136:5, 145:5, Pr 3:19). In other contexts, tebunah refers to skill or the ability to perform a craft (Ex 31:3). Tebunah is the object of knowledge (Pr 2:3; 3:13; 5:1; 14:29; 18:2; 19:8 Ps 49:4; 147:5 Is 40:28 1Ki 5:9; 7:14) Vine summarizes tebunah - it represents the act (Job 26:12), faculty (Ex. 31:3), object (Pr 2:3), and personification of wisdom (Pr. 8:1).

John Butler - THE TEMPLE CRAFTSMAN 1 Kings 7:14 (Sermon Starters)

“He was a widow’s son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass, and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work” (1 King 7:14).

Like Bezaleel was to the Tabernacle so was Hiram to the Temple. He was the craftsman hired to be the Temple artisan. Like Bezaleel, Hiram gives us some good lessons about service. If you want to be of service to the Lord this text will instruct and encourage you.

FIRST—HIS EXPERIENCES

“He was a widow’s son.” Hiram knew something about suffering. Widowhood spelled poverty in those days. However, hardship did not stop Hiram from being mightily used of God. Nor did he give up and quit when hardship dogged his path. God often puts His servants through difficult trials in life before He employs them in His service. These trials help develop character. The first requirement in serving God is character, not skill. God seems to have more serving him who had a humble and hard background than those who knew nothing but luxury in life. Lowliness and hardship do not hinder service for God.

SECOND—HIS EDUCATION

“His father … a worker in brass.” Hiram’s father was also a skilled craftsman and obviously taught Hiram the trade before the father died. This was the habit of people in those days. Thus, Hiram had some education for his work. He was trained and prepared for his service. Men often chafe at schooling, but it makes them a better worker. Before you serve God, you will be adequately prepared. God has no workers who have not been trained and prepared for the task.

THIRD—HIS ENDOWMENT

“He was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning [skill] to work the works of brass.” This speaks of Hiram being Divinely enabled by God for his calling. Whom God calls He enables. The enablement must be developed (schooling, practice, and experience), but without the enablement you will not be able to serve. If God had not enabled you to play the piano, do not seek a calling involving the piano. Check your enablements. They will tell you much about your calling. Those who claim a calling but do not have the matching skills, do not know the will of God for their lives.

FOURTH—HIS EMPLOYMENT

“He came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.” Solomon had heard of Hiram and hired him to work on the Temple. If you have been trained and endowed by God, He will have a place of service for you. You may be in an obscure place, but if you are faithful in your preparation and the use of your endowment, God will put you in a place of service, and often times in a place that may surprise you. Your responsibility is to be earnest in preparation and faithfulness, let God take care of your job placement.

1 Kings 7:15 He fashioned the two pillars of bronze; eighteen cubits was the height of one pillar, and a line of twelve cubits measured the circumference of both.

KJV 1 Kings 7:15 For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of them about.

NET 1 Kings 7:15 He fashioned two bronze pillars; each pillar was 27 feet high and 18 feet in circumference.

CSB 1 Kings 7:15 He cast two hollow bronze pillars: each 27 feet high and 18 feet in circumference.

ESV 1 Kings 7:15 He cast two pillars of bronze. Eighteen cubits was the height of one pillar, and a line of twelve cubits measured its circumference. It was hollow, and its thickness was four fingers. The second pillar was the same.

NIV 1 Kings 7:15 He cast two bronze pillars, each eighteen cubits high and twelve cubits around, by line.

NLT 1 Kings 7:15 Huram cast two bronze pillars, each 27 feet tall and 18 feet in circumference.

two pillars: 1Ki 7:21 2Ki 25:16,17 2Ch 3:15-17 4:12-22 Jer 52:21-13
pillars, 2 Ki 25:13, 17, which had been the tokens of its establishment, and would have been still so, if they had not forsaken God.

Related Passages:

2 Chronicles 3:15-17+ He also made two pillars for the front of the house, thirty-five cubits (27 ft) high, and the capital on the top of each was five cubits (7.5 ft). 16 He made chains in the inner sanctuary and placed them on the tops of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates and placed them on the chains. 17 He erected the pillars in front of the temple, one on the right and the other on the left, and named the one on the right Jachin and the one on the left Boaz (see below)

Altar of Burnt Offering - Brazen Altar
(See location East & North of the Temple)

2 Chronicles 4:1+ Then (AFTER MAKING THE PILLARS) he made a bronze altar, twenty cubits (30 ft) in length and twenty cubits (30 ft) in width and ten cubits (15 ft) in height. (THIS HEIGHT SUGGESTS THERE MUST HAVE BEEN STEPS LEADING UP TO THE ALTAR - SEE DEPICTION BELOW)

2 Kings 25:13; 17 Now the bronze pillars which were in the house of the LORD, and the stands and the bronze sea which were in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried the bronze to Babylon.....17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits (27 feet), and a bronze capital was on it; the height of the capital was three cubits (7.5 feet) , with a network and pomegranates on the capital all around, all of bronze. And the second pillar was like these with network.

He fashioned the two pillars of bronze; eighteen cubits (27 feet) was the height of one pillar, and a line of twelve cubits (18 feet) measured the circumference of both - Note the bronze altar is not described in 1 Kings 7 but follows the description of the 2 pillars (Jachin, Boaz - 2Ch 3:17+) in First Chronicles (2Ch 4:1+ ) These pillars have no stated structural purpose and thus were probably free standing.

Artist’s rendition of Solomon’s temple. Shown are: (1) exterior pillars named Jachin (right) and Boaz (left) meaning “He establishes” and “in Him is strength” (2) porch (3) holy place, which housed the altar of incense, tables of shewbread, and lamp-stands 4) most holy place, which housed the ark of the covenant and the two carved cherubim, each 15 feet tall. Both a veil and doors separated the holy place and the most holy place. (Biblical Illustrator Treasury)

QUESTION What are Jachin and Boaz? | GotQuestions.org

ANSWER - Jachin and Boaz are the names of two bronze pillars erected at the entrance to the vestibule of Solomon’s temple, according to 1 Kings 7:21. Construction of the temple in Jerusalem began in 966 BC and was finished seven years later. The story of the building of the temple is found in 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 3.

In order to have the best possible fittings for the temple, Solomon hired a man named Hiram (or Huram) from Tyre to do the bronze work. Hiram was known for his wisdom, understanding, and skill in bronze working (1 Kings 7:13–14). Scripture gives much detail concerning the pillars Jachin and Boaz: “A network of interwoven chains adorned the capitals on top of the pillars, seven for each capital. [Hiram] made pomegranates in two rows encircling each network to decorate the capitals on top of the pillars. He did the same for each capital. The capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were in the shape of lilies . . . . On the capitals of both pillars, above the bowl-shaped part next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows all around” (1 Kings 7:17–20).

Jachin and Boaz stood at the entrance to the temple’s vestibule or portico. Their dimensions indicate the extent of the work involved in creating them. Including the decorative tops of the pillars, Jachin and Boaz stood approximately thirty-five feet tall, with a circumference of eighteen feet (1 Kings 7:15–20). The brass used to make the twin pillars had been taken by King David from the king of Zobah as part of the spoils of war (1 Chronicles 18:8–9).

The pillar on the south of the entrance which was called Jachin, and one on the north named Boaz. Both 2 Chronicles and 1 Kings say that “he” set up the pillars and “he” named them Jachin and Boaz. Commentators are divided as to whether “he” refers to Hiram or Solomon. Whoever named them, their names are significant. Jachin (pronounced yaw-keen) means “he will establish,” and Boaz signifies “in him is strength.” Taken together, the names were a reminder that God would establish the temple and the worship of His name in strength.

The pillars Jachin and Boaz were destroyed along with the rest of the temple by the Chaldeans (Jeremiah 52:17), but the names’ meaning lives on in the spiritual kingdom of God. The names of the pillars represent the strength and stability of God’s promises of a kingdom that will last forever (Daniel 6:26; Luke 1:33; Hebrews 1:8; Revelation 11:15).

1 Kings 7:16 He also made two capitals of molten bronze to set on the tops of the pillars; the height of the one capital was five cubits and the height of the other capital was five cubits.

KJV 1 Kings 7:16 And he made two chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter was five cubits:

BGT 1 Kings 7:4 καὶ δύο ἐπιθέματα ἐποίησεν δοῦναι ἐπὶ τὰς κεφαλὰς τῶν στύλων χωνευτὰ χαλκᾶ πέντε πήχεις τὸ ὕψος τοῦ ἐπιθέματος τοῦ ἑνός καὶ πέντε πήχεις τὸ ὕψος τοῦ ἐπιθέματος τοῦ δευτέρου

LXE 1 Kings 7:16 And he made two molten chapiters to put on the heads of the pillars: five cubits was the height of one chapiter, and five cubits was the height of the other chapiter.

NET 1 Kings 7:16 He made two bronze tops for the pillars; each was seven-and-a-half feet high.

CSB 1 Kings 7:16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on top of the pillars; 7 1/2 feet was the height of the first capital, and 7 1/2 feet was also the height of the second capital.

ESV 1 Kings 7:16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pillars. The height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits.

NIV 1 Kings 7:16 He also made two capitals of cast bronze to set on the tops of the pillars; each capital was five cubits high.

NLT 1 Kings 7:16 For the tops of the pillars he cast bronze capitals, each 7-1/2 feet tall.

Ex 36:38 38:17,19,28 2Ch 4:11-13

Related Passages:

2 Chronicles 4:11-13 Huram also made the pails, the shovels and the bowls. So Huram finished doing the work which he performed for King Solomon in the house of God: 12 the two pillars, the bowls and the two capitals on top of the pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on top of the pillars, 13 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, two rows of pomegranates for each network to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on the pillars.

EAST

Solomon's Temple
Source: ESV Global Study Bible

He also made two capitals of molten bronze to set on the tops of the pillars; the height of the one capital was five cubits and the height of the other capital was five cubits.

1 Kings 7:17 There were nets of network and twisted threads of chainwork for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars; seven for the one capital and seven for the other capital.

KJV 1 Kings 7:17 And nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.

BGT 1 Kings 7:5 καὶ ἐποίησεν δύο δίκτυα περικαλύψαι τὸ ἐπίθεμα τῶν στύλων καὶ δίκτυον τῷ ἐπιθέματι τῷ ἑνί καὶ δίκτυον τῷ ἐπιθέματι τῷ δευτέρῳ

LXE 1 Kings 7:17 And he made two ornaments of net-work to cover the chapiters of the pillars; even a net for one chapiter, and a net for the other chapiter.

NET 1 Kings 7:17 The latticework on the tops of the pillars was adorned with ornamental wreaths and chains; the top of each pillar had seven groupings of ornaments.

CSB 1 Kings 7:17 The capitals on top of the pillars had gratings of latticework, wreaths made of chainwork-- seven for the first capital and seven for the second.

ESV 1 Kings 7:17 There were lattices of checker work with wreaths of chain work for the capitals on the tops of the pillars, a lattice for the one capital and a lattice for the other capital.

NIV 1 Kings 7:17 A network of interwoven chains festooned the capitals on top of the pillars, seven for each capital.

NLT 1 Kings 7:17 Each capital was decorated with seven sets of latticework and interwoven chains.

Ex 28:14,22,24,25 39:15-18 2Ki 25:17

There were nets of network and twisted threads of chainwork for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars; seven for the one capital and seven for the other capital.

1 Kings 7:18 So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and so he did for the other capital.

KJV 1 Kings 7:18 And he made the pillars, and two rows round about upon the one network, to cover the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

BGT 1 Kings 7:6 καὶ ἔργον κρεμαστόν δύο στίχοι ῥοῶν χαλκῶν δεδικτυωμένοι ἔργον κρεμαστόν στίχος ἐπὶ στίχον καὶ οὕτως ἐποίησεν τῷ ἐπιθέματι τῷ δευτέρῳ

LXE 1 Kings 7:18 And hanging work, two rows of brazen pomegranates, formed with net-work, hanging work, row upon row: and thus he framed the ornaments for the second chapiter.

NET 1 Kings 7:18 When he made the pillars, there were two rows of pomegranate-shaped ornaments around the latticework covering the top of each pillar.

CSB 1 Kings 7:18 He made the pillars with two encircling rows of pomegranates on the one grating to cover the capital on top; he did the same for the second capital.

ESV 1 Kings 7:18 Likewise he made pomegranates in two rows around the one latticework to cover the capital that was on the top of the pillar, and he did the same with the other capital.

NIV 1 Kings 7:18 He made pomegranates in two rows encircling each network to decorate the capitals on top of the pillars. He did the same for each capital.

NLT 1 Kings 7:18 He also encircled the latticework with two rows of pomegranates to decorate the capitals over the pillars.

Ex 28:14,22,24,25 39:15-18 2Ki 25:17

So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and so he did for the other capital.

Pomegranate [EBD] i.e., "grained apple" (pomum granatum), Heb. rimmon. Common in Egypt (Num. 20:5) and Palestine (13:23; Deut. 8:8). The Romans called it Punicum malum, i.e., Carthaginian apple, because they received it from Carthage. It belongs to the myrtle family of trees. The withering of the pomegranate tree is mentioned among the judgments of God (Joel 1:12). It is frequently mentioned in the Song of Solomon (Cant. 4:3, 13, etc.). The skirt of the high priest's blue robe and ephod was adorned with the representation of pomegranates, alternating with golden bells (Ex. 28:33,34), as also were the "chapiters upon the two pillars" (1 Kings 7:20) which "stood before the house."

1 Kings 7:19 The capitals which were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily design, four cubits.

KJV 1 Kings 7:19 And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.

NET 1 Kings 7:19 The tops of the two pillars in the porch were shaped like lilies and were six feet high.

CSB 1 Kings 7:19 And the capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, six feet high.

ESV 1 Kings 7:19 Now the capitals that were on the tops of the pillars in the vestibule were of lily-work, four cubits.

NIV 1 Kings 7:19 The capitals on top of the pillars in the portico were in the shape of lilies, four cubits high.

NLT 1 Kings 7:19 The capitals on the columns inside the entry room were shaped like water lilies, and they were six feet tall.

lily: 1Ki 7:22 1Ki 6:18,32-35

The capitals which were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily design, four cubits (6 ft).

1 Kings 7:20 There were capitals on the two pillars, even above and close to the rounded projection which was beside the network; and the pomegranates numbered two hundred in rows around both capitals.

KJV 1 Kings 7:20 And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.

NET 1 Kings 7:20 On the top of each pillar, right above the bulge beside the latticework, there were two hundred pomegranate-shaped ornaments arranged in rows all the way around.

CSB 1 Kings 7:20 The capitals on the two pillars were also immediately above the rounded surface next to the grating, and 200 pomegranates were in rows encircling each capital.

ESV 1 Kings 7:20 The capitals were on the two pillars and also above the rounded projection which was beside the latticework. There were two hundred pomegranates in two rows all around, and so with the other capital.

NIV 1 Kings 7:20 On the capitals of both pillars, above the bowl-shaped part next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows all around.

NLT 1 Kings 7:20 The capitals on the two pillars had 200 pomegranates in two rows around them, beside the rounded surface next to the latticework.

and the pomegranates: 2Ki 25:17 2Ch 3:16 4:13 Jer 52:22,23

There were capitals on the two pillars, even above and close to the rounded projection which was beside the network; and the pomegranates numbered two hundred in rows around both capitals.

1 Kings 7:21 Thus he set up the pillars at the porch of the nave; and he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin, and he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz.

KJV 1 Kings 7:21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz.

NET 1 Kings 7:21 He set up the pillars on the porch in front of the main hall. He erected one pillar on the right side and called it Jakin; he erected the other pillar on the left side and called it Boaz.

CSB 1 Kings 7:21 He set up the pillars at the portico of the sanctuary: he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin; then he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz.

ESV 1 Kings 7:21 He set up the pillars at the vestibule of the temple. He set up the pillar on the south and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the north and called its name Boaz.

NIV 1 Kings 7:21 He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz.

NLT 1 Kings 7:21 Huram set the pillars at the entrance of the Temple, one toward the south and one toward the north. He named the one on the south Jakin, and the one on the north Boaz.

And he set: 2Ch 3:17 Ga 2:9 Rev 3:12
the porch: 1Ki 7:12 6:3 Eze 40:48,49
Jachin: 2Sa 7:12 Isa 9:7
Boaz: Ru 4:21 Isa 45:24 Mt 16:18

Image of a 3rd-century (AD) glass bowl which depicts Solomon's Temple.
Boaz and Jachin are the detached black pillars shown on either side of the entrance steps.

Thus he set up the pillars at the porch of the nave; and he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin, and he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz - Jachin (pronounced yaw-keen) means “He will establish,” and Boaz signifies “in Him is strength” which together seem to be a reminder that (1) God would establish His Temple and (2) the worship of His Name in strength.

R D Patterson - “In practical terms the pillars were to be an ever-present reminder to each successive king of the fact that he was ruling by God’s appointment and by his grace, and that in God lay his strength. Just so ought believers today to be ever mindful of God’s grace in their lives and of their utter dependence on him.” (See 1 and 2 Kings)

Guzik points out that "Every time someone came to the house of the LORD in the days of Solomon they said, “Look! There is He Shall Establish. And there is In Him Is Strength.” This set them in the right frame of mind to worship the LORD. When the crowds gathered at the morning and evening sacrifice to worship the LORD, the Levites led the people standing in front of the temple with these two great, bronze pillars behind them. It was always before them: He Shall Establish and In Him Is Strength. One could say that the house of God itself was Jachin and Boaz. That temple was established by God, and built by the strength of God. Every time they looked at that temple, they knew that God liked to establish and strengthen things. The house of God was a place where people experienced what the pillars were all about. At that house, people were established in their relationship with God. At that house, people were given strength from the LORD. From this building, it should go out to the whole community: “Come here and get established. Come here and receive the strength of God.”

Os Hillman - TWO PILLARS - In 2003, I took my first trip to Israel. I visited the Wailing Wall, the only portion left of the original Temple built by David's son, Solomon. I took an underground tour of the Temple, which allowed me to see the incredibly huge, square boulders that were used to lay the actual foundation.

On top of these enormous stones, pillars were erected to provide the height and strength needed to connect the roof to the lower foundation. What's remarkable is the name of the two pillars that stood at the front of the Temple: Jachin, which means “he establishes,” and Boaz, which means “in him is strength.” Jachin was a priest, while Boaz was a businessman—also known as a “king” in the Scriptures. He was also Ruth's kinsman-redeemer, whose lineage can be traced to Christ (see Matthew 1:5). Worshipers at the Temple had to pass through these soaring columns to enter.

Seeing these two pillars, I was struck that today God is using the same combination of priestly leadership (the Jachin pillar) and market leadership (the Boaz pillar) to bring His presence into a place that was formerly forbidden territory: the workplace.

It is only when this partnership cooperates in unity, mutual respect and affirmation that we will see God's power released. Together, like the pillars of Jerusalem's Temple, we can support the presence of God and bring it into all spheres of society to transform workplaces, cities and nations. (See TGIF: Today God Is First: Daily Workplace Inspiration)

F B Meyer - Jachin and Boaz

The meaning of these names is significant—He shall establish, and In it is strength. Each speaks of Him of whom the whole temple was a type. The Lord Jesus has established the work of redemption so that it shall never be removed; has established the covenant, ordered in all things and sure; has established His Church, so that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it; has established us before the face of His Father forevermore.

There is much in the New Testament about the established life. It is the desire of Peter that the scattered saints should be perfected, stablished, and strengthened. Paul desires to see the Roman Christians, that he may impart some spiritual gift so that they may be established: he desires that the Colossians may be built up in Christ, and established in the faith. The Epistle to the Hebrews says that it is good for the heart to be established with grace. Let us ask that Jesus should establish us in the Divine life, rooting and grounding us in love and faith, so that we may not be moved away from the Gospel, but abound therein with thanksgiving.

It is only as we abide in Jesus, that we shall become steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding.

But Christ is also our strong Helper. We have no strength of our own; but He is strong; and in Him we have righteousness and strength. Let us make our refuge in Him, as the conies, who are a feeble folk, do in the rock. They who abide in Jesus derive from Him fresh supplies of strength for each moment’s need. They hear Him saying, “Fear not, I will strengthen, yea, I will help thee”; and they learn to say with Paul: “I can do all things in Christ that strengtheneth me.”

1 Kings 7:22 On the top of the pillars was lily design. So the work of the pillars was finished.

KJV 1 Kings 7:22 And upon the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

NET 1 Kings 7:22 The tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. So the construction of the pillars was completed.

CSB 1 Kings 7:22 The tops of the pillars were shaped like lilies. Then the work of the pillars was completed.

ESV 1 Kings 7:22 And on the tops of the pillars was lily-work. Thus the work of the pillars was finished.

NIV 1 Kings 7:22 The capitals on top were in the shape of lilies. And so the work on the pillars was completed.

NLT 1 Kings 7:22 The capitals on the pillars were shaped like water lilies. And so the work on the pillars was finished.

NRS 1 Kings 7:22 On the tops of the pillars was lily-work. Thus the work of the pillars was finished.

On the top of the pillars was lily design. So the work of the pillars was finished.

HIRAM'S ATTENTION TO DETAIL - Ronald Allen and Gordon Borror pass on the story of a European craftsman who traveled to America to give his life to some of the most intricate work in one of its grandest places of worship. A tourist was viewing the edifice one day and noticed this craftsman doing meticulous work high up near the ceiling, focusing his skill on some symbol all but invisible from the floor. In fact, he was occupied with a detail that faced the ceiling, out of view of any worshiper. So the sightseer asked, ‘Why are you being so exact; no one can even see the detail you are creating from this distance?’ The busy artist shot back, ‘God can!’

1 Kings 7:23 Now he made the sea of cast metal ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits, and thirty cubits in circumference.

KJV 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.

NET 1 Kings 7:23 He also made the large bronze basin called "The Sea." It measured 15 feet from rim to rim, was circular in shape, and stood seven-and-a-half feet high. Its circumference was 45 feet.

CSB 1 Kings 7:23 He made the cast metal reservoir, 15 feet from brim to brim, perfectly round. It was 7 1/2 feet high and 45 feet in circumference.

ESV 1 Kings 7:23 Then he made the sea of cast metal. It was round, ten cubits from brim to brim, and five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.

NIV 1 Kings 7:23 He made the Sea of cast metal, circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim and five cubits high. It took a line of thirty cubits to measure around it.

NLT 1 Kings 7:23 Then Huram cast a great round basin, 15 feet across from rim to rim, called the Sea. It was 7-1/2 feet deep and about 45 feet in circumference.

he made: Ex 30:18-21 38:8
a molten sea: 2Ki 25:13 2Ch 4:2 Jer 52:17,20
the one brim to the other: Heb. his brim to his brim

Related Passages:

2 Chronicles 4:2-5+ Also he made the cast metal sea, ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits and its circumference thirty cubits. 3 Now figures like oxen were under it and all around it, ten cubits, entirely encircling the sea. The oxen were in two rows, cast in one piece. 4 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing the north, three facing west, three facing south and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them and all their hindquarters turned inwards. 5It was a handbreadth thick, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom; it could hold 3,000 baths.

2 Chronicles 4:10 He set the sea on the right side of the house toward the southeast.

Molten Sea, illustration in the Holman Bible, 1890

Now he made the sea of cast metal ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits (7.5 ft), and thirty cubits (45 ft), in circumference.

Henry Morris - thirty cubits. Critics who try to find scientific "mistakes" in Scripture nearly always settle on this verse as one of their prime examples. Solomon's sea, ten cubits in diameter, had a circumference of thirty cubits, supposedly showing that the writer thought the value of p, or "pi," (the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter) was exactly 3.0, instead of 3.1416. The critics do not understand the principle--always applied in careful scientific calculations--of "significant figures." The dimensions as given were not intended as precisely 10 or 30, but were obviously round numbers. To say the diameter was 10 means only that it was somewhere between 9.5 and 10.5. Similarly, the circumference was somewhere between 29.5 and 30.5. Thus the implied value of p was somewhere between 29.5/10.5 and 30.5/9.5--that is, between 2.81 and 3.21. The precise value of p is clearly within this range, and it would have been incorrect to try to specify a more precise value.

BSB - The "Sea of cast bronze" was located in the inner court area of the temple. It was a high basin or laver, 15 feet from brim to brim (internal measurement) and 45 feet in circumference. The basin stood upon twelve oxen, three on every side (v. 25). This large water supply was used for the washing of the priests as they ministered at the altar or went into the temple (2 Chr. 4:6). The great "Sea" took the place of the laver at the tabernacle. Cf. 2 Chr. 4:2, note.

MATTHEW HENRY - There was the molten sea, a very large brass pan, in which they put water for the priests to wash in. It was put just at the entrance into the court of the priests, like the font at the church door. If it were filled to the brim, it would hold 3000 baths (as here, 2Chr 4:5), but ordinarily there were only 2000 baths in it, 1 Ki. 7:26. The Holy Ghost by this signified,

(1.) Our great gospel privilege, that the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin, 1 Jn. 1:7. To us there is a fountain opened for all believers (who are spiritual priests, Rev. 1:5, 6), nay, for all the inhabitants of Jerusalem to wash in, from sin, which is uncleanness. There is a fulness of merit in Jesus Christ for all those that by faith apply to him for the purifying of their consciences, that they might serve the living God, Heb. 9:14.

(2.) Our great gospel duty, which is to cleanse ourselves by true repentance from all the pollutions of the flesh and the corruption that is in the world. Our hearts must be sanctified, or we cannot sanctify the name of God. Those that draw nigh to God must cleanse their hands, and purify their hearts, Jas 4:8. If I was thee not, thou hast no part with me; and he that is washed still needs to wash his feet, to renew his repentance, whenever he goes in to minister, Jn. 13:10.

Gleason Archer - Doesn’t 1 Kings 7:23 give an inaccurate value for pi? - Bible Difficulties

1 Kings 7:23 says, “He [Hiram] made the sea of cast metal ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits, and thirty cubits in circumference” (NASB). Some critics have urged this approximate value of three to one as the relationship between the diameter and the circumference of the circle amounts to a geometrical inaccuracy, inconsistent with a truly errorless Scripture. The true value of pi is calculated to be 3.14159 rather than 3.0.

This criticism is, however, devoid of merit. While it is true that the more exact calculation of pi is essential for scientific purposes, or for the manufacture of precision parts in a factory, the use of approximate proportions or totals is a familiar practice in normal speech, even today. If the statistical statements concerning the population of cities or nations were subjected to the same stringent standard as that leveled at 1 Kings 7:23, then we would have to say that all population statistics are in error. A certain number of people are dying each minute, and babies are being born at a standard rate every sixty seconds; therefore any exact sum that might be true at 1:00 P.M. on a given day through computer calculation would be “inaccurate” by 1:01 P.M. that same day. It is perfectly proper to speak of the circumference of any circle as being three times its diameter if we are speaking approximately, just as one may legitimately state that the population of China is from 800 million to one billion. The Hebrew author here is obviously speaking in the approximate way that is normal practice even today.

There is one interesting feature about this that might well be added. If the rod used to mark out a length of five cubits (approximately ninety inches) for the radius were used to measure the inside circumference of the same bowl-shaped vessel here described, then it would take exactly six of those five-cubit measures to complete the circumference. Let the skeptic try it and see!

Norman Geisler - When Critics Ask - 1 KINGS 7:23—Doesn’t the calculation in this verse represent an inaccurate value of pi?

PROBLEM: According to 1 Kings 7:23, Hiram constructed a “Sea of cast bronze ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.” From this report we learn that the ratio of the circumference to the diameter is three to one. However, this is an inaccurate value of pi which is actually 3.14159.

SOLUTION: This is not an error. The biblical record of the various measurements of the different parts of the temple are not necessarily designed to provide precise scientific or mathematical calculations. Rather, the Scripture simply provides a reasonable approximation. The rounding of numbers or the reporting of approximate values or measurements was a common practice in ancient times when exact scientific calculations were not used.

QUESTION - What was the significance of the bronze laver?

ANSWER - The bronze laver, also called the “bronze basin” (NIV) and the “laver of brass” (KJV), was one of the furnishings required by God in the outer courts of the tabernacle and temple. It stood between the temple and the altar, and it held water for washing (Exodus 30:18).

The first bronze laver was made for the tabernacle, the movable tent erected in the desert after the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The bronze laver was for Aaron and his sons (the priests) to wash their hands and feet before they entered the tabernacle, “so that they will not die” (Exodus 30:20). The priests also had to wash their hands and their feet before they approached the altar with a food offering (verse 21). God declared that this was to be a statute forever to them. The washing of the priests was to be observed by Aaron and his descendants in all ages, as long as their priesthood lasted. God wanted His people to understand the importance of purity.

Exodus 38:8 tells us that the bronze laver and its base of bronze were made from the mirrors brought by “the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.” The women of that day did not have glass mirrors as we do today. They used highly polished brass and other metals. Job 37:18 refers to a “mirror of cast bronze.” The serving women donated their mirrors to the tabernacle to be used in creating the bronze laver.

After the Jews ended their wandering in the desert, the tabernacle was replaced by the temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon. The bronze laver in the temple was made by a bronze worker named Hiram of Tyre who also crafted the bronze pillars that stood at the entrance to the temple vestibule (1 Kings 7:13–14). The “Sea of cast metal” (1 Kings 7:23), so called because of its great size, took the place of the tabernacle’s laver, but its function was the same—the washing of the priests.

This second laver was much larger than the one in the tabernacle: 15 feet in diameter at the top and about 47 feet in circumference, with a depth of 7.5 feet (1 Kings 7:23). The depth of the water in the bronze laver seems to indicate that the priests completely immersed themselves in it, rather than just washing their hands and feet. The brim of the laver was carved with flowers, and oxen were carved or cut on the outside all around. The laver stood on a pedestal of twelve bronze oxen, three facing each direction of the compass. The temple court also held ten bronze basins for washing the sacrifices (2 Chronicles 4:6), but the Sea, or the bronze laver, was only for the priests to wash in.

The Brazen Sea is destroyed by the Chaldeans
(watercolor, circa 1896–1902 by James Tissot, or followers)

When the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem in 605 BC, they “broke up the bronze pillars, the movable stands and the bronze Sea that were at the temple of the LORD and they carried all the bronze to Babylon” (Jeremiah 52:17). The bronze laver had to be rebuilt for Zerubbabel’s temple.

There are no biblical descriptions of the bronze laver as part of Herod’s temple, but historians believe the bronze laver rested on twelve bronze bulls and sat between the altar and the temple, as Moses had instructed. When the Romans sacked Jerusalem in AD 70, the temple was completely destroyed, and the furnishings, including the laver, were either stolen or destroyed.

It is significant that the bronze laver was the last object to be encountered before entering the tabernacle (Exodus 40:6–7). Before entering God’s presence, one must be cleansed. The Levitical priests had to continually wash to ready themselves for the presence of Holy God, but Jesus Christ fulfilled all the Law (Matthew 5:17). When Christ died, His people were cleansed once for all time by His blood shed on the cross. We no longer need a ritualistic washing with water to come before God, because Christ has “provided purification for sins” (Hebrews 1:3). Now we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16), being sure that we are acceptable to Him because we are spiritually clean.GotQuestions.org

1 Kings 7:24 Under its brim gourds went around encircling it ten to a cubit, completely surrounding the sea; the gourds were in two rows, cast with the rest.

KJV 1 Kings 7:24 And under the brim of it round about there were knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were cast in two rows, when it was cast.

NET 1 Kings 7:24 Under the rim all the way around it were round ornaments arranged in settings 15 feet long. The ornaments were in two rows and had been cast with "The Sea."

CSB 1 Kings 7:24 Ornamental gourds encircled it below the brim, 10 every half yard, completely encircling the reservoir. The gourds were cast in two rows when the reservoir was cast.

ESV 1 Kings 7:24 Under its brim were gourds, for ten cubits, compassing the sea all around. The gourds were in two rows, cast with it when it was cast.

NIV 1 Kings 7:24 Below the rim, gourds encircled it--ten to a cubit. The gourds were cast in two rows in one piece with the Sea.

NLT 1 Kings 7:24 It was encircled just below its rim by two rows of decorative gourds. There were about six gourds per foot all the way around, and they were cast as part of the basin.

knops: 1Ki 6:18 Ex 25:31-36 37:17-22
compassing the sea: 2Ch 4:3

Under its brim gourds went around encircling it ten to a cubit, completely surrounding the sea; the gourds were in two rows, cast with the rest.

Bob Utley - Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, pp. 319-320, suggests the large laver was for the priest to wash and the small portable ones for the washing of sacrifices. This water container was called by three names. (See 8 page discussion of the Temple at Jerusalem in Ancient Israel: its life and institutions by Roland de Vaux, Roland, Volume 2, page 312 BORROW)

the bronze sea ‒ 2 Kgs. 25:13; 1 Chr. 18:8; Jer. 52:17
the molten sea ‒ 1 Kgs. 7:23; 2 Chr. 4:2
in Exod. 30:18; 38:8, it is called "a laver of bronze"

Bob Utley LAVER OF BRONZE (BDB 468 CONSTRUCT BDB 638)

This was a large, bronze bowl set in the court of the tabernacle for priests to do ceremonial washings (cf. Exod. 30:20-21; Num. 8:7). It is described in Ex 30:17-21; 38:8. It was decorated with the mirrors from the women who served at the doorway of the tabernacle. Its placement was between the tabernacle's tent/shrine and the altar of sacrifice (cf. Exod. 40:7,30).

The Laver of the Tabernacle was made more elaborate and more numerous by the builders of Solomon's temple. It is called "the sea of cast metal" in 1 Kgs. 7:39. It is described in 1 Kgs. 7:44. One wonders if 1 Kgs. 7:38 is also referring to the Laver.

The Lavers themselves (not the elaborate stands) were removed from the temple by Ahaz (cf. 2 Kgs. 16:17) to pay tribute to Assyria.

It is even possible (ABD, vol. 4, p. 242) that the Laver's name is related to a Sumerian root denoting "the foundation of the earth." Therefore, it might have had cosmic significance beyond just a washing bowl.

1 Kings 7:25 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts turned inward.

KJV 1 Kings 7:25 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.

NET 1 Kings 7:25 "The Sea" stood on top of twelve bulls. Three faced northward, three westward, three southward, and three eastward. "The Sea" was placed on top of them, and they all faced outward.

CSB 1 Kings 7:25 It stood on 12 oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The reservoir was on top of them and all their hindquarters were toward the center.

ESV 1 Kings 7:25 It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The sea was set on them, and all their rear parts were inward.

NIV 1 Kings 7:25 The Sea stood on twelve bulls, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south and three facing east. The Sea rested on top of them, and their hindquarters were toward the center.

NLT 1 Kings 7:25 The Sea was placed on a base of twelve bronze oxen, all facing outward. Three faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east, and the Sea rested on them.

2Ch 4:4,5 Jer 52:20 Eze 1:10 Mt 28:19 Mk 16:15,16 Lu 24:47 1Co 9:9 Rev 4:6,7

An artist's rendition of the Molten Sea

It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts turned inward.

1 Kings 7:26 It was a handbreadth thick, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, as a lily blossom; it could hold two thousand baths.

KJV 1 Kings 7:26 And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.

NET 1 Kings 7:26 It was four fingers thick and its rim was like that of a cup shaped like a lily blossom. It could hold about 12,000 gallons.

CSB 1 Kings 7:26 The reservoir was three inches thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup or of a lily blossom. It held 11,000 gallons.

ESV 1 Kings 7:26 Its thickness was a handbreadth, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held two thousand baths.

NIV 1 Kings 7:26 It was a handbreadth in thickness, and its rim was like the rim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It held two thousand baths.

NLT 1 Kings 7:26 The walls of the Sea were about three inches thick, and its rim flared out like a cup and resembled a water lily blossom. It could hold about 11,000 gallons of water.

an hand breadth: Jer 52:21
with flowers: 1Ki 7:19 6:18,32,35
two thousand: 1Ki 7:38 2Ch 4:5 Eze 45:14

It was a handbreadth thick, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, as a lily blossom; it could hold two thousand baths.

Wiersbe - 1 Kings 7:26 says the basin held 2,000 baths, or about 11,000 gallons of water, while 2 Chronicles 4:5 says 3,000 baths or over 17,000 gallons. The larger amount may have been its full capacity while the smaller amount was what was normally kept in the molten sea. Water was a precious commodity in the east and it would take a lot of labor to fill up the huge basin....If the priests didn’t keep their hands and feet clean as they ministered in the temple, they were in danger of death (Ex. 30:20). In Scripture, water for drinking is a picture of the Spirit of God (John 7:37–39), while water for washing is a picture of the Word of God (Ps. 119:9; John 15:3; Eph. 5:25–27). As the priests labored for the Lord in the temple, they became defiled and needed to be cleansed; and as we serve the Lord, we too can become defiled and need the “washing of water by the word.” Jesus pictured this truth in John 13 when He washed the disciples’ feet.

1 Kings 7:27 Then he made the ten stands of bronze; the length of each stand was four cubits and its width four cubits and its height three cubits.

KJV 1 Kings 7:27 And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.

BGT 1 Kings 7:14 καὶ ἐποίησεν δέκα μεχωνωθ χαλκᾶς πέντε πήχεις μῆκος τῆς μεχωνωθ τῆς μιᾶς καὶ τέσσαρες πήχεις πλάτος αὐτῆς καὶ ἓξ ἐν πήχει ὕψος αὐτῆς

LXE 1 Kings 7:27 And he made ten brazen bases: five cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth of it, and its height was six cubits.

NET 1 Kings 7:27 He also made ten bronze movable stands. Each stand was six feet long, six feet wide, and four-and-a-half feet high.

CSB 1 Kings 7:27 Then he made 10 bronze water carts. Each water cart was six feet long, six feet wide, and 4 1/2 feet high.

ESV 1 Kings 7:27 He also made the ten stands of bronze. Each stand was four cubits long, four cubits wide, and three cubits high.

NIV 1 Kings 7:27 He also made ten movable stands of bronze; each was four cubits long, four wide and three high.

NLT 1 Kings 7:27 Huram also made ten bronze water carts, each 6 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 4-1/2 feet tall.

ten stands:2Ki 25:13,16 2Ch 4:14 Jer 52:17,20

5 Stands on South, 5 Stands on North

Then he made the ten stands of bronze; the length of each stand was four cubits (6 ft) and its width four cubits (6 ft) and its height three cubits (4.5 ft) - The stands were used for the washing and preparing of the sacrifices as described in 2Ch 4:6 "He also made ten basins in which to wash, and he set five on the right side and five on the left to rinse things for the burnt offering; but the sea was for the priests to wash in."

1 Kings 7:28 This was the design of the stands: they had borders, even borders between the frames,

KJV 1 Kings 7:28 And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges:

NET 1 Kings 7:28 The stands were constructed with frames between the joints.

CSB 1 Kings 7:28 This was the design of the carts: They had frames; the frames were between the cross-pieces,

ESV 1 Kings 7:28 This was the construction of the stands: they had panels, and the panels were set in the frames,

NIV 1 Kings 7:28 This is how the stands were made: They had side panels attached to uprights.

NLT 1 Kings 7:28 They were constructed with side panels braced with crossbars.

This was the design of the stands: they had borders, even borders between the frames,

1 Kings 7:29 and on the borders which were between the frames were lions, oxen and cherubim; and on the frames there was a pedestal above, and beneath the lions and oxen were wreaths of hanging work.

KJV 1 Kings 7:29 And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work.

NET 1 Kings 7:29 On these frames and joints were ornamental lions, bulls, and cherubs. Under the lions and bulls were decorative wreaths.

CSB 1 Kings 7:29 and on the frames between the cross-pieces were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the cross-pieces there was a pedestal above, and below the lions and oxen were wreaths of hanging work.

ESV 1 Kings 7:29 and on the panels that were set in the frames were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the frames, both above and below the lions and oxen, there were wreaths of beveled work.

NIV 1 Kings 7:29 On the panels between the uprights were lions, bulls and cherubim--and on the uprights as well. Above and below the lions and bulls were wreaths of hammered work.

NLT 1 Kings 7:29 Both the panels and the crossbars were decorated with carved lions, oxen, and cherubim. Above and below the lions and oxen were wreath decorations.

lions: 1Ki 7:25 6:27 Eze 1:10 10:14 41:18,19 Ho 5:14 Rev 4:6,7 5:5
cherubims: Ge 3:24 Ex 25:18 37:7 Heb 9:5
were wreaths of hanging work: 1Pe 2:5

and on the borders which were between the frames were lions, oxen and cherubim; and on the frames there was a pedestal above, and beneath the lions and oxen were wreaths of hanging work.

Wiersbe points out that "It’s worth noting that these very practical and useful stands were also very beautiful, which teaches us that God sees beauty in holiness and the holiness of beauty (Ex. 28:2; Ps 29:2; Ps 96:6, 9; Ps 110:3). (OT Commentary)

1 Kings 7:30 Now each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles, and its four feet had supports; beneath the basin were cast supports with wreaths at each side.

KJV 1 Kings 7:30 And every base had four brasen wheels, and plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had undersetters: under the laver were undersetters molten, at the side of every addition.

NET 1 Kings 7:30 Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles and four supports. Under the basin the supports were fashioned on each side with wreaths.

CSB 1 Kings 7:30 Each cart had four bronze wheels with bronze axles. Underneath the four corners of the basin were cast supports, each next to a wreath.

ESV 1 Kings 7:30 Moreover, each stand had four bronze wheels and axles of bronze, and at the four corners were supports for a basin. The supports were cast with wreaths at the side of each.

NIV 1 Kings 7:30 Each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles, and each had a basin resting on four supports, cast with wreaths on each side.

NLT 1 Kings 7:30 Each of these carts had four bronze wheels and bronze axles. There were supporting posts for the bronze basins at the corners of the carts; these supports were decorated on each side with carvings of wreaths.

wheels: Eze 1:15-21 3:13 10:10-13

Now each stand had four bronze wheels with bronze axles, and its four feet had supports; beneath the basin were cast supports with wreaths at each side. Since they were on wheels the unclean water could be wheeled out of the Temple complex to be discarded.

1 Kings 7:31 Its opening inside the crown at the top was a cubit, and its opening was round like the design of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also on its opening there were engravings, and their borders were square, not round.

KJV 1 Kings 7:31 And the mouth of it within the chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a cubit and an half: and also upon the mouth of it were gravings with their borders, foursquare, not round.

NET 1 Kings 7:31 Inside the stand was a round opening that was a foot-and-a-half deep; it had a support that was two and one-quarter feet long. On the edge of the opening were carvings in square frames.

CSB 1 Kings 7:31 And the water cart's opening inside the crown on top was 18 inches wide. The opening was round, made as a pedestal 27 inches wide. On it were carvings, but their frames were square, not round.

ESV 1 Kings 7:31 Its opening was within a crown that projected upward one cubit. Its opening was round, as a pedestal is made, a cubit and a half deep. At its opening there were carvings, and its panels were square, not round.

NIV 1 Kings 7:31 On the inside of the stand there was an opening that had a circular frame one cubit deep. This opening was round, and with its basework it measured a cubit and a half. Around its opening there was engraving. The panels of the stands were square, not round.

NLT 1 Kings 7:31 The top of each cart had a rounded frame for the basin. It projected 1-1/2 feet above the cart's top like a round pedestal, and its opening was 2-1/4 feet across; it was decorated on the outside with carvings of wreaths. The panels of the carts were square, not round.

Its opening inside the crown at the top was a cubit, and its opening was round like the design of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also on its opening there were engravings, and their borders were square, not round.

1 Kings 7:32 The four wheels were underneath the borders, and the axles of the wheels were on the stand. And the height of a wheel was a cubit and a half.

NET 1 Kings 7:32 The four wheels were under the frames and the crossbars of the axles were connected to the stand. Each wheel was two and one-quarter feet high.

CSB 1 Kings 7:32 There were four wheels under the frames, and the wheel axles were part of the water cart; each wheel was 27 inches tall.

ESV 1 Kings 7:32 And the four wheels were underneath the panels. The axles of the wheels were of one piece with the stands, and the height of a wheel was a cubit and a half.

NIV 1 Kings 7:32 The four wheels were under the panels, and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand. The diameter of each wheel was a cubit and a half.

NLT 1 Kings 7:32 Under the panels were four wheels that were connected to axles that had been cast as one unit with the cart. The wheels were 2-1/4 feet in diameter

joined to the base: Heb. in the base, 1Ki 7:32

The four wheels were underneath the borders, and the axles of the wheels were on the stand. And the height of a wheel was a cubit and a half.

1 Kings 7:33 The workmanship of the wheels was like the workmanship of a chariot wheel. Their axles, their rims, their spokes, and their hubs were all cast.

KJV 1 Kings 7:33 And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axletrees, and their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, were all molten.

BGT 1 Kings 7:19 καὶ τὸ ἔργον τῶν τροχῶν ἔργον τροχῶν ἅρματος αἱ χεῖρες αὐτῶν καὶ οἱ νῶτοι αὐτῶν καὶ ἡ πραγματεία αὐτῶν τὰ πάντα χωνευτά

LXE 1 Kings 7:33 And the work of the wheels was as the work of chariot wheels: their axles, and their felloes, and the rest of their work, were all molten.

NET 1 Kings 7:33 The wheels were constructed like chariot wheels; their crossbars, rims, spokes, and hubs were made of cast metal.

CSB 1 Kings 7:33 The wheels' design was similar to that of chariot wheels: their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all of cast metal.

ESV 1 Kings 7:33 The wheels were made like a chariot wheel; their axles, their rims, their spokes, and their hubs were all cast.

NIV 1 Kings 7:33 The wheels were made like chariot wheels; the axles, rims, spokes and hubs were all of cast metal.

NLT 1 Kings 7:33 and were similar to chariot wheels. The axles, spokes, rims, and hubs were all cast from molten bronze.

Eze 1:16,18

The workmanship of the wheels was like the workmanship of a chariot wheel. Their axles, their rims, their spokes, and their hubs were all cast.

1 Kings 7:34 Now there were four supports at the four corners of each stand; its supports were part of the stand itself.

KJV 1 Kings 7:34 And there were four undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters were of the very base itself.

NET 1 Kings 7:34 Each stand had four supports, one per side projecting out from the stand.

CSB 1 Kings 7:34 Four supports were at the four corners of each water cart; each support was one piece with the water cart.

ESV 1 Kings 7:34 There were four supports at the four corners of each stand. The supports were of one piece with the stands.

NIV 1 Kings 7:34 Each stand had four handles, one on each corner, projecting from the stand.

NLT 1 Kings 7:34 There were handles at each of the four corners of the carts, and these, too, were cast as one unit with the cart.

Now there were four supports at the four corners of each stand; its supports were part of the stand itself.

1 Kings 7:35 On the top of the stand there was a circular form half a cubit high, and on the top of the stand its stays and its borders were part of it.

KJV 1 Kings 7:35 And in the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

NET 1 Kings 7:35 On top of each stand was a round opening three-quarters of a foot deep; there were also supports and frames on top of the stands.

CSB 1 Kings 7:35 At the top of the cart was a band nine inches high encircling it; also, at the top of the cart, its braces and its frames were one piece with it.

ESV 1 Kings 7:35 And on the top of the stand there was a round band half a cubit high; and on the top of the stand its stays and its panels were of one piece with it.

NIV 1 Kings 7:35 At the top of the stand there was a circular band half a cubit deep. The supports and panels were attached to the top of the stand.

NLT 1 Kings 7:35 Around the top of each cart was a rim nine inches wide. The corner supports and side panels were cast as one unit with the cart.

On the top of the stand there was a circular form half a cubit high, and on the top of the stand its stays and its borders were part of it.

1 Kings 7:36 He engraved on the plates of its stays and on its borders, cherubim, lions and palm trees, according to the clear space on each, with wreaths all around.

KJV 1 Kings 7:36 For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

NET 1 Kings 7:36 He engraved ornamental cherubs, lions, and palm trees on the plates of the supports and frames wherever there was room, with wreaths all around.

CSB 1 Kings 7:36 He engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees on the plates of its braces and on its frames, wherever each had space, with encircling wreaths.

ESV 1 Kings 7:36 And on the surfaces of its stays and on its panels, he carved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the space of each, with wreaths all around.

NIV 1 Kings 7:36 He engraved cherubim, lions and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and on the panels, in every available space, with wreaths all around.

NLT 1 Kings 7:36 Carvings of cherubim, lions, and palm trees decorated the panels and corner supports wherever there was room, and there were wreaths all around.

graved cherubims: 1Ki 7:29 6:29,32,35 Eze 40:31,37 41:18-20,25,26
proportion: Heb. nakedness

He engraved on the plates of its stays and on its borders, cherubim, lions and palm trees, according to the clear space on each, with wreaths all around.

Bob Utley palm trees" This tree (BDB 1071; NIDOTTE, vol. 4, pp. 308-309; UBS Fauna and Flora of the Bible, pp. 160-162) was sacred in the ANE. It symbolized

prosperity ‒ Ps. 93:13
vitality (i.e., evergreen and lived up to 200 years)
beauty ‒ Song of Songs 7:8
leadership ‒ Isa. 9:14; 19:15

It decorated

Solomon's temple
Ezekiel's temple
early Jewish coins

1 Kings 7:37 He made the ten stands like this: all of them had one casting, one measure and one form.

KJV 1 Kings 7:37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.

NET 1 Kings 7:37 He made the ten stands in this way. All of them were cast in one mold and were identical in measurements and shape.

CSB 1 Kings 7:37 In this way he made the 10 water carts using the same casting, dimensions, and shape for all of them.

ESV 1 Kings 7:37 After this manner he made the ten stands. All of them were cast alike, of the same measure and the same form.

NIV 1 Kings 7:37 This is the way he made the ten stands. They were all cast in the same molds and were identical in size and shape.

NLT 1 Kings 7:37 All ten water carts were the same size and were made alike, for each was cast from the same mold.

He made the ten stands like this: all of them had one casting, one measure and one form.

1 Kings 7:38 He made ten basins of bronze, one basin held forty baths; each basin was four cubits, and on each of the ten stands was one basin.

KJV 1 Kings 7:38 Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: and every laver was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

NET 1 Kings 7:38 He also made ten bronze basins, each of which could hold about 240 gallons. Each basin was six feet in diameter; there was one basin for each stand.

CSB 1 Kings 7:38 Then he made 10 bronze basins-- each basin holding 220 gallons and each was six feet wide-- one basin for each of the 10 water carts.

ESV 1 Kings 7:38 And he made ten basins of bronze. Each basin held forty baths, each basin measured four cubits, and there was a basin for each of the ten stands.

NIV 1 Kings 7:38 He then made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths and measuring four cubits across, one basin to go on each of the ten stands.

NLT 1 Kings 7:38 Huram also made ten smaller bronze basins, one for each cart. Each basin was six feet across and could hold 220 gallons of water.

ten lavers: Ex 30:17-21,28 38:8 40:11,12 2Ch 4:6-22 Zec 13:1 Heb 9:10 Heb 10:22 1Jn 1:7 Rev 7:14

He made ten basins of bronze, one basin held forty baths; each basin was four cubits, and on each of the ten stands was one basin.

In addition to the "Sea of cast bronze," there were ten small lavers, five on each side of the altar, for washing the entrails and other parts of the sacrificial animals.

1 Kings 7:39 Then he set the stands, five on the right side of the house and five on the left side of the house; and he set the sea of cast metal on the right side of the house eastward toward the south.

KJV 1 Kings 7:39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.

NET 1 Kings 7:39 He put five basins on the south side of the temple and five on the north side. He put "The Sea" on the south side, in the southeast corner.

CSB 1 Kings 7:39 He set five water carts on the right side of the temple and five on the left side. He put the reservoir near the right side of the temple toward the southeast.

ESV 1 Kings 7:39 And he set the stands, five on the south side of the house, and five on the north side of the house. And he set the sea at the southeast corner of the house.

NIV 1 Kings 7:39 He placed five of the stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north. He placed the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple.

NLT 1 Kings 7:39 He set five water carts on the south side of the Temple and five on the north side. The great bronze basin called the Sea was placed near the southeast corner of the Temple.

he set: 2Ch 4:6,10

Then he set the stands, five on the right side of the house and five on the left side of the house; and he set the sea of cast metal on the right side of the house eastward toward the south.

1 Kings 7:40 Now Hiram made the basins and the shovels and the bowls. So Hiram finished doing all the work which he performed for King Solomon in the house of the LORD:

KJV 1 Kings 7:40 And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

NET 1 Kings 7:40 Hiram also made basins, shovels, and bowls. He finished all the work on the LORD's temple he had been assigned by King Solomon.

CSB 1 Kings 7:40 Then Hiram made the basins, the shovels, and the sprinkling basins. So Hiram finished all the work that he was doing for King Solomon on the LORD's temple:

ESV 1 Kings 7:40 Hiram also made the pots, the shovels, and the basins. So Hiram finished all the work that he did for King Solomon on the house of the LORD:

NIV 1 Kings 7:40 He also made the basins and shovels and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished all the work he had undertaken for King Solomon in the temple of the LORD:

NLT 1 Kings 7:40 He also made the necessary washbasins, shovels, and bowls.So at last Huram completed everything King Solomon had assigned him to make for the Temple of the LORD:

Hiram: Heb. Hirom, 1Ki 7:13
the lavers: 1Ki 7:28 2Ki 25:14,15 2Ch 4:8,11-16 Jer 52:18,19
the shovels: 1Ki 7:45
the basins: Ex 24:6
So Hiram: Ex 39:32-43

Now Hiram made the basins and the shovels and the bowls. So Hiram finished doing all the work which he performed for King Solomon in the house of the LORD:

1 Kings 7:41 the two pillars and the two bowls of the capitals which were on the top of the two pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on the top of the pillars;

NET 1 Kings 7:41 He made the two pillars, the two bowl-shaped tops of the pillars, the latticework for the bowl-shaped tops of the two pillars,

CSB 1 Kings 7:41 two pillars; bowls for the capitals that were on top of the two pillars; the two gratings for covering both bowls of the capitals that were on top of the pillars;

ESV 1 Kings 7:41 the two pillars, the two bowls of the capitals that were on the tops of the pillars, and the two latticeworks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the tops of the pillars;

NIV 1 Kings 7:41 the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars; the two sets of network decorating the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars;

NLT 1 Kings 7:41 the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars; the two networks of interwoven chains that decorated the capitals;

two pillars: 1Ki 7:15-22 2Ch 4:12
two networks: 1Ki 7:17,18

the two pillars and the two bowls of the capitals which were on the top of the two pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on the top of the pillars;

1 Kings 7:42 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, two rows of pomegranates for each network to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on the tops of the pillars;

KJV 1 Kings 7:42 And four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars;

NET 1 Kings 7:42 the four hundred pomegranate-shaped ornaments for the latticework of the two pillars (each latticework had two rows of these ornaments at the bowl-shaped top of the pillar),

CSB 1 Kings 7:42 the 400 pomegranates for the two gratings (two rows of pomegranates for each grating covering both capitals' bowls on top of the pillars);

ESV 1 Kings 7:42 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two latticeworks, two rows of pomegranates for each latticework, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars;

NIV 1 Kings 7:42 the four hundred pomegranates for the two sets of network (two rows of pomegranates for each network, decorating the bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars);

NLT 1 Kings 7:42 the 400 pomegranates that hung from the chains on the capitals (two rows of pomegranates for each of the chain networks that decorated the capitals on top of the pillars);

he pillars: Heb. the face of the pillars, 1Ki 7:42

and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, two rows of pomegranates for each network to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on the tops of the pillars;

1 Kings 7:43 and the ten stands with the ten basins on the stands;

KJV 1 Kings 7:43 And the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases;

NET 1 Kings 7:43 the ten movable stands with their ten basins,

CSB 1 Kings 7:43 the 10 water carts; the 10 basins on the water carts;

ESV 1 Kings 7:43 the ten stands, and the ten basins on the stands;

NIV 1 Kings 7:43 the ten stands with their ten basins;

NLT 1 Kings 7:43 the ten water carts holding the ten basins;

ten bases: 1Ki 7:27-39

and the ten stands with the ten basins on the stands;

1 Kings 7:44 and the one sea and the twelve oxen under the sea;

KJV 1 Kings 7:44 And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;

NET 1 Kings 7:44 the big bronze basin called "The Sea" with its twelve bulls underneath,

CSB 1 Kings 7:44 the reservoir; the 12 oxen underneath the reservoir;

ESV 1 Kings 7:44 and the one sea, and the twelve oxen underneath the sea.

NIV 1 Kings 7:44 the Sea and the twelve bulls under it;

NLT 1 Kings 7:44 the Sea and the twelve oxen under it;

one sea: 1Ki 7:23-26

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

1 Kings 7:45 and the pails and the shovels and the bowls; even all these utensils which Hiram made for King Solomon in the house of the LORD were of polished bronze.

KJV 1 Kings 7:45 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.

NET 1 Kings 7:45 and the pots, shovels, and bowls. All these items King Solomon assigned Hiram to make for the LORD's temple were made from polished bronze.

CSB 1 Kings 7:45 and the pots, shovels, and sprinkling basins. All the utensils that Hiram made for King Solomon at the LORD's temple were made of burnished bronze.

ESV 1 Kings 7:45 Now the pots, the shovels, and the basins, all these vessels in the house of the LORD, which Hiram made for King Solomon, were of burnished bronze.

NIV 1 Kings 7:45 the pots, shovels and sprinkling bowls. All these objects that Huram made for King Solomon for the temple of the LORD were of burnished bronze.

NLT 1 Kings 7:45 the ash buckets, the shovels, and the bowls. Huram made all these things of burnished bronze for the Temple of the LORD, just as King Solomon had directed.

the pots: Ex 27:3 38:3 Lev 8:31 1Sa 2:13,14 2Ch 4:16 Eze 46:20-24 Zec 14:21

and the pails and the shovels and the bowls; even all these utensils which Hiram made for King Solomon in the house of the LORD were of polished bronze.

1 Kings 7:46 In the plain of the Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan.

KJV 1 Kings 7:46 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.

NET 1 Kings 7:46 The king had them cast in earth foundries in the region of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan.

CSB 1 Kings 7:46 The king had them cast in clay molds in the Jordan Valley between Succoth and Zarethan.

ESV 1 Kings 7:46 In the plain of the Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan.

NIV 1 Kings 7:46 The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan.

NLT 1 Kings 7:46 The king had them cast in clay molds in the Jordan Valley between Succoth and Zarethan.

Succoth: Ge 33:17
Zarethan: 1Ki 4:12, Jos 3:16, 2Ch 4:17

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

1 Kings 7:47 Solomon left all the utensils unweighed, because they were too many; the weight of the bronze could not be ascertained.

KJV 1 Kings 7:47 And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

NET 1 Kings 7:47 Solomon left all these items unweighed; there were so many of them they did not weigh the bronze.

CSB 1 Kings 7:47 Solomon left all the utensils unweighed because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined.

ESV 1 Kings 7:47 And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because there were so many of them; the weight of the bronze was not ascertained.

NIV 1 Kings 7:47 Solomon left all these things unweighed, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined.

NLT 1 Kings 7:47 Solomon did not weigh all these things because there were so many; the weight of the bronze could not be measured.

because they were exceeding many: Heb. for the exceeding multitude, 2Ch 4:18
found out: Heb. searched, 1Ch 22:14,16

Solomon left all the utensils unweighed, because they were too many; the weight of the bronze could not be ascertained

1 Kings 7:48 Solomon made all the furniture which was in the house of the LORD: the golden altar and the golden table on which was the bread of the Presence;

KJV 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,

NET 1 Kings 7:48 Solomon also made all these items for the LORD's temple: the gold altar, the gold table on which was kept the Bread of the Presence,

CSB 1 Kings 7:48 Solomon also made all the equipment in the LORD's temple: the gold altar; the gold table that the bread of the Presence was placed on;

ESV 1 Kings 7:48 So Solomon made all the vessels that were in the house of the LORD: the golden altar, the golden table for the bread of the Presence,

NIV 1 Kings 7:48 Solomon also made all the furnishings that were in the LORD's temple: the golden altar; the golden table on which was the bread of the Presence;

NLT 1 Kings 7:48 Solomon also made all the furnishings of the Temple of the LORD: the gold altar; the gold table for the Bread of the Presence;

the altar: Ex 30:1-5 37:25-28 39:38 40:26 2Ch 4:19
the table: Ex 25:23-30 37:10-16 39:36 40:22,23 Lev 24:5-9 2Ch 4:8 Eze 40:39,42 41:22 44:16 Mal 1:12 1Co 10:21

Altar of Incense

Solomon made all the furniture which was in the house of the LORD: the golden altar - The altar of incense stood before the veil at the entrance to the Holy of holies. The priests would burn incense morning and evening. Incense ascending is a picture of prayers ascending to God and is a good reminder for us to pray after we awake and before we go to sleep.

Bob Utley - ALTAR OF INCENSE This was an altar-shaped (i.e., small table with projection on each corner, cf. Exod. 30:1-3) piece of furniture (BDB 882, 883) where incense was placed in large quantities on the Day of Atonement (cf. Leviticus 16) to produce thick smoke which concealed YHWH's presence over the ark. Many place it inside the Holy of Holies. This has caused commentators to take this phrase to refer to a "censer" because this is how the Septuagint translates this term (cf. Lev. 16:12; 2 Chr. 26:19; Ezek. 8:11; IV Mac. 7:11). However, Philo and Josephus use the same Greek word for the incense altar. In the OT the altar is closely identified with the Holy of Holies (cf. Exod.30:1-10, 37; but especially 1 Kgs. 6:22). Coals were taken from the great sacrificial altar at the door of the tabernacle and placed on this small stand. Incense was then placed on the coals to produce a large amount of smoke. This wonderful smelling smoke obscured the high priest's eyes from seeing YHWH, who dwelt over the ark of the covenant between the wings of the cherubim, in the Holy of Holies.

Table with Bread of Presence

and the golden table on which was the bread of the Presence; 2 Chronicles 4:8 says there were 10 tables of showbread, but here they are referred to as if they were unified.

Bob Utley - SHOW BREAD or BREAD OF THE PRESENCE

This item of furniture (i.e., "table," BDB 1020), on which the bread rested, is described in Exod. 25:23-30; 37:10-16. It was located in the Holy Place.
The bread itself (BDB 536 CONSTRUCT BDB 815) was twelve large loaves (± 2-3 lbs, cf. Lev. 24:5-9). They symbolized God's provisions of Israel's physical food needs. They were replaced every week and the priests were allowed to eat the old loaves (cf. Lev. 24:9).
As the tabernacle faced east, when one entered the Holy Place (first room of the inner tent/shrine), the table of Show Bread was on the right, the Menorah on the left, the altar of incense straight ahead, before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, a perfect cube containing the ark of the covenant.

QUESTION - What was the bread of the Presence?

ANSWER - The bread of the Presence (also called the showbread or shewbread in some translations) was special bread always present on a table in the tabernacle (and later in the temple). Leviticus 24:5–7 describes this bread:

“You shall take fine flour and bake twelve loaves from it; two tenths of an ephah shall be in each loaf. And you shall set them in two piles, six in a pile, on the table of pure gold before the Lord. And you shall put pure frankincense on each pile, that it may go with the bread as a memorial portion as a food offering to the Lord.”

This bread of the Presence was 1) made of fine flour, 2) baked in 12 loaves, 3) arranged in two piles of six loaves each on a table of pure gold, 4) covered with frankincense, and 5) served as a memorial food offering to the Lord. The bread could only be eaten by Aaron and his sons in a holy place and was set out every Sabbath day (Leviticus 24:8–9).

The bread of the Presence is first mentioned in Exodus 25:30. God instructed for it to be placed on the golden table in the tabernacle. The bread is also listed in the contributions for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:13 and noted as part of the completed tabernacle in Exodus 39:36. In Numbers 4 the Kohathites, who were sons of Levi, were given responsibility for the care of the table of showbread.

First Chronicles 9:32 says, “Also some of their kinsmen of the Kohathites had charge of the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.” This bread was likely prepared on each Friday and placed in the tabernacle on each Sabbath in two piles of six. It would be replenished each week, allowing the priests to eat fresh bread in the holy place.

At one point in David’s life, when he was on the run from Saul, he asked the priest Ahimelech for food. The priest gave David the bread of the Presence, since it was the only bread available (1 Samuel 21:1–6). David was not a priest, so it was technically unlawful for him to eat the showbread. Jesus later refers to this event, using it as proof that the Law was designed for man’s benefit, and that Christ is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1–8; Mark 2:25–27; Luke 6:3–5).

The Old Testament showbread placed on the table in the tabernacle provides a wonderful picture of Jesus, the Bread of Life. Jesus is holy before God, He provides true sustenance, and He is always present. “Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry’” (John 6:35).

One other New Testament reference, Hebrews 9:1–2, mentions the table of showbread as one of the items in the first section of the tabernacle. Also included in that place was the lampstand. Verse 15 notes, “Therefore [Jesus] is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” The context explains that the important aspects of the Jewish law were no longer necessary since Christ has become high priest once and for all.GotQuestions.org

1 Kings 7:49 and the lampstands, five on the right side and five on the left, in front of the inner sanctuary, of pure gold; and the flowers and the lamps and the tongs, of gold;

KJV 1 Kings 7:49 And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,

NET 1 Kings 7:49 the pure gold lampstands at the entrance to the inner sanctuary (five on the right and five on the left), the gold flower-shaped ornaments, lamps, and tongs,

CSB 1 Kings 7:49 the pure gold lampstands in front of the inner sanctuary, five on the right and five on the left; the gold flowers, lamps, and tongs;

ESV 1 Kings 7:49 the lampstands of pure gold, five on the south side and five on the north, before the inner sanctuary; the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs, of gold;

NIV 1 Kings 7:49 the lampstands of pure gold (five on the right and five on the left, in front of the inner sanctuary); the gold floral work and lamps and tongs;

NLT 1 Kings 7:49 the lampstands of solid gold, five on the south and five on the north, in front of the Most Holy Place; the flower decorations, lamps, and tongs-- all of gold;

the lampstands: Ex 25:31-40 37:17-24 39:37 40:24,25 2Ch 4:7 Zec 4:1-3,11-14 Mt 5:14-16 Rev 1:20 2:1
before the oracle: 2Ch 4:20
the tongs: Ex 25:38 Nu 4:9

Related Passages:

2 Chronicles 4:7-8 Then he made the ten golden lampstands in the way prescribed for them and he set them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. 8 He also made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. And he made one hundred golden bowls.

2 Chronicles 4:19-20 Solomon also made all the things that were in the house of God: even the golden altar, the tables with the bread of the Presence on them, 20 the lampstands with their lamps of pure gold, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary in the way prescribed;

LAMPSTAND

and the lampstands, five on the right side and five on the left, in front of the inner sanctuary, of pure gold; and the flowers and the lamps and the tongs, of gold

Bob Utley - LAMPSTAND This ("menorah," BDB 633, KB 600) is a sacred object for providing light in the Holy Place (cf. Exod. 25:37; 27:20-21). It is described in Exod. 25:31-40; 37:17-24.

1. made of gold

2. six branches on a central shaft, three on each side

3. at the top of each branch three cups, shaped like almond blossoms with a bulb and flower

4. at the top of the central shaft are four cups, like #3

5. all parts were made of one piece of hammered gold (one talent, cf. Exod. 25:39)

6. the exact pattern was revealed to Moses on Mt. Sinai (cf. Exod. 25:40)

7. the pattern in Exodus is part of the vision of Zechariah in Zech. 4:1-6; this seems to reflect the post-exilic, second temple

Solomon changed it into ten separate lampstands (cf. 1 Kgs. 7:49; 2 Chr. 4:7) in his temple.

One wonders if the menorah is somehow connected to the concept of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil," from Gen. 2:17, which was supposed to give light/knowledge (cf. Gen. 3:5).

It is possible that John's presentation of Jesus as "the light of the world" in John 8:12 is related to this concept. I have enclosed my notes from John.

John 8:12 "I am the Light" John 6, 7, and 8 seem to be related to the "wilderness wanderings" period of Israel's history, the source of the metaphors that Jesus uses of Himself.

A. John 6 uses "manna" and "the bread of life."

B. John 7 uses "water" and "living water."

C. John 8 uses "light" and "shekinah glory."

This metaphor of light is repeated throughout John (cf. John 1:4-5, 8-9; 3:19-21; 9:5; 12:46).

There has been some debate as to exactly what this refers.

1. the ancient fear of darkness

2. a title for God in the OT (cf. Ps. 27:1; Isa. 62:20; I John 1:5)

3. the background of the Feast of the Tabernacles, lighting of the candelabra in the Court of the Women

4. an allusion to the shekinah cloud of glory in the wilderness wandering period that symbolized the presence of God

5. the Messianic titles in the OT (cf. Isa. 42:6, 49:6; Luke 2:32)

The rabbis also used "light" as a title for the Messiah. The lighting of the huge lamps in the Court of the Women during the Feast of Tabernacle is the obvious setting for Jesus' statement. The Messianic implications of light and the special references in John 1:4,8 coincide with the ceremony in the Temple for Jesus to continue to reveal His true origin.

This is one of the seven "I am" statements in John (followed by a predicate)

1. I am the Bread of life (John 6:35,41,46,51)

2. I am the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9: 5; cf. 1:4,9; 12:46)

3. I am the door of the sheepfold (John 10:7,9)

4. I am the good shepherd (John 10:11,14)

5. I am the resurrection, and the life (John 11:25)

6. I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

7. I am the true vine (John 15:1,5)

These unique statements, found only in John, point toward the person of Jesus. John focuses on these personal aspects of salvation. We must trust Him!

1 Kings 7:50 and the cups and the snuffers and the bowls and the spoons and the firepans, of pure gold; and the hinges both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, that is, of the nave, of gold.

KJV 1 Kings 7:50 And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple.

BGT 1 Kings 7:36 καὶ τὰ πρόθυρα καὶ οἱ ἧλοι καὶ αἱ φιάλαι καὶ τὰ τρύβλια καὶ αἱ θυίσκαι χρυσαῖ σύγκλειστα καὶ τὰ θυρώματα τῶν θυρῶν τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ ἐσωτάτου ἁγίου τῶν ἁγίων καὶ τὰς θύρας τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ ναοῦ χρυσᾶς

LXE 1 Kings 7:50 And there were made the porches, and the nails, and the bowls, and the spoons, and the golden censers, of pure gold: and the panels of the doors of the innermost part of the house, even the holy of holies, and the golden doors of the temple.

NET 1 Kings 7:50 the pure gold bowls, trimming shears, basins, pans, and censers, and the gold door sockets for the inner sanctuary (the most holy place) and for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

CSB 1 Kings 7:50 the pure gold ceremonial bowls, wick trimmers, sprinkling basins, ladles, and firepans; and the gold hinges for the doors of the inner temple (that is, the most holy place) and for the doors of the temple sanctuary.

ESV 1 Kings 7:50 the cups, snuffers, basins, dishes for incense, and fire pans, of pure gold; and the sockets of gold, for the doors of the innermost part of the house, the Most Holy Place, and for the doors of the nave of the temple.

NIV 1 Kings 7:50 the pure gold basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, dishes and censers; and the gold sockets for the doors of the innermost room, the Most Holy Place, and also for the doors of the main hall of the temple.

NLT 1 Kings 7:50 the small bowls, lamp snuffers, bowls, dishes, and incense burners-- all of solid gold; the doors for the entrances to the Most Holy Place and the main room of the Temple, with their fronts overlaid with gold.

spoons: Ex 25:29 Nu 7:86
censers: Heb. ash pans, Lev 16:12 2Ch 4:21,22

and the cups and the snuffers and the bowls and the spoons and the firepans, of pure gold; and the hinges both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, that is, of the nave, of gold.

Utley - Remember, there is symbolism in the metals (gradations of holiness). (1) bronze for those things outside the inner shrine (2) gold for those things in the inner shrine

1 Kings 7:51 Thus all the work that King Solomon performed in the house of the LORD was finished. And Solomon brought in the things dedicated by his father David, the silver and the gold and the utensils, and he put them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

KJV 1 Kings 7:51 So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD.

BGT 1 Kings 7:37 καὶ ἀνεπληρώθη πᾶν τὸ ἔργον ὃ ἐποίησεν Σαλωμων οἴκου κυρίου καὶ εἰσήνεγκεν Σαλωμων τὰ ἅγια Δαυιδ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ καὶ πάντα τὰ ἅγια Σαλωμων τὸ ἀργύριον καὶ τὸ χρυσίον καὶ τὰ σκεύη ἔδωκεν εἰς τοὺς θησαυροὺς οἴκου κυρίου

LXE 1 Kings 7:51 So the work of the house of the Lord which Solomon wrought was finished; and Solomon brought in the holy things of David his father, and all the holy things of Solomon; he put the silver, and the gold, and the furniture, into the treasures of the house of the Lord.

NET 1 Kings 7:51 When King Solomon finished constructing the LORD's temple, he put the holy items that belonged to his father David (the silver, gold, and other articles) in the treasuries of the LORD's temple.

CSB 1 Kings 7:51 So all the work King Solomon did in the LORD's temple was completed. Then Solomon brought in the consecrated things of his father David-- the silver, the gold, and the utensils-- and put them in the treasuries of the LORD's temple.

ESV 1 Kings 7:51 Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the LORD was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD.

NIV 1 Kings 7:51 When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the LORD was finished, he brought in the things his father David had dedicated--the silver and gold and the furnishings--and he placed them in the treasuries of the LORD's temple.

NLT 1 Kings 7:51 So King Solomon finished all his work on the Temple of the LORD. Then he brought all the gifts his father, David, had dedicated-- the silver, the gold, and the various articles-- and he stored them in the treasuries of the LORD's Temple.

was ended: Ex 40:33 Ezr 6:15 Zec 4:9
which David his father had dedicated: 2Sa 8:7-11 1Ch 18:7,8,10,11 26:26-28 28:11-18 1Ch 29:2-8 2Ch 5:1

Related Passages:

1 Chronicles 29:2-8+ “Now with all my ability I have provided for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, onyx stones and inlaid stones, stones of antimony and stones of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones and alabaster in abundance. 3 “Moreover, in my delight in the house of my God, the treasure I have of gold and silver, I give to the house of my God, over and above all that I have already provided for the holy temple, 4 namely, 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the buildings; 5 of gold for the things of gold and of silver for the things of silver, that is, for all the work done by the craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to the LORD?” 6 Then the rulers of the fathers’ households, and the princes of the tribes of Israel, and the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, with the overseers over the king’s work, offered willingly; 7 and for the service for the house of God they gave 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, and 10,000 talents of silver, and 18,000 talents of brass, and 100,000 talents of iron. 8 Whoever possessed precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in care of Jehiel the Gershonite.

THE WORK ON THE TEMPLE
IS COMPLETED

Thus all the work that King Solomon performed in the house of the LORD was finished. And Solomon brought in the things dedicated by his father David, the silver and the gold and the utensils, and he put them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD

Utley - Many of the precious metals of the temple came from David's military conquests and taxation (cf. 2 Sam. 8:11; 1 Chr. 29:2-5; 2 Chr. 5:1).

The House of the LORD Complete

The work was done, the task fulfilled,
The house of the LORD stood as God had willed.
By Solomon’s hand, the glory was raised,
A temple resplendent, to God be praised.

Each stone was set, each beam aligned,
Crafted with skill, by wisdom divined.
From cedar walls to golden gleam,
It shone with splendor, a holy dream.

The treasures of David, now brought inside,
Silver and gold, in the temple abide.
Utensils of honor, with purpose defined,
Offered to God with reverent mind.

The treasuries filled, the covenant sealed,
A place for God's glory to be revealed.
The house now stood, a beacon of grace,
God's presence dwelling in His sacred place.

Oh, Solomon, king of wisdom and might,
You built a home for the Lord’s delight.
But greater still is the heart’s own shrine,
Where God's true Spirit will ever shine.
AMEN!

Book

1 Kings

Search

Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission
1 Kings Chart from Charles Swindoll

Jerusalem in Solomon's Reign
Source: ESV Global Study Bible

Altar of Burnt Offering - Brazen Altar
(See location East & North of the Temple)

EAST

Solomon's Temple
Source: ESV Global Study Bible

Image of a 3rd-century (AD) glass bowl which depicts Solomon's Temple.
Boaz and Jachin are the detached black pillars shown on either side of the entrance steps.

Molten Sea, illustration in the Holman Bible, 1890

The Brazen Sea is destroyed by the Chaldeans
(watercolor, circa 1896–1902 by James Tissot, or followers)

An artist's rendition of the Molten Sea

5 Stands on South, 5 Stands on North

Altar of Incense

LAMPSTAND

Book

Search

1 Kings 7 Commentary

Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission 1 Kings Chart from Charles Swindoll

Jerusalem in Solomon's Reign Source: ESV Global Study Bible

Altar of Burnt Offering - Brazen Altar (See location East & North of the Temple)

EAST

Solomon's Temple Source: ESV Global Study Bible

Image of a 3rd-century (AD) glass bowl which depicts Solomon's Temple. Boaz and Jachin are the detached black pillars shown on either side of the entrance steps.

Molten Sea, illustration in the Holman Bible, 1890

The Brazen Sea is destroyed by the Chaldeans (watercolor, circa 1896–1902 by James Tissot, or followers)

An artist's rendition of the Molten Sea

5 Stands on South, 5 Stands on North

Altar of Incense

LAMPSTAND

Book

Chart from recommended resource Jensen's Survey of the OT - used by permission
1 Kings Chart from Charles Swindoll

Jerusalem in Solomon's Reign
Source: ESV Global Study Bible

Altar of Burnt Offering - Brazen Altar
(See location East & North of the Temple)

Solomon's Temple
Source: ESV Global Study Bible

Image of a 3rd-century (AD) glass bowl which depicts Solomon's Temple.
Boaz and Jachin are the detached black pillars shown on either side of the entrance steps.

The Brazen Sea is destroyed by the Chaldeans
(watercolor, circa 1896–1902 by James Tissot, or followers)