1 Kings 7:31-41

31 On the inside of the stand there was an opening that had a circular frame one cubit[a] deep. This opening was round, and with its basework it measured a cubit and a half.[b] Around its opening there was engraving. The panels of the stands were square, not round.
32 The four wheels were under the panels, and the axles of the wheels were attached to the stand. The diameter of each wheel was a cubit and a half.
33 The wheels were made like chariot wheels; the axles, rims, spokes and hubs were all of cast metal.
34 Each stand had four handles, one on each corner, projecting from the stand.
35 At the top of the stand there was a circular band half a cubit[c] deep. The supports and panels were attached to the top of the stand.
36 He engraved cherubim, lions and palm trees on the surfaces of the supports and on the panels, in every available space, with wreaths all around.
37 This is the way he made the ten stands. They were all cast in the same molds and were identical in size and shape.
38 He then made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths[d] and measuring four cubits across, one basin to go on each of the ten stands.
39 He placed five of the stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north. He placed the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner of the temple.
40 He also made the pots[e] and shovels and sprinkling bowls. So Huram finished all the work he had undertaken for King Solomon in the temple of the LORD:
41 the two pillars; the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars; the two sets of network decorating the two bowl-shaped capitals on top of the pillars;

1 Kings 7:31-41 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 7

This chapter gives an account of some buildings of Solomon for himself, 1Ki 7:1-12; and of other things for the use of the temple; of two pillars of brass, 1Ki 7:13-22; of the molten sea, 1Ki 7:23-26; and of ten bases, and ten layers on them, 1Ki 7:27-39; with other utensils and ornaments, 1Ki 7:40-51.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Exodus 30:18; 2 Chronicles 4:6
  • 2. S Exodus 27:3; Jeremiah 52:18

Footnotes 5

  • [a]. That is, about 18 inches or about 45 centimeters
  • [b]. That is, about 2 1/4 feet or about 68 centimeters; also in verse 32
  • [c]. That is, about 9 inches or about 23 centimeters
  • [d]. That is, about 240 gallons or about 880 liters
  • [e]. Many Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac and Vulgate (see also verse 45 and 2 Chron. 4:11); many other Hebrew manuscripts "basins"
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