Bible Commentaries
1 Kings 7

Introduction

Overview

1 Kings 7:1, The building of Solomon’s house; 1 Kings 7:2, Of the house of Lebanon; 1 Kings 7:6, Of the porch of pillars; 1 Kings 7:7, Of the porch of judgment; 1 Kings 7:8, Of the house for Pharaoh’s daughter; 1 Kings 7:13, Hiram’s work of the two pillars; 1 Kings 7:23, Of the molten sea; 1 Kings 7:27, Of the ten bases; 1 Kings 7:38, Of the ten lavers, 1 Kings 7:40, and all the vessels.

Verse 1

thirteen years: 1 Kings 9:10, 2 Chronicles 8:1, Ecclesiastes 2:4, Ecclesiastes 2:5, Matthew 6:33

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 5:11 - they built 1 Kings 3:1 - his own 1 Kings 6:38 - seven years 1 Kings 9:15 - to build 2 Kings 12:4 - the money 1 Chronicles 14:1 - to build him 1 Chronicles 28:13 - the vessels 2 Chronicles 2:1 - an house

Verse 2

1 Kings 9:19, 1 Kings 10:17, 2 Chronicles 9:16, Song of Solomon 7:4

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 10:21 - the house 2 Chronicles 8:6 - and in Lebanon Proverbs 9:1 - pillars Ecclesiastes 2:4 - I builded Isaiah 22:8 - the armour

Verse 3

beams: Heb. ribs, 1 Kings 6:5, *marg.

Reciprocal: Numbers 5:3 - without Proverbs 9:1 - pillars

Verse 4

windows: 1 Kings 7:5, 1 Kings 6:4, Isaiah 54:12, Ezekiel 40:16, Ezekiel 40:22, Ezekiel 40:25, Ezekiel 40:29, Ezekiel 40:33, Ezekiel 40:36, Ezekiel 41:26

light was against light: Heb. sight against sight

Verse 5

doors and posts were square, with the windows: or, spaces and pillars were square in prospect, 1 Kings 7:5

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:4 - windows

Verse 6

before them: or, according to them

before them: or, according to them. 1 Kings 7:6

Reciprocal: Proverbs 9:1 - pillars

Verse 7

a porch: 1 Kings 6:3

for the throne: 1 Kings 10:18-20, Psalms 122:5, Isaiah 9:7

of judgment: 1 Kings 3:9, 1 Kings 3:28, Proverbs 20:8

from one side of the floor to the other: Heb. from floor to floor

Verse 8

another court: 2 Kings 20:4

an house: 1 Kings 3:1, 1 Kings 9:24, 2 Chronicles 8:11

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 4:18 - Bithiah Ecclesiastes 2:4 - I builded

Verse 9

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

Reciprocal: 1 Chronicles 22:2 - masons Isaiah 9:10 - bricks Ezekiel 10:5 - outer

Verse 10

the foundation: Isaiah 28:16, Isaiah 54:11, 1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Revelation 21:19, Revelation 21:20

stones of ten cubits: Reckoning the cubit at 21 inches, the ten cubits are 17 feet and a half, and the eight cubits are 14 feet. The magnitude of these stones was certainly extraordinary; but let us hear M. Volney, and our surprise will no longer be fixed on these stones, but transferred from Solomon's house to the ruins of Balbec: "What is still more astonishing is the enormous stones which compose the sloping wall. To the west, the second layer is formed of stones which are from 28 to 35 feet long, by about 9 in height. Over this layer, at the north-west angle, there are three stones, which alone occupy a space of 175 feet and a half; viz. the first, 58 feet 7 inches; the second, 58 feet 11 inches; and the third, exactly 58 feet; and each of these is 12 feet thick. These stones are of white granite, with large shining flakes, like gypsum: there is a quarry of this kind of stone under the whole city, and another in the adjacent mountains, which is open in several places. On the right, as we approach the city, there is still lying there a stone hewn on three sides, which is 69 feet 2 inches long, 12 feet 10 inches broad, and 13 feet 3 inches in thickness.

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:9 - costly stones

Verse 11

Ephesians 2:20-22, 1 Peter 2:5

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:9 - costly stones

Verse 12

three rows: 1 Kings 6:36

the porch: John 10:23, Acts 3:11, Acts 5:12

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:21 - the porch 2 Kings 21:5 - in the two courts 2 Chronicles 4:9 - the court 2 Chronicles 6:13 - the court Ezekiel 8:7 - General

Verse 13

Hiram: 1 Kings 7:40, 2 Chronicles 2:13, 2 Chronicles 4:11, Huram

Reciprocal: Exodus 35:30 - See 1 Kings 3:1 - the house 2 Chronicles 2:14 - The son 2 Chronicles 4:16 - Huram Acts 7:47 - General

Verse 14

a widow's son: Heb. the son of a widow woman

tribe: The mother of Hiram - not the Tyrian king mentioned before, but an intelligent coppersmith, of Jewish extraction by his mother's side 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."

Naphtali: 2 Chronicles 2:14

his father: 2 Chronicles 4:16

he was filled: Exodus 31:2-6, Exodus 35:30-35, Exodus 36:1, Exodus 36:2, Exodus 36:8, Isaiah 28:26

Reciprocal: Exodus 31:3 - filled Exodus 31:4 - General Exodus 35:35 - he filled 1 Chronicles 22:15 - all manner 2 Chronicles 2:7 - cunning Proverbs 8:12 - knowledge

Verse 15

cast: Heb. fashioned

two pillars: 1 Kings 7:21, 2 Kings 25:16, 2 Kings 25:17, 2 Chronicles 3:15-17, 2 Chronicles 4:12-22, Jeremiah 52:21-23

eighteen cubits: That is, nearly thirty feet, English measure. But in the parallel place in Chronicles, these pillars are said to thirty-five cubits high. Tremellius reconciles this difference by observing, that the common cubit was but one-half of the cubit of the sanctuary; so that eighteen of the one would make thirty-six of the other; from which, if we deduct one cubit for the base, there will remain thirty-five. Notwithstanding the names of these pillars, they seem to have supported no part of the building, and appear to have been formed for ornament; and were no doubt also emblematical. The right pillar was called Jachin, which signifies, "He will establish;" while that on the left was named Boaz, "In it is strength." Some think they were intended for memorials of the pillars and cloud of fire, which led Israel through the wilderness; but Henry supposes them designed for memorandums to the priests and others that came to worship at God's door.

1st. To depend upon God only, and not upon any sufficiency of their own, for strength and establishment in all their religious exercises.

2nd. It was a memorandum to them of the strength and establishment of the temple of God among them.

When the temple was destroyed, particular notice is taken of the breaking up and carrying away of these brazen pillars, 2 Kings 25:13, 2 Kings 25:17, which had been the tokens of its establishment, and would have been still so, if they had not forsaken God.

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:41 - two pillars 1 Chronicles 18:8 - wherewith Jeremiah 27:19 - the pillars Jeremiah 52:17 - pillars Ezekiel 40:49 - pillars John 6:13 - and filled

Verse 16

Exodus 36:38, Exodus 38:17, Exodus 38:19, Exodus 38:28, 2 Chronicles 4:12, 2 Chronicles 4:13

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 25:17 - one pillar Isaiah 8:6 - refuseth John 6:13 - and filled

Verse 17

Exodus 28:14, Exodus 28:22, Exodus 28:24, Exodus 28:25, Exodus 39:15-18, 2 Kings 25:17

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:41 - two networks Jeremiah 52:22 - with network

Verse 18

Exodus 28:14, Exodus 28:22, Exodus 28:24, Exodus 28:25, Exodus 39:15-18, 2 Kings 25:17

Reciprocal: Exodus 28:33 - pomegranates 1 Kings 7:41 - two networks

Verse 19

lily work: 1 Kings 7:22, 1 Kings 6:18, 1 Kings 6:32-35

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:26 - with flowers 1 Chronicles 28:15 - the candlesticks

Verse 20

and the pomegranates: 2 Kings 25:17, 2 Chronicles 3:16, 2 Chronicles 4:13, Jeremiah 52:22, Jeremiah 52:23

Verse 21

And he set: 2 Chronicles 3:17, Galatians 2:9, Revelation 3:12

the porch: 1 Kings 7:12, 1 Kings 6:3, Ezekiel 40:48, Ezekiel 40:49

Jachin: 2 Samuel 7:12, Isaiah 9:7

Boaz: Ruth 4:21, Isaiah 45:24, Matthew 16:18

Reciprocal: Numbers 26:12 - Jachin Ruth 2:19 - Boaz 1 Kings 7:15 - two pillars Proverbs 9:1 - pillars

Verse 22

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:19 - lily work

Verse 23

he made: Exodus 30:18-21, Exodus 38:8

a molten sea: 2 Kings 25:13, 2 Chronicles 4:2, Jeremiah 52:17, Jeremiah 52:20

the one brim to the other: Heb. his brim to his brim

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:44 - one sea 2 Kings 16:17 - borders Revelation 4:6 - a sea

Verse 24

knops: 1 Kings 6:18, Exodus 25:31-36, Exodus 37:17-22

compassing the sea: 2 Chronicles 4:3

Verse 25

2 Chronicles 4:4, 2 Chronicles 4:5, Jeremiah 52:20, Ezekiel 1:10, Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15, Mark 16:16, Luke 24:47, 1 Corinthians 9:9, Revelation 4:6, Revelation 4:7

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:29 - lions

Verse 26

an hand breadth: Jeremiah 52:21

with flowers: 1 Kings 7:19, 1 Kings 6:18, 1 Kings 6:32, 1 Kings 6:35

it contained: This immense laver, called a sea from it magnitude, held, at a moderate computation, 16,000 gallons. Besides this great brazen laver, there were in the temple ten lavers of brass of a less size, which moved on wheels, and were ornamented with the figures of various animals, having, probably, always some relation to the cherubim. These lavers were to hold water for the use of the priests in their sacred office, particularly to wash the victims that were to be offered as a burnt offering, as we learn from 2 Chronicles 4:6, but the brazen sea was for the priests to wash in. The knops are supposed to have been in the form of an ox's head - 2 Chronicles 4:3, and some think the water flowed out at their mouths.

two thousand: 1 Kings 7:38, 2 Chronicles 4:5, Ezekiel 45:14

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 2:10 - baths of wine

Verse 27

ten bases: These highly ornamental bases appear to have been square stands, or immense pedestals, for the purpose of supporting the lavers. 2 Kings 25:13, 2 Kings 25:16, 2 Chronicles 4:14, Jeremiah 52:17, Jeremiah 52:20

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:43 - ten bases 2 Kings 16:17 - borders

Verse 28

bases was on: It seems evident that these bases or pedestals rose with steps, and that the ornaments mentioned in the next verse appeared in front, forming so many entablatures. But the description of these bases is very difficult to comprehend: many of the original words are seldom, if at all, used elsewhere; and it would be impossible to give an explanation of each particular, without a labour and prolixity disproportioned to its importance to us. 1 Kings 7:28

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:40 - the lavers

Verse 29

lions: 1 Kings 7:25, 1 Kings 6:27, Ezekiel 1:10, Ezekiel 10:14, Ezekiel 41:18, Ezekiel 41:19, Hosea 5:14, Revelation 4:6, Revelation 4:7, Revelation 5:5

cherubims: Genesis 3:24, Exodus 25:18, Exodus 37:7, Hebrews 9:5

certain additions: 1 Peter 2:5

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 7:36 - graved cherubims

Verse 30

wheels: Ezekiel 1:15-21, Ezekiel 3:13, Ezekiel 10:10-13

had undersetters: It is probable that these undersetters were so many strong legs, somewhat shorter than the wheels, and were intended to prevent the laver from tilting, or falling, in case of any accident.

Verse 32

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

Verse 33

Ezekiel 1:16, Ezekiel 1:18

Verse 36

graved cherubims: 1 Kings 7:29, 1 Kings 6:29, 1 Kings 6:32, 1 Kings 6:35, Ezekiel 40:31, Ezekiel 40:37, Ezekiel 41:18-20, Ezekiel 41:25, Ezekiel 41:26

proportion: Heb. nakedness

Reciprocal: Ezekiel 10:14 - every Ezekiel 10:20 - and I Ezekiel 40:22 - palm trees

Verse 38

ten lavers: Exodus 30:17-21, Exodus 30:28, Exodus 38:8, Exodus 40:11, Exodus 40:12, 2 Chronicles 4:6-22, Zechariah 13:1, Hebrews 9:10, Hebrews 10:22, 1 John 1:7, Revelation 7:14

Reciprocal: Exodus 30:18 - a laver 1 Kings 7:26 - two thousand 2 Chronicles 2:10 - baths of wine

Verse 39

side: Heb. shoulder

he set: 2 Chronicles 4:6, 2 Chronicles 4:10

Verse 40

Hiram: Heb. Hirom, 1 Kings 7:13

the lavers: 1 Kings 7:28, 2 Kings 25:14, 2 Kings 25:15, 2 Chronicles 4:8, 2 Chronicles 4:11-16, Jeremiah 52:18, Jeremiah 52:19

the shovels: 1 Kings 7:45

the basins: Exodus 24:6

So Hiram: Exodus 39:32-43

Reciprocal: Exodus 27:3 - his shovels 2 Chronicles 4:6 - ten lavers

Verse 41

two pillars: 1 Kings 7:15-22, 2 Chronicles 4:12

two networks: 1 Kings 7:17, 1 Kings 7:18

Verse 42

the pillars: Heb. the face of the pillars, 1 Kings 7:42

Reciprocal: 2 Chronicles 4:13 - four hundred

Verse 43

ten bases: 1 Kings 7:27-39

Reciprocal: Numbers 7:13 - charger

Verse 44

one sea: 1 Kings 7:23-26

Verse 45

the pots: Exodus 27:3, Exodus 38:3, Leviticus 8:31, 1 Samuel 2:13, 1 Samuel 2:14, 2 Chronicles 4:16, Ezekiel 46:20-24, Zechariah 14:21

bright brass: Heb. brass made bright, or scoured

Reciprocal: Numbers 7:13 - charger 1 Kings 7:40 - the shovels 2 Chronicles 4:11 - the pots Nehemiah 7:70 - basins Jeremiah 52:18 - the shovels

Verse 46

the clay ground: Heb. the thickness of the ground

Succoth: Genesis 33:17

Zarthan: Zarthan is supposed to have been situated in the tribe of Manasseh, west of Jordan, near Jezreel and Bethshan or Scythopolis, and not far from the Jordan. Succoth we know was situated east of Jordan, in the tribe of Gad, and according to Jerome, in the district of Scythopolis: hence the "plain of Jordan," where Hiram cast the brazen vessels, must be the plain in which that river runs, Zarthan and Succoth being probably nearly opposite each other; but whether the precise spot of his operations was on this side or the other side, is uncertain. In this place he found that particular clay that was proper for his purpose; and it being a considerable distance from Jerusalem, that city would not be annoyed by the smoke and noxious vapours necessarily occasioned by the process. 1 Kings 4:12, Zartanah, Joshua 3:16, Zaretan, 2 Chronicles 4:17, Zeredathah

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:10 - the plain Joshua 13:27 - Succoth

Verse 47

because they were exceeding many: Heb. for the exceeding multitude, 2 Chronicles 4:18

found out: Heb. searched, 1 Chronicles 22:14, 1 Chronicles 22:16

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 25:14 - the pots 2 Kings 25:16 - the brass 1 Chronicles 22:3 - without weight Jeremiah 52:20 - without

Verse 48

the altar: Exodus 30:1-5, Exodus 37:25-28, Exodus 39:38, Exodus 40:26, 2 Chronicles 4:19

the table: Exodus 25:23-30, Exodus 37:10-16, Exodus 39:36, Exodus 40:22, Exodus 40:23, Leviticus 24:5-9, 2 Chronicles 4:8, Ezekiel 40:39, Ezekiel 40:42, Ezekiel 41:22, Ezekiel 44:16, Malachi 1:12, 1 Corinthians 10:21

Reciprocal: Leviticus 24:6 - pure 1 Kings 6:20 - the altar 2 Kings 12:13 - bowls 2 Kings 24:13 - which Solomon 2 Kings 25:15 - and such things 1 Chronicles 23:29 - for the showbread 1 Chronicles 28:16 - tables of showbread 1 Chronicles 28:17 - the bowls 1 Chronicles 28:18 - the altar 2 Chronicles 32:12 - one altar Ezra 8:28 - the vessels Job 28:1 - the silver

Verse 49

the candlesticks: Exodus 25:31-40, Exodus 37:17-24, Exodus 39:37, Exodus 40:24, Exodus 40:25, 2 Chronicles 4:7, Zechariah 4:1-3, Zechariah 4:11-14, Matthew 5:14-16, Revelation 1:20, Revelation 2:1

before the oracle: 2 Chronicles 4:20

the tongs: Exodus 25:38, Numbers 4:9

Reciprocal: Leviticus 24:4 - the pure Jeremiah 52:19 - and the candlesticks Zechariah 4:2 - a candlestick

Verse 50

spoons: Exodus 25:29, Numbers 7:86

censers: Heb. ash pans, Leviticus 16:12, 2 Chronicles 4:21, 2 Chronicles 4:22

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:38 - the tongs Exodus 37:16 - dishes Numbers 7:14 - spoon 2 Chronicles 24:14 - vessels to minister Ezra 1:9 - chargers of gold Jeremiah 52:17 - pillars Jeremiah 52:18 - bowls Zechariah 4:2 - a candlestick Hebrews 9:4 - the golden Revelation 8:3 - having

Verse 51

was ended: Exodus 40:33, Ezra 6:15, Zechariah 4:9

Solomon brought: It appears, therefore, that Solomon did not use any of the gold and silver in the structure of the temple which his father had provided.

things which David his father had dedicated: Heb. holy things of David, 2 Samuel 8:7-11, 1 Chronicles 18:7, 1 Chronicles 18:8, 1 Chronicles 18:10, 1 Chronicles 18:11, 1 Chronicles 26:26-28, 1 Chronicles 28:11-18, 1 Chronicles 29:2-8, 2 Chronicles 5:1

Reciprocal: Joshua 6:19 - the treasury 2 Samuel 8:11 - Which 1 Kings 9:1 - it came 1 Kings 10:4 - the house 1 Kings 14:26 - he took away 1 Kings 15:15 - he brought 2 Kings 14:14 - all the gold 1 Chronicles 6:10 - Solomon 1 Chronicles 26:20 - dedicated things 2 Chronicles 8:15 - the treasures 2 Chronicles 9:3 - the house 2 Chronicles 15:18 - brought Ezra 2:69 - the treasure Ezra 5:11 - which a great