1 Kings 7:34 Study Bible: There were four supports at the four corners of each base: its supports were of the base itself.

◄ 1 Kings 7:34 ►

Each stand had four handles, one for each corner, projecting from the stand.

Each stand
The term "stand" refers to the bases or pedestals that supported the lavers in Solomon's Temple. These stands were intricately designed and crafted, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsmen of the time. In the Hebrew context, the word used here is "מְכוֹנָה" (mekonah), which implies a fixed or established structure. This reflects the stability and permanence of God's presence and the order He brings to His people.

had four handles
The number four in biblical numerology often symbolizes completeness or universality. The four handles on each stand could represent the comprehensive nature of God's provision and support. Handles, in a practical sense, suggest the ability to move or carry, indicating that while God's presence is stable, it is also dynamic and accessible to His people.

one for each corner
The phrase emphasizes the symmetry and balance in the design of the stands. In a broader theological sense, this can be seen as a reflection of God's perfect order and justice. The corners of the earth are often mentioned in Scripture to denote the entirety of the world, suggesting that God's reach and influence extend to all corners of creation.

projecting from the stand
The imagery of projection implies extension and outreach. In the context of the Temple, it signifies the outward expression of God's glory and the reach of His covenant with Israel. The Hebrew root "יָצָא" (yatsa) means to go out or come forth, which can be inspirationally understood as God's blessings and presence emanating from the Temple to His people and beyond.

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.

2. Hiram (Huram)
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, hired by Solomon to create the bronze works for the temple, including the stands mentioned in this verse.

3. Temple of Solomon
The first temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. Bronze Stands
Part of the temple furnishings, these stands were used to support the basins for washing, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail in the temple's construction.

Teaching Points

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed description of the temple furnishings, including the stands, highlights the importance of reverence and care in our worship practices.

God's Provision of Skilled Workers
Just as God provided Hiram to Solomon, He equips individuals with unique skills and talents for His purposes today.

Symbolism of Purity and Cleansing
The stands supported basins for washing, symbolizing the need for spiritual cleansing and purity in approaching God.

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

Legacy of Faithful Service
The enduring legacy of the temple's construction serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of faithful service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the attention to detail in the construction of the temple reflect our approach to worship and service today?

2. In what ways can we identify and utilize the unique skills and talents God has given us for His kingdom?

3. How does the symbolism of the bronze stands and basins for washing relate to our understanding of spiritual purity and cleansing?

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

5. How can we ensure that our service to God leaves a lasting legacy of faithfulness for future generations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 31:1-11
This passage describes Bezalel and Oholiab, craftsmen filled with the Spirit of God to create the tabernacle's furnishings, paralleling Hiram's role in Solomon's temple.

2 Chronicles 4:11-18
Provides a detailed account of Hiram's work on the temple, including the bronze stands, emphasizing the grandeur and significance of the temple's construction.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical temple and its furnishings, including the stands.

Sermons

The Lotus

W. 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

Angle-plates, Angles, Base, Corner, Corners, Forming, Handles, Itself, Piece, Projecting, Shoulder-pieces, Shoulders, Stand, Stands, Structure, Supports, Thereof, Undersetters

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:13-45

5272 craftsmen

1 Kings 7:13-50

4348 mining

1 Kings 7:27-37

5211 art

1 Kings 7:30-36

5212 arts and crafts

1 Kings 7:34-37

5211 art

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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