1 Kings 7:33
The wheels were made like chariot wheels; their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all of cast metal.
The wheels were made like chariot wheels;
In ancient Israel, chariots were symbols of power and military strength, often used in warfare and royal processions. The comparison to chariot wheels suggests durability and functionality, emphasizing the craftsmanship involved. Chariots are frequently mentioned in the Bible, such as in Exodus 14:7, where Pharaoh's chariots pursued the Israelites. This connection highlights the importance of mobility and strength, both in warfare and in the construction of the temple furnishings.

their axles, rims, spokes, and hubs
These components are essential for the structural integrity and function of a wheel. The detailed description indicates the complexity and precision of the work, reflecting the high standards set for the temple's construction. This attention to detail mirrors the meticulous instructions given for the building of the tabernacle in Exodus 25-31, where every element had a specific purpose and design. The craftsmanship here can be seen as a reflection of God's order and perfection.

were all of cast metal.
Casting metal was a sophisticated process in ancient times, requiring skill and knowledge. The use of cast metal signifies strength and permanence, suitable for the temple's sacred purpose. This method of construction is consistent with other biblical references to metalwork, such as the bronze altar and the bronze sea in 1 Kings 7:23-26. The use of metal also symbolizes refinement and purity, akin to the refining process described in Malachi 3:3, where God purifies His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace, including the detailed work described in this passage.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, brought in by Solomon to oversee the construction of the temple's furnishings, including the wheels mentioned in this verse.

3. The Temple
The central place of worship for the Israelites, built by Solomon in Jerusalem, which included various intricate and symbolic furnishings.

4. The Bronze Sea
A large basin in the temple complex, supported by the wheels and stands described in this passage, used for ceremonial washing by the priests.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was built, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel during Solomon's reign.
Teaching Points
Attention to Detail in Worship
The intricate design of the temple furnishings, including the wheels, reflects the importance of detail and excellence in our worship and service to God.

Symbolism of Movement
The wheels symbolize movement and readiness, reminding us to be prepared and willing to move in obedience to God's direction.

Craftsmanship as Worship
The work of skilled craftsmen like Hiram highlights the value of using our God-given talents and skills in service to Him.

The Role of Community in Worship
The construction of the temple involved many people working together, illustrating the importance of community and collaboration in the body of Christ.

God's Presence in the Details
Just as God's presence was symbolized in the temple's design, we are reminded that He is present in the details of our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the attention to detail in the construction of the temple furnishings reflect our approach to worship and service today?

2. In what ways can we use our skills and talents, like Hiram, to contribute to the work of the church?

3. How does the symbolism of wheels and movement in the temple furnishings inspire us to be ready to follow God's leading?

4. What can we learn from the collaborative effort in building the temple about the importance of community in our spiritual lives?

5. How can we become more aware of God's presence in the details of our daily lives, as seen in the intricate design of the temple?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 31
This chapter describes Bezalel and Oholiab, craftsmen filled with the Spirit of God to create the tabernacle's furnishings, paralleling Hiram's role in Solomon's temple.

2 Chronicles 4
Provides a parallel account of the temple furnishings, offering additional details and emphasizing the grandeur of Solomon's temple.

Ezekiel 1
The vision of the wheels within wheels, symbolizing divine movement and presence, can be seen as a spiritual parallel to the wheels of the temple furnishings.

1 Corinthians 3
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, drawing a spiritual connection between the physical temple and the spiritual temple of the church.
The LotusW. 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
Axles, Axletrees, Carriage-wheels, Cast, Chariot, Edges, Fellies, Felloes, Fixed, Formed, Forming, Hubs, Liquid, Metal, Middle, Molten, Naves, Points, Rims, Rods, Spokes, Supports, Wheel, Wheels, Workmanship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:13-45

     5272   craftsmen

1 Kings 7:13-50

     4348   mining

1 Kings 7:23-33

     4312   bronze

1 Kings 7:27-37

     5211   art

1 Kings 7:30-36

     5212   arts and crafts

1 Kings 7:32-33

     5621   wheel

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

Links
1 Kings 7:33 NIV
1 Kings 7:33 NLT
1 Kings 7:33 ESV
1 Kings 7:33 NASB
1 Kings 7:33 KJV

1 Kings 7:33 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Kings 7:32
Top of Page
Top of Page