Solomon left all these articles unweighed, because there were so many. The weight of the bronze could not be determined. SolomonSolomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, is renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, most notably the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign marks a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace for Israel. The name "Solomon" is derived from the Hebrew "Shlomo," meaning "peaceful," reflecting the peace and stability of his kingdom. Solomon's leadership in constructing the Temple and other significant structures demonstrates his commitment to glorifying God and establishing a central place of worship for the Israelites. left all the articles unweighed
This phrase indicates Solomon's immense wealth and the abundance of resources at his disposal. The decision to leave the articles unweighed suggests a level of prosperity where meticulous accounting was unnecessary. In the ancient Near East, weighing precious metals was a common practice to determine value. However, Solomon's wealth was so vast that the exact weight of the bronze articles was inconsequential. This abundance can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to bless Israel under Solomon's rule, as well as a testament to the prosperity that comes from following God's commandments. because there were so many
The sheer quantity of the articles reflects the grandeur and scale of Solomon's projects. The abundance of materials used in the Temple and other constructions signifies the importance of these projects in Israel's religious and cultural life. Historically, this period is marked by extensive trade and alliances, which contributed to the wealth and resources available to Solomon. The phrase underscores the blessings and prosperity that Israel enjoyed during Solomon's reign, serving as a reminder of God's provision and favor. the weight of the bronze was not determined
Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was a valuable material in the ancient world, used for tools, weapons, and ceremonial objects. The fact that the weight was not determined highlights the extraordinary amount of bronze used in Solomon's projects, particularly in the Temple's furnishings. This abundance of bronze can be seen as a symbol of strength and durability, qualities associated with Solomon's kingdom. Theologically, it reflects the richness of God's blessings and the overwhelming generosity of His provision for His people. The undetermined weight also points to the limitless nature of God's resources and the boundless potential of His blessings when His people are faithful. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe king of Israel, known for his wisdom and wealth, who oversaw the construction of the temple and other significant projects. 2. Temple of SolomonThe grand temple in Jerusalem, built under Solomon's reign, which served as the central place of worship for the Israelites. 3. Bronze ArticlesVarious items made of bronze used in the temple, including pillars, basins, and other furnishings. 4. Hiram of TyreA skilled craftsman who assisted Solomon by creating many of the bronze works for the temple. 5. JerusalemThe city where the temple was constructed, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel. Teaching Points God's AbundanceThe unweighed bronze signifies God's provision and abundance. Just as Solomon had more than enough resources, believers can trust in God's provision for their needs. Focus on Worship, Not WealthThe emphasis on the temple's function over the material wealth used in its construction reminds us to prioritize worship and spiritual growth over material possessions. Stewardship of ResourcesWhile the bronze was abundant, it was used for a specific purpose in worship. Believers are called to be good stewards of their resources, using them to glorify God. Faith in God's PlanSolomon's ability to leave the bronze unweighed reflects a trust in God's plan and provision. Believers are encouraged to have faith in God's overarching plan for their lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Solomon's decision to leave the bronze unweighed reflect his understanding of God's provision? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of focusing on worship rather than material wealth in our daily lives? 3. How does the construction of the temple under Solomon's reign connect to the instructions given for the Tabernacle in Exodus? 4. What lessons can we learn about stewardship from the way resources were used in the temple's construction? 5. How can we cultivate a trust in God's plan and provision, similar to Solomon's trust during the temple's construction? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 25-31These chapters describe the detailed instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of following God's design in worship. 2 Chronicles 4This passage parallels 1 Kings 7, providing additional details about the temple furnishings and their significance. Matthew 6:19-21Jesus teaches about storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth, which can be related to the immense wealth and resources used in the temple's construction. 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 Abundance, Ascertained, Brass, Bronze, Determined, Exceeding, Measured, Numerous, Placeth, Possible, Searched, Solomon, Unweighed, Utensils, Vessels, WeightDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 7:13-50 4348 mining 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 7:47 NIV1 Kings 7:47 NLT1 Kings 7:47 ESV1 Kings 7:47 NASB1 Kings 7:47 KJV
1 Kings 7:47 Commentaries
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