◄ 1 Kings 7:46 ►
The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan.
Study Bible
The king had them cast in clay molds
This phrase refers to King Solomon, who commissioned the casting of the temple furnishings, including the two pillars, the Sea, and various other bronze items. The use of clay molds for casting indicates a sophisticated metallurgical process for the time, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship and resources available during Solomon's reign. This method allowed for detailed and intricate designs, which were essential for the grandeur of the temple. The use of clay molds is consistent with ancient Near Eastern practices, where clay was a common material for creating molds due to its availability and ease of shaping.

in the plain of the Jordan
The plain of the Jordan refers to the area surrounding the Jordan River, a significant geographical feature in Israel. This location was chosen likely due to its proximity to water, which was necessary for the casting process, and the availability of clay and other natural resources. The Jordan River valley was a fertile and resource-rich area, making it an ideal location for such large-scale industrial activities. This setting also underscores the logistical planning involved in Solomon's temple construction, as materials and labor had to be coordinated over significant distances.

between Succoth and Zarethan
Succoth and Zarethan were towns located in the Jordan Valley. Succoth is mentioned in Genesis 33:17 as a place where Jacob built a house and made shelters for his livestock. Zarethan is referenced in Joshua 3:16 in the context of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. The mention of these locations provides a specific geographical context, indicating the precise area where the casting took place. This region was strategically chosen for its resources and accessibility. The historical and biblical significance of these locations highlights the continuity of God's work and presence in the land, from the time of the patriarchs to the establishment of the temple.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Solomon
The ruler of Israel who commissioned the construction of the temple and its furnishings, including the bronze works mentioned in this verse.

2. The Plain of the Jordan
A geographical area where the casting of the bronze items took place. This location was chosen for its suitability for large-scale metalwork.

3. Succoth
A town near the Jordan River, significant in Israel's history, and mentioned as a location near where the casting occurred.

4. Zarethan
Another town near the Jordan River, close to Succoth, marking the area where the bronze casting was done.

5. Bronze Casting
The event of creating the temple furnishings, which were essential for the worship practices in the temple Solomon built.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Preparation
Just as Solomon prepared the materials and location for the temple furnishings, we must prepare our hearts and minds for worship and service to God.

God's Provision of Resources
The choice of the Jordan plain for casting shows God's provision of the right resources and locations for His work. We should trust God to provide what we need for His purposes.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed process of casting the bronze items reflects the importance of precision and care in our worship and service to God.

Historical Continuity
The use of locations like Succoth and Zarethan connects Solomon's work to Israel's history, reminding us of the continuity of God's plan through generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the choice of the Jordan plain for casting the bronze items tell us about the importance of location in God's work?

2. How can we apply the principle of preparation seen in Solomon's work to our own spiritual lives?

3. In what ways does the historical significance of places like Succoth and Zarethan enhance our understanding of God's faithfulness?

4. How does the detailed craftsmanship of the temple furnishings inspire us to approach our own tasks for God with excellence?

5. What other biblical events or instructions can you think of that emphasize the importance of careful preparation and attention to detail in serving God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-27
These chapters describe the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, which parallels Solomon's work on the temple.

2 Chronicles 4
This chapter provides a parallel account of the temple furnishings, offering additional details about the items cast in bronze.

Genesis 33:17
Succoth is mentioned as a place where Jacob settled temporarily, highlighting its historical significance.
Sermons
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
Across, Adama, Cast, Circuit, Clay, Clay-ground, Ground, Jordan, Liquid, Lowland, Metal, Molds, Plain, River, Soil, Succoth, Thick, Zaretan, Zarethan, Zarthan
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 7:46

     4315   clay

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 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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