1 Kings 7:43
the ten stands; the ten basins on the stands;
the ten stands
The ten stands refer to the bronze stands crafted for the temple of Solomon. These stands were part of the larger project of temple construction, which was a significant undertaking during Solomon's reign. The stands were used to support the basins, which were essential for the ritual cleansing practices in the temple. The number ten often symbolizes completeness or divine order in the Bible, suggesting the thoroughness and divine approval of the temple's design. The craftsmanship of these stands reflects the advanced metallurgical skills of the period, likely influenced by the Phoenicians, who were renowned for their work with bronze. This detail underscores the collaboration between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre, a key ally in the temple's construction.

the ten basins on the stands
The ten basins placed on the stands were used for washing and purification, crucial elements in the temple's sacrificial system. Each basin was large enough to hold substantial amounts of water, necessary for the priests to cleanse themselves and the sacrificial offerings. This practice of ritual washing is echoed in the New Testament, where water symbolizes purification and baptism (e.g., John 3:5, Ephesians 5:26). The basins' presence highlights the importance of purity and preparation before approaching God, a theme that runs throughout Scripture. The use of bronze, a durable and valuable material, signifies the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and the importance of maintaining holiness in worship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by wisdom and prosperity, and he is responsible for the construction of the temple, a central place of worship for the Israelites.

2. Hiram
A skilled craftsman from Tyre, hired by Solomon to oversee the construction of the temple's furnishings. His expertise in bronze work is highlighted in the crafting of the temple's intricate designs.

3. The Temple in Jerusalem
The holy place built by Solomon as a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant and a center for Israelite worship. It symbolizes God's presence among His people.

4. The Ten Stands and Basins
Part of the temple's furnishings, these were used for ceremonial washing, symbolizing purification and preparation for worship.

5. Bronze Work
The material used for the stands and basins, representing strength and durability, and reflecting the glory and majesty of God’s house.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Purification
The basins and stands were used for ceremonial washing, reminding us of the need for spiritual cleansing. In the New Testament, this is fulfilled through the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The intricate design and craftsmanship of the temple furnishings reflect the importance of giving our best in worship and service to God.

God’s Presence and Holiness
The temple and its furnishings symbolize God's dwelling among His people and His holiness. We are called to live lives that reflect His holiness.

Legacy of Faithful Service
Hiram's role in crafting the temple furnishings highlights the importance of using our God-given talents for His glory and the building up of His kingdom.

Preparation for Worship
Just as the priests prepared themselves through washing, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring we approach God with reverence and sincerity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the construction of the temple and its furnishings reflect the character and priorities of King Solomon?

2. In what ways do the ten stands and basins symbolize the need for purification in our spiritual lives today?

3. How can we apply the principle of giving our best in worship and service to God in our daily lives?

4. What talents or skills has God given you, and how can you use them to contribute to His kingdom, as Hiram did?

5. How does the concept of preparation for worship in the Old Testament relate to our approach to worship under the new covenant in Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 30
Describes the original instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, which serve as a precursor to the temple's design.

2 Chronicles 4
Provides a parallel account of the temple's furnishings, offering additional details and emphasizing the importance of these items in worship.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the tabernacle and its furnishings as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the new covenant.
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
Bases, Basins, Lavers, Stands, Ten, Washing-vessels
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:13-45

     5272   craftsmen

1 Kings 7:13-50

     4348   mining

1 Kings 7:38-45

     4312   bronze

1 Kings 7:40-45

     5211   art

1 Kings 7:41-45

     5531   skill

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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