1 Kings 7:32
There were four wheels under the panels, and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand; each wheel was a cubit and a half in diameter.
There were four wheels under the panels
The design of the bronze stands in Solomon's temple reflects the advanced craftsmanship and artistry of the period. The use of wheels suggests mobility, which may symbolize the dynamic nature of God's presence, reminiscent of the wheels in Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 1:15-21). The number four often represents universality or completeness in the Bible, as seen in the four corners of the earth (Isaiah 11:12).

and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand
The attachment of the axles to the stand indicates a stable and secure construction, ensuring that the stands could be moved without compromising their integrity. This detail highlights the practical functionality of the temple furnishings, which were not only ornamental but also served specific purposes in temple rituals. The secure attachment can be seen as a metaphor for the firm foundation of faith and the stability provided by adherence to God's commandments.

each wheel was a cubit and a half in diameter
A cubit and a half, approximately 27 inches or 68 centimeters, indicates the substantial size of the wheels, suggesting the grandeur and significance of the temple furnishings. The precise measurement reflects the biblical emphasis on order and precision in worship, as seen in the detailed instructions for the tabernacle (Exodus 25-27). This attention to detail underscores the importance of reverence and exactness in approaching God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace, including the construction of various furnishings and structures.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, known for his expertise in bronze work, who was hired by Solomon to create the temple furnishings.

3. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God, built by Solomon as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant.

4. The Bronze Sea
A large basin made of bronze, supported by twelve oxen, used for ceremonial washing by the priests.

5. The Stands
Movable bases made of bronze, designed to hold the basins used in the temple for various rituals.
Teaching Points
Attention to Detail in Worship
The precise measurements and craftsmanship of the temple furnishings reflect the importance of honoring God with excellence in our worship and service.

God's Provision of Skills
Just as Hiram was gifted with skills for a specific purpose, God equips each believer with unique talents to serve His kingdom.

Symbolism of Mobility
The wheels on the stands suggest readiness and movement, reminding us that our faith should be active and dynamic, not static.

The Role of Community in God's Work
The construction of the temple involved many skilled workers, illustrating the importance of community and collaboration in fulfilling God's purposes.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Structures
While the temple was a magnificent structure, it was ultimately temporary, pointing us to the eternal nature of God's kingdom and the spiritual temple within us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the detailed craftsmanship of the temple furnishings reflect our approach to worship and service today?

2. In what ways can we identify and utilize the skills God has given us for His glory, similar to Hiram's role in the temple construction?

3. How can the concept of mobility and readiness, as symbolized by the wheels, be applied to our spiritual lives and ministry?

4. What lessons can we learn from the collaborative effort in building the temple that can be applied to our church communities?

5. How does the temporary nature of Solomon's temple encourage us to focus on the eternal aspects of our faith and relationship with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 31
This chapter describes Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to craft the tabernacle's furnishings, paralleling Hiram's role in Solomon's temple.

2 Chronicles 4
Provides a parallel account of the temple furnishings, offering additional details about the construction and design.

Ezekiel 1
Describes the vision of the wheels within wheels, symbolizing God's omnipresence and mobility, which can be related to the wheels of the stands in the temple.

1 Corinthians 3
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical temple built by Solomon.
The LotusW. Balgarnie.
People
Boaz, David, Hiram, Huram, Jachin, Naphtali, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Hall of Judgment, Hall of Pillars, Hall of the Throne, House of the Forest of Lebanon, Jordan River, Most Holy Place, Succoth, Tyre, Zarethan
Topics
Attached, Axles, Axletrees, Base, Borders, Cubit, Diameter, Fixed, Frames, Half, Height, Hight, Joined, Panels, Piece, Rods, Spokes, Stand, Stands, Supports, Underneath, Wheel, Wheels
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:13-45

     5272   craftsmen

1 Kings 7:13-50

     4348   mining

1 Kings 7:23-33

     4312   bronze

1 Kings 7:27-37

     5211   art

1 Kings 7:30-36

     5212   arts and crafts

1 Kings 7:32-33

     5621   wheel

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 Hebraica

Hiram, 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

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