1 Kings 7:23 Study Bible: He made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and its height was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits encircled it.

◄ 1 Kings 7:23 ►

He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim, five cubits in height, and thirty cubits in circumference.

Study Bible

He made the Sea of cast metal
The "Sea" refers to a large basin used in the temple for ceremonial washing, symbolizing purification. The Hebrew word for "Sea" is "yam," often used to describe large bodies of water, indicating its significant size and importance. "Cast metal" suggests a sophisticated process of metallurgy, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship during Solomon's reign. This craftsmanship is a testament to the resources and skills available, symbolizing the wealth and divine favor upon Israel at the time.

circular in shape
The circular design of the Sea is significant, as circles often symbolize eternity and perfection in biblical literature. This shape could represent the infinite nature of God and His eternal covenant with Israel. The use of a circle also reflects the harmony and order that God desires in His creation and worship.

measuring ten cubits from rim to rim
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. Thus, the Sea was approximately 15 feet in diameter. This substantial size underscores the grandeur of Solomon's temple and the importance of ritual purity. The precise measurements highlight the order and intentionality in God's instructions for worship.

and five cubits high
Standing at about 7.5 feet tall, the height of the Sea emphasizes its prominence and the reverence required in approaching it. The number five in biblical numerology often represents grace, suggesting that the act of purification is a gracious provision from God, allowing the priests to serve in His presence.

It took a line of thirty cubits to measure around it
The circumference of thirty cubits (approximately 45 feet) further illustrates the Sea's vastness. The use of "line" (Hebrew "qav") for measurement indicates precision and care in the temple's construction, reflecting God's desire for excellence in worship. The number thirty can symbolize dedication and maturity, as seen in the age when Levites began their service, pointing to the maturity required in spiritual service.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and its furnishings, including the Sea of cast metal.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, who was brought to work on the temple's bronze work, including the Sea.

3. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Sea was placed, serving as a center for worship and sacrifice.

4. The Sea of Cast Metal
A large basin used for ceremonial washing by the priests, symbolizing purification and readiness for service.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was located, representing the spiritual heart of Israel.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Purity
The Sea of cast metal symbolizes the need for purification before approaching God. In our lives, this calls for spiritual cleansing through repentance and faith in Christ.

Craftsmanship and Excellence
The detailed work of Hiram and the construction of the Sea reflect the importance of using our God-given talents with excellence for His glory.

God's Provision and Design
The precise measurements and design of the Sea remind us of God's order and provision in our lives, encouraging us to trust His plans.

Preparation for Service
Just as the priests used the Sea for washing before service, we are called to prepare ourselves spiritually for the work God has set before us.

Community and Worship
The Sea was part of the communal worship experience in the temple, highlighting the importance of gathering together in worship and service.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the Sea of cast metal in Solomon's temple reflect the importance of purity in our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of excellence in craftsmanship, as seen in the work of Hiram, to our own lives and vocations?

3. How does the concept of God's precise design and provision, as seen in the construction of the Sea, encourage us in times of uncertainty?

4. What steps can we take to ensure we are spiritually prepared for the service God calls us to, similar to the priests using the Sea for washing?

5. How can the communal aspect of worship in the temple, including the use of the Sea, inspire us to engage more deeply with our faith community today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:17-21
Describes the bronze basin used for washing, which parallels the purpose of the Sea in Solomon's temple.

2 Chronicles 4:2-5
Provides a parallel account of the construction of the Sea, offering additional details about its design and function.

Revelation 4:6
Mentions a sea of glass before the throne of God, symbolizing purity and holiness, reminiscent of the Sea in the temple.

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

Brim, Circular, Compass, Cubits, Height, Line, Measure, Measuring, Metal, Molten, Rim, Round, Shape, Ten, Thirty

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:23

5619 measures, distance and area
7467 temple, Solomon's

1 Kings 7:13-45

1 Kings 7:13-50

1 Kings 7:23-24

1 Kings 7:23-26

1 Kings 7:23-33

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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