THE FIRST BOOK OF
THE KINGS,

1 Kings 7

1The building of Solomon's house; 2of the house of the forest of Lebanon; 6of the porch of pillars; 7of the porch of judgment; 8of the house for Pharaoh's daughter. 9The costly materials for these buildings, and for the great court round about. 13Hiram, a skilful artificer, is fetched from Tyre. 15His work in brass of the two great pillars, 23the molten sea, 27the ten bases, 38the ten lavers, 40and other vessels for the use of the temple. 48The furniture and vessels of gold which Solomon made for the temple.


1BUT Solomona was building 1his own house 2thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

a 1 Kings 9:10.

1 Serving him and his court-household for a common dwelling place. See verse 8.

2 Almost as long again as in building the temple, 1 Kings 6:38. The same requiring more haste, both in regard of the LORD’S command, and of the holy worship, and wherein more workmen were employed, and for which more provision of materials was made.

2¶He built also the house of the 3forest of Lebanon; the length thereof was an 4hundred cubits, and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits, 5upon four rows of cedar pillars, 6with cedar beams upon the pillars.

3 So called (as some perceive) because it was built in a very pleasant and exalted place in Jerusalem, or outside the city, and was beautified with many fair and high trees, like the forest of Lebanon, serving the king for an house of pleasure and recreation. Compare 1 Kings 9:19.

4 Understand common cubits; and see concerning this length, Gen. 6 on verse 15.

5 This house being three stories high, and having three dwellings one above another, this is to be understood of the lowermost.

6 Which made the floor of the middlemost dwelling.

3And it was covered with 7cedar above upon the 8beams, 9that lay on forty five pillars, fifteen in a row.

7 From which arose the third or uppermost flooring.

8 Hebr. ribs. Or, beams, lofts, chambers.

9 Understand the uppermost part of this house, which (because it had a less burden or stress to bear than the lowermost) had only three rows of pillars, whereas the lowermost had four, verse 2, each row consisting of fifteen pillars.

410And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks.

10 As the house was three stories high, it had likewise three rows of windows, in every story one row, whereof the uppermost stood right against the lowermost.

5And all the doors and posts were square, 11with the windows: and light was against light 12in three ranks.

11 That is, the windows and gates of both sides were in each loft raised up just one above the other, so that a man could extend his sight from the one to the other being over against it. Others translate it thus: all the doors and posts were four square with the views, etc.

12 Hebr. three times.

6¶And he made 13a porch 14of pillars; the length thereof was 15fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof thirty cubits: and the porch was before 16them: and the other pillars and the thick beam were before them.

13 Here three porches are mentioned, whereof this is the first, and was in the forepart of the house of the forest of Lebanon. See of the second, verse 7, and of the third, verse 8.

14 That is, consisting of many pillars and from the roof resting upon them.

15 According to the breadth of the house. Compare verse 2.

16 Namely, the doors; of which mention is made in the previous verse, or the pillars of the house of the forest. The meaning is: that this porch was in front of the house of the forest; so that the pillars and beams, of which this porch consisted, were right against the doors, and consequently in the sight of the aforementioned house.

7¶Then he made 17a porch for the throne where he might judge, even the porch of judgment: and it was covered with cedar 18from one side of the floor to the other.

17 Namely, within Jerusalem, in front of his house, very convenient for the people, which came for judgment, to be sheltered there against the discomfort of the weather.

18 That is, from the one end of the floor to the other. Some understand this of the walls, namely that they were covered with cedar from below on the floor to the ceiling above, which likewise is a floor.

8¶And his house where he dwelt had another court 19within the porch, which was of the like work. Solomon made also 20an house for Pharaoh's daughter, whomb he had taken to wife, like unto this 21porch.

19 The third porch, which was between the porch of judgment and the king’s house.

20 Distinct from the stronghold of David, where first she had her abode. See 1 Kings 3:1; 2 Chron. 8:11.

b 1 Kings 3:1.

21 Understand the third porch, which was more inward, mentioned just before, which porch is said to be like the queen’s house, not so much in regard of the form, but of the manner, as appears by the following verse.

922All these were of costly stones, 23according to the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, within and without, even from the foundation unto the 24coping,c and so on the outside toward the great 25court.

22 Understand all the buildings mentioned in this and in the previous chapter. Compare verse 12.

23 That is, according to the measures, which skilful stone-cutters follow, to finish a work in the neatest and handsomest fashion, also verse 11.

24 That is, the ledge sticking out, at the uppermost part of the wall, whereon the vault of the roof rested, and jutted out an hand-breadth outside the wall.

c top layer of masonry wall

25 Where the people gathered.

10And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.

11And 26above were costly stones, after the measures of hewed stones, and 27cedars.

26 Namely, upon the foundation-stones.

27 That is, planed planks of cedar-wood, wherewith the hewn stones were covered over.

12And the 28great court round about was with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the 29inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.

28 See on verse 9.

29 See 1 Kings 6 on verse 36.

13¶And king Solomon sent and 30fetched 31Hiramd out of 32Tyre.

30 Hebr. took, or, took on. See Gen. 12 on verse 15.

31 See 1 Kings 5 on verse 1.

d 2 Chron. 2:13.

32 See 1 Kings 5 on verse 1.

14He was a 33widow’s son 34of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a 35man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was fillede with wisdom, and understanding, and cunningf to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.

33 By the descent of the tribe of Dan, 2 Chron. 2:14.

34 Understand this of the widow’s son, whose descent was of the tribe of Naphtali by the father’s side.

35 Namely, in respect of the city where he dwelt, and not in respect of his descent, according to which he was an Israelite. Other, this may be also understood, that this father was likewise a Tyrian by pedigree and descent, that is, an heathen, but that his wife was both of Dan and Naphtali; namely, of one tribe by the father’s side, and of another by the mother’s side, which might have occurred by the mixtures of the tribes one with another; for the Israelites did not always follow the rule of God’s law, which forbade them to marry out of their own tribe. See further 2 Chron. 2 on verse 14.

e Exod. 31:3.

f skill, art, skillful*

15For he 36cast twog pillars of brass, of eighteen 37cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits did compass 38either of them about.

36 Hebr. fashioned.

g 2 Kings 25:16, 17; Jer. 52:21.

37 Counted after the measure of the sanctuary, which were again as long as the common cubit. See Gen. 6 on verse 15. And hence 2 Chron. 3:15 there are thirty five cubits (after the common measure of cubits) ascribed to these pillars, to which one cubit more being allowed to the foot or basis, so that each pillar was just 36 common cubits high, that is, 18 holy ones or cubits of the sanctuary.

38 Namely, the compass and roundness of its body; understand the same likewise of the first pillar.

16And he made 39two 40chapiters of molten brass, to set upon the tops of the pillars: the height of the one chapiter was 41five cubits, and the height of the other chapiter was five cubits:

39 Namely, for each pillar one.

40 Understand here by the chapiter, an ornament, made above on the top of the body of a pillar, consisting of three parts, namely, the foot or basis, the plaited work of the pomegranates, and the crown.

41 Meaning the whole chapiter being measured altogether with all the three parts thereof; for, the foot or basis was a cubit high, the pomegranate work a cubit also, and the crown three cubits: so many cubits are attributed to the crown alone, 2 Kings 25:17, and being counted with the pomegranates four cubits, see verse 19.

1742And nets of 43checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars; 44seven for the one chapiter, and seven for the other chapiter.

42 The meaning is: that the uppermost part or the crown of the chapiter consisted of a most artful twisting together of leaf, flower, and fruit-work, in certain rows fastened with wreaths most curiously one to another. Compare 2 Chron. 3:16.

43 Or, of twisted or of grated work.

44 Some understand this number of the rows of the leaf-work, and of the strings or wreaths which tied the work close together; others, of the strings or wreaths alone.

18And he made the pillars, and two 45rows round about upon the one network, to cover 46the chapiters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: and so did he for the other chapiter.

45 Namely, of pomegranates that compassed about the middle part of the knop.

46 That is, the crowns, the uppermost part of the chapiters. See on verse 16.

19And the chapiters that were upon the top of the pillars 47were of lily work 48in the porch, 49four cubits.

47 That is, had the form, fashion, and resemblance of lilies.

48 That is, to be set in the porch.

49 Understand this of two parts of the chapiter, the uppermost and middlemost, namely, the crown and the pomegranate work, both together. See on verse 16.

2050And the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, over against the 51belly which was by the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about upon the other chapiter.

50 The chapiter here signifies the uppermost part of a whole chapiter, called the crown, which was round like a bowl, either in bulk like a ball, or in oval length, as an egg.

51 Understand the middlemost or the most spacious part of the bowl, that which sticks out most. Others understand by the belly, the hole that would have been above in the midst of the pillar, into which the chapiters were put to stand firm.

21And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof 52Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof 53Boaz.

52 That is, He (namely, the Lord) will establish.

53 That is, in Him is power. These two names intimated, that the spiritual temple, which is the church of true believers and of the elect, resting on the pillar of the almighty power of the Lord, would be able to stand against all outward and inward violence whatsoever, so that the gates of hell would never prevail against it, Mat. 16:18.

22And upon the top of the pillars was 54lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

54 See hereof verse 19.

23¶And heh made a 55molten sea, ten cubits 56from the one 57brim to the other: it was round all about, and his height was five cubits: and a line 58of thirty cubits did compass it round about.

h 2 Chron. 4:2; Jer. 52:20.

55 Called likewise in 2 Chron. 4:2, but 2 Kings 25:13 a brasen sea. Understand a huge vessel or kettle, containing great store of water, and in that regard called a sea, according to the manner of the Hebrews, who were wont to call the gatherings together of many waters, seas. This water served for the washings of the priests and Levites. Compare Exod. 30:18, 19, 20; 40:30, 31, 32; Lev. 8 on verse 11; 2 Kings 16:17; 2 Chron. 4:6.

56 That is, measured across in a straight line from the one brim to the other.

57 Hebr. lip, and so in the following verse.

58 That is, this vessel, being measured round about outside the brim, was thirty cubits wide; for, the roundness contains thrice as much space as does the direct line. Compare 2 Chron. 4:2.

24And 59under the brim of it roundi about there were 60knops compassing it, 61ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops were 62cast in two rows, when it was cast.

59 Namely, at the outside of this molten sea.

i 2 Chron. 4:3.

60 The Hebrew word signifies properly wild gourds, or the pictures and representations thereof, as 1 Kings 6:18; 2 Kings 4:39, but it seems that it signifies also in general all manner of pictures of leaves, flowers, fruits and beasts wrought upon, or in any thing for ornament; for, 2 Chron. 4:3, for further expounding of this place, is put the resemblance or picture of oxen.

61 The meaning is, that in each cubit, or ell, were ten knops. And it being said in the previous verse, that one row of these knops was thirty cubits in compass, it follows that the number of knops in one row was three hundred; and in two together six hundred.

62 Namely, of the sea; for, they were not carved or engraved in this brasen sea, but cast together with the same. Also 2 Chron. 4:3.

25It stood upon 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 above upon them, and all 63their hinder parts were inward.

63 That is, the most hinder parts of these oxen were inward hidden under this brasen sea, that they could not easily be seen. Also 2 Chron. 4:4.

26And it was an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained 64two thousand 65baths.

64 Meaning: that ordinarily so much water was put into it; but being brim-full, it held three thousand baths, 2 Chron. 4:5.

65 A bath was a great measure of the Hebrews of liquid or moist wares, containing as much as an ephah did in dry wares, Ezek. 45:11. An ephah held ten gomers, Exod. 16:36; Lev. 5 on verse 11. A gomer contained forty-three common eggshells: six of these shells contain the measure of a log. See Lev. 14 on verse 10. Threescore and twelve log make about a bath.

27¶And he made ten 66bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.

66 Or, trivets, feet, supports or pedestals, which stood foursquare, or four-cornered, upon which was firmly set a laver, containing a great quantity of water, wherein the offerings were washed; for which end they had also wheels, by which they were carried from one place to another.

28And the work of the bases was on this manner: they had 67borders, and the borders were between the 68ledges:

67 Hebr. enclosings. Understand wide spaces enclosed or shut in between two ledges, wherein pictures of beasts and cherubims were made for ornaments. See the following verse, and verse 36.

68 Hebr. steps. These were borders or bands sticking out, or brims made round about each seat, which followed one upon another like steps or stairs, and enclosed the afore-mentioned borders or spaces both above and below. The uppermost were as the roof of the pictures and images, the lowermost as their ground and bottom.

29And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubims: and upon the ledges there was a 69base above: and beneath the lions and oxen were certain 70additions made of thin work.

69 Meaning: an even place or space, serving for the support of the laver, which rested thereon.

70 That is, adjoined ornaments of work twisted through and drawn out, which were at the neck of the laver, a half cubit below it. See verse 35.

30And every base had four brasen wheels, and 71plates of brass: and the four corners thereof had 72undersetters: under the 73laver were undersettersj molten, at the side of every addition.

71 Wherein stuck the axletrees of the wheels, for the support of the bases, which lay thereon.

72 That is, tenons, like unto shoulders which came out above of the hollowness at the four corners of the base; not made thereon on the outside, but from there issuing and being cast therewith to hold the laver firm that lay thereon, that it would not wag or glide off from the base, when it was carried or transported from one place to another. Compare verse 34.

73 See hereof on verse 38.

j supports, bases

31And the 74mouth of it within the 75chapiter and above was a cubit: but the mouth thereof was round after the 76work of the base, 77a cubit and an half: and also 78upon the mouth of it were gravings with their 79borders, foursquare, not round.

74 Understand an equal and like hollowness in the plate, which was above upon the base, and which even filled the laver that was let into it about an half cubit deep.

75 That is, the circumference of the mouth or of the hollowness into which the laver was let in.

76 Conformable unto the work which is made to support any thing, and must every way fit the same. Therefore as the laver was round, it was likewise requisite that this hollowness of the mouth should be round also.

77 Namely, according to the measure of the laver which was let into the seat.

78 That is, upon the plate or the covering wherein the mouth was, which comprehended the laver.

79 That is, the outermost compasses or circumferences, which concluded the uppermost covering of the base.

32And under the borders were four wheels; and the 80axletreesk of the wheels were joined to the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.

80 Hebr. hands.

k bars connecting wheels

33And the work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axletrees, and their naves,l and their felloes,m and their spokes, were all molten.

l hubs

m curved sections of wheel rim

34And there were four 81undersetters to the four corners of one base: and the undersetters 82were of the very base itself.

81 Some perceive that these undersetters differed from these mentioned, verse 30, so that those came out of the hollowness into which the laver is placed, but these from the outside of the hollowness of the laver supported the middlemost part thereof.

82 That is, they were not fastened to it on the outside, but one work issuing out of the base. See on verse 30.

35And in 83the top of the base was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the 84ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same.

83 Namely, above the base and the shoulders thereof.

84 Hebr. hands. Also in the following verse. Understand the uppermost part of the undersetters, wherewith as with hands the laver was supported. Or, understand hereby little pillars, which issued above out of the four corners of the base, having four square borders, wherein were curious engravings.

36For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and 85on the borders thereof, he graved cherubims, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions round about.

85 See on verse 31.

37After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.

38¶Thenn made he ten 86lavers of brass: one laver contained forty 87baths:oand every laverp was four cubits: and upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

n 2 Chron. 4:6.

86 Standing upon the brasen bases, which one could transport, described in the previous verses beginning at the 27th verse. These vessels were filled with water, which the priests were to use in their ministry. See 2 Chron. 4:6. Compare the annotation at Lev. 8 on verse 11.

87 Namely, of water. See of this measure on verse 26.

o OT liquid measure: 6 hins; about 9 gallons or 34 litres*

p basin, bath

39And he put five bases on the right side of 88the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set 89the sea on the right side of the house 90eastward over against the south.

88 Namely, in the court of the priests, where the offerings were prepared.

89 See on verse 23.

90 Where was the entering of the house.

40¶And 91Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

91 Or, Hirom. Twice called in this verse Hiram, and elsewhere also Huram. See 2 Chron. 4:11. The king of Tyre had the same name.

41The two pillars, and the two 92bowls of the chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters which were upon the top of the pillars;

92 Understand hereby crowns, which were the uppermost part of the chapiter, of which see verses 19, 20.

42And 93four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters that were upon the pillars;

93 See verse 20.

43And the ten 94bases, and 95ten lavers on the bases;

94 See of these bases verse 27.

95 See verse 38.

44And 96one sea, and 97twelve oxen under the sea;

96 See verse 23.

97 See verse 25.

45And the 98pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the LORD, were of bright brass.

98 To seeth the flesh of certain sacrifices, which was eaten by the priests, and by those who brought the beasts to be offered. Some pots were also to gather in the ashes of the sacrifices, and to carry them away. See Exod. 27:3.

46In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the 99clay ground between 100Succoth and 101Zarthan.

99 That is, clayish, fat and tough ground. Also 2 Chron. 4:17.

100 Situated in the tribe of Gad beyond the Jordan. See Gen. 33 on verse 17.

101 See Joshua 3 on verse 16.

47And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were 102exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

102 Hebr. for the multitude greatly greatly.

48And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the LORD: the 103altar of gold,q and the 104table of gold,r whereupon the 105shewbread was,

103 That is, overlaid with gold, Exod. 30:3, but otherwise made of cedar wood, 1 Kings 6:20, which is called shittim wood in Exod. 30:1.

q Exod. 30:1.

104 Understand tables, in the plural number; for, there were ten in Solomon’s temple, 2 Chron. 4:8. They were of gold, namely, being therewith overlaid on the outside, but within they were of wood. Compare Exod. 25:23, 24.

r Exod. 25:23.

105 Hebr. breads of faces; thus called, not because they had faces, but because they were placed before the face of the Lord, that is, before the holy of holies. See Exod. 25:30.

49And the candlesticks of 106pure gold, five 107on the right side, and five on the left, before 108the oracle, with the 109flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold,

106 See 1 Kings 6 on verse 20. Of such kind of gold were these candlesticks made, being not only overlaid therewith, but wholly consisting of it, as Moses’ candlestick did, into which, with its appurtenances, a talent of gold was spent, Exod. 25:31, 39.

107 That is, on the north and south side of the holy place.

108 See 1 Kings 6 on verse 5.

109 See of these three, Exod. 25:31, 37, 38.

50And the bowls, and the 110snuffers, and the 111basons, and the 112spoons, and the censers of 113pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple.

110 Or, forks, or, chopping-knives. Other, musical instruments.

111 Of which there were an hundred in number, 2 Chron. 4:8.

112 Or, the incense bowls.

113 See 1 Kings 6 on verse 20.

51So was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the LORD. Ands Solomon brought in 114the things which David his father had tdedicated; even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, did he put among the treasures of the house of the LORD.

s 2 Sam. 8:7, 11.

114 That is, which were dedicated unto the Lord by David for an holy use.

t 2 Chron. 5:1.