It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold two thousand baths. It was a handbreadth thickThe term "handbreadth" refers to an ancient unit of measurement, approximately four inches or the width of a hand. This detail emphasizes the substantial and sturdy construction of the object being described, which is the "Sea" or large basin in Solomon's temple. The Hebrew word for handbreadth is "טֶפַח" (tephach), indicating a measure of stability and durability. In a spiritual sense, this thickness symbolizes the strength and permanence of God's provision and presence, as the basin was used for ritual purification, a critical aspect of maintaining holiness in worship. and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup
The imagery of a cup brim suggests elegance and functionality. The Hebrew word for "rim" is "שָׂפָה" (saphah), which can also mean lip or edge. This design choice not only served a practical purpose but also added to the aesthetic beauty of the temple furnishings. The cup-like rim may symbolize the overflowing abundance of God's blessings and the invitation to partake in His grace, much like a cup that is filled to the brim. like a lily blossom
The lily is often associated with purity and beauty in biblical literature. The Hebrew word "שׁוֹשַׁן" (shoshan) is used here, which is frequently linked to the splendor of Solomon's reign and the beauty of creation. The lily motif on the basin's rim could represent the purity required for those who approach God, as well as the beauty of holiness. It serves as a reminder of the divine artistry and care in the design of the temple, reflecting God's own nature. It could hold two thousand baths
The "bath" is another ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to 5.8 gallons or 22 liters. The capacity of two thousand baths indicates the immense size and capacity of the basin, underscoring the abundance of God's provision for His people. The Hebrew word for bath is "בַּת" (bath), and this large volume signifies the sufficiency of God's grace and the ample provision for cleansing and purification. In a broader theological context, it points to the inexhaustible nature of God's mercy and the readiness of His provision for those who seek Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and its furnishings, including the Sea described in this verse. 2. The TempleThe holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God, built by Solomon as a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant. 3. The SeaA large basin made of cast metal, used for ceremonial washing by the priests in the temple. It symbolizes purity and preparation for service to God. Teaching Points Symbolism of PurityThe Sea's purpose for ceremonial washing highlights the importance of purity before God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect spiritual cleanliness and holiness. Attention to Detail in WorshipThe detailed description of the Sea's construction reflects the care and reverence that should be present in our worship and service to God. We should strive for excellence in our spiritual practices. God's Provision and AbundanceThe Sea's large capacity (two thousand baths) symbolizes God's abundant provision. We can trust in God's ability to meet our needs beyond our expectations. Transformation through ChristJust as the Sea was used for purification, Christ offers us spiritual cleansing. We are transformed through His sacrifice, enabling us to serve God with a pure heart. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the Sea in 1 Kings 7:26 reflect the importance of purity in our relationship with God? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of attention to detail in our worship and service to God today? 3. How does the concept of God's abundant provision, as seen in the Sea's capacity, encourage you in your current circumstances? 4. What parallels can you draw between the ceremonial use of water in the Old Testament and the spiritual cleansing offered through Jesus Christ? 5. How can understanding the historical and cultural context of the temple furnishings enhance our appreciation of God's instructions for worship? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 30Describes the bronze basin used for washing, which is a precursor to the Sea in Solomon's temple, emphasizing the importance of purification. 2 Chronicles 4Provides a parallel account of the construction of the temple and the Sea, offering additional details and context. John 2Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana, symbolizing transformation and purification, echoing the ceremonial use of water in the temple. People Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, SolomonPlaces Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, ZarethanTopics Baths, Blossom, Breadth, Brim, Contained, Containeth, Cup, Curved, Edge, Flower, Flowers, Handbreadth, Hand-breadth, Held, Hold, Lilies, Lily, Lily-blossoms, Man's, Open, Rim, Thereof, Thick, Thickness, Thousand, Worked, WroughtDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 7:26 5618 measures, linear 1 Kings 7:13-45 5272 craftsmen 1 Kings 7:13-50 4348 mining 1 Kings 7:23-26 4266 sea 1 Kings 7:23-33 4312 bronze 1 Kings 7:25-26 4446 flowers 1 Kings 7:25-29 4615 bull 1 Kings 7:26-27 7467 temple, Solomon's Library Gadara
There was a double Gadara. One at the shore of the Mediterranean sea: that was first called Gezer, 1 Kings 9:15. In Josephus, "Simon destroyed the city Gazara, and Joppe, and Jamnia."--And in the Book of the Maccabees, "And he fortified Joppe, which is on the sea, and Gazara, which is on the borders of Azotus." At length, according to the idiom of the Syrian dialect, Zain passed into Daleth; and instead of Gazara, it was called Gadara. Hence Strabo, after the mention of Jamnia, saith, "and there …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and HebraicaHiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
I suspect a double error in some maps, while they place these two towns in Perea; much more, while they place them at so little a distance. We do not deny, indeed, that the city Adam was in Perea; but Zaretan was not so. Of Adam is mention, Joshua 3:16; where discourse is had of the cutting-off, or cutting in two, the waters of Jordan, that they might afford a passage to Israel; The waters rose up upon a heap afar off in Adam. For the textual reading "In Adam," the marginal hath "From Adam." You …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in Compassion, and Exalted Above all in Contemplation.
The ruler should be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted above all in contemplation, so that through the bowels of loving-kindness he may transfer the infirmities of others to himself, and by loftiness of speculation transcend even himself in his aspiration after the invisible; lest either in seeking high things he despise the weak things of his neighbours, or in suiting himself to the weak things of his neighbours he relinquish his aspiration after high things. For hence it is …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 7:26 NIV1 Kings 7:26 NLT1 Kings 7:26 ESV1 Kings 7:26 NASB1 Kings 7:26 KJV
1 Kings 7:26 Commentaries
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