1 Kings 7:44 Study Bible: and one sea, and the twelve oxen under the sea;

◄ 1 Kings 7:44 ►

the Sea; the twelve oxen underneath the Sea;

the Sea;
The "Sea" refers to the large basin or laver made of cast metal, used in the temple built by King Solomon. It was a significant part of the temple's furnishings, serving as a large reservoir for water used by the priests for ritual purification. This basin was called the "Sea" due to its size, holding about 11,000 gallons of water. Its construction is detailed in 1 Kings 7:23-26, emphasizing its grandeur and the skill involved in its creation. The Sea symbolizes cleansing and purification, essential themes in the worship practices of ancient Israel. It also reflects the importance of water in the Near Eastern context, where water was a precious resource. The Sea's presence in the temple underscores the necessity of spiritual cleanliness before approaching God, a concept echoed in the New Testament with the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5).

the twelve oxen underneath the Sea;
The twelve oxen supporting the Sea were arranged in groups of three, facing the four cardinal directions. This arrangement is significant, as the number twelve often represents the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity and strength of the nation under God's covenant. The oxen, known for their strength and service, may also represent the steadfastness and support required to uphold the spiritual life of the nation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, oxen were symbols of power and fertility, and their use here may indicate the temple's role as a source of spiritual life and sustenance for Israel. The positioning of the oxen facing outward could symbolize the outreach of God's covenant to the entire world, prefiguring the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The imagery of the oxen and the Sea together can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides living water (John 4:10) and is the foundation of the Church, supporting and sustaining it through His strength and sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sea
This refers to the large basin or "molten sea" made of cast metal, used in Solomon's Temple for the priests to wash themselves. It symbolizes purity and cleansing.

2. Oxen
The twelve oxen supporting the Sea represent the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying strength and unity in upholding the faith and practices of the nation.

3. Solomon's Temple
The context of this verse is the construction of Solomon's Temple, a significant event in Israel's history, representing God's dwelling place among His people.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Purity
The Sea in Solomon's Temple symbolizes the need for spiritual cleansing. Just as the priests needed to wash before serving, believers are called to maintain purity in their walk with God.

Unity and Strength
The twelve oxen represent the unity and strength of the twelve tribes. In the church today, unity among believers is crucial for upholding the faith and advancing God's kingdom.

God's Dwelling Place
Solomon's Temple was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that honors God's presence within them.

Preparation for Worship
The Sea was used for preparation before entering God's presence. Similarly, believers should prepare their hearts and minds for worship, ensuring they approach God with reverence and purity.

Continuity of God's Plan
The elements of the Temple, including the Sea, show the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing His unchanging nature and purpose for His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of the Sea in Solomon's Temple relate to the concept of spiritual cleansing in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can the unity of the twelve tribes, as represented by the twelve oxen, inspire unity within the modern church?

3. How can believers today prepare themselves for worship, drawing parallels to the priests' use of the Sea?

4. What does it mean for believers to be the temple of the Holy Spirit, and how should this impact their daily lives?

5. How does understanding the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament strengthen your faith and understanding of God's character?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30
The instructions for the bronze basin in the Tabernacle, which served a similar purpose to the Sea, highlight the continuity of God's requirements for purity and preparation for worship.

Revelation 4
The imagery of the sea of glass before God's throne connects to the idea of purity and divine presence, reflecting the heavenly reality that the Temple symbolized on earth.

1 Corinthians 6
The call for believers to be pure and holy, as their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, echoes the purpose of the Sea in maintaining ritual purity.

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

Bulls, Oxen, Twelve, Underneath, Water-vessel

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:13-45

1 Kings 7:13-50

1 Kings 7:38-45

1 Kings 7:40-45

1 Kings 7:41-45

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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