1 Kings 7:25 Study Bible: It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set on them above, and all their hinder parts were inward.

◄ 1 Kings 7:25 ►

The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center.

Study Bible

The Sea stood on twelve oxen
The "Sea" refers to the large basin or laver used in Solomon's Temple for the priests to wash themselves, symbolizing purification. The twelve oxen represent the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the unity and strength of the nation. Oxen were considered symbols of strength and service, reflecting the role of Israel as a servant nation to God. The use of oxen also connects to the sacrificial system, as oxen were common sacrificial animals.

three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east
The orientation of the oxen in four cardinal directions symbolizes the universality of God's covenant with Israel, extending to all corners of the earth. This arrangement may also reflect the encampment of the tribes around the Tabernacle during the wilderness period, as described in Numbers 2. It emphasizes the centrality of worship and God's presence among His people, with the Temple as the focal point.

The Sea rested on them
The resting of the Sea on the oxen signifies stability and support, much like God's sustaining power for Israel. This imagery can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the foundation and support for the Church. The Sea's position on the oxen also highlights the importance of the priestly function of cleansing, which is foundational to the worship and service in the Temple.

with all their hindquarters toward the center
The inward-facing hindquarters of the oxen suggest a focus on the centrality of God's presence in the Temple. This orientation can be seen as a reminder that all aspects of life and worship should be directed towards God. It also reflects the idea of humility and submission, as the oxen, despite their strength, are positioned in service to the Temple's function. This can be paralleled with the Christian call to live a life centered on Christ, with all actions and intentions directed towards Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Sea
This refers to the large basin or laver used in Solomon's Temple for the priests to wash. It symbolizes purity and cleansing.

2. Twelve Oxen
These represent the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing strength and support for the nation.

3. Solomon's Temple
The temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites.

4. King Solomon
The son of David, known for his wisdom and for building the temple.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was located, considered the spiritual center for the Israelites.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Twelve Tribes
The twelve oxen represent the unity and strength of the nation of Israel. As believers, we are called to support one another in unity, reflecting the body of Christ.

Purity and Cleansing
The Sea's purpose for washing signifies the need for spiritual cleansing. In our lives, we must continually seek purification through repentance and the Word of God.

Divine Order and Structure
The precise arrangement of the oxen and the Sea reflects God's order. We should strive to maintain order and discipline in our spiritual practices.

Foundation of Strength
Just as the Sea rested on the oxen, our faith should rest on a strong foundation of biblical truth and community support.

Facing All Directions
The oxen facing all directions symbolize readiness and vigilance. We are called to be watchful and prepared in all aspects of our spiritual journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the symbolism of the twelve oxen relate to the concept of community and support within the church today?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of spiritual cleansing in our daily lives, as represented by the Sea?

3. How does the arrangement of the oxen around the Sea reflect God's order, and how can we implement this order in our personal spiritual disciplines?

4. What are some practical ways to ensure that our faith is built on a strong foundation, similar to the Sea resting on the oxen?

5. How can we remain vigilant and prepared in our spiritual lives, taking inspiration from the oxen facing all directions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:17-21
This passage describes the bronze basin used for washing, which is a precursor to the Sea in Solomon's Temple, emphasizing the importance of ritual cleansing.

Revelation 4:6
The sea of glass before God's throne can be seen as a heavenly counterpart to the Sea in the temple, symbolizing purity and divine presence.

Numbers 2
The arrangement of the twelve tribes around the tabernacle mirrors the positioning of the oxen, highlighting the order and structure in God's design.

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, Center, East, Facing, Hinder, Hindquarters, Inward, Middle, North, Oxen, Rear, Rested, Resting, South, Standing, Stood, Supported, Towards, Twelve, Vessel, West

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 7:25

1 Kings 7:13-45

1 Kings 7:13-50

1 Kings 7:23-26

1 Kings 7:23-33

1 Kings 7:25-26

4446 flowers
4472 lily

1 Kings 7:25-29

4615 bull

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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