This Molten Sea

This great receptacle for water was placed in the outer court of the Temple. Its full capacity was 3000 baths (about 22,000 gallons); the usual quantity therein was 2000 baths. In 2 Chronicles 4 the molten sea follows the brazen altar, with which in its teaching it was morally connected; but in 1 Kings 7 it follows the pillars Jachin and Boaz, the brazen altar being omitted altogether.
The molten sea took the place of the laver in the Tabernacle, but there are interesting points of difference between the two vessels. The laver was made from the women’s mirrors (Ex. 38:8); the sea was made from the spoils of David’s conquests (2 Chron. 18:8). The mirrors suggest renunciation on the part of those who gave them; the spoils speak of victory, in keeping with the Kingdom glories which are set forth in the reign of Solomon. The size and capacity of the laver is not stated; for the sea these particulars are recorded. Both laver and molten sea were for the use of the priests. From these vessels they drew water for the cleansing of their hands and feet when serving in the sanctuary of God. When Israel’s priests were consecrated, they underwent a total washing (Ex. 29:4). In Hebrews 10:22 and John 13:10 this is alluded to as typical of what we have experienced spiritually. The New Birth is meant. But more than this is required in those who would draw near to a holy God. The New Birth has made us in nature meet for His presence; but the laver and the molten sea teach us that we must also be meet in practice if we would enjoy His presence. The Psalmist said when confessing his love for Jehovah’s house, “I will wash my hands in innocency; so will I compass Thine altar, O Jehovah” (Psa. 26:6). Grace has made “a holy priesthood” of the whole household of faith, but holiness demands purity of thought and life in us all. The Book of Leviticus was the guide-book of the Aaronic priests, and throughout purity is inculcated. chapter 10 is particularly solemn in its instructions and warnings, having been occasioned by the impiety of Nadab and Abihu. God resents irreverence and carelessness in the holy things, as the Corinthians experienced painfully (1 Cor. 11:30).
The molten sea, unlike the laver, “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 their hinder parts were inward” (1 Kings 7:25; 2 Chron. 4:4). In all probability there were pipes running downward through the mouths of the oxen whereby the water, when needed, flowed forth. Possibly the Lord had this in view when He stood and cried on the great day of the feast of Tabernacles, “If any man thirst let him come unto Me and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38). In the great kingdom age the water of the Word will first be applied to Israel. “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (Zech. 13:1). “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you” (Ezek. 36:25). The pious remnant, preserved through the great tribulation, nucleus of the new nation, will not then need to teach every man his neighbor and every man his brother, “Know Jehovah,” for all will know Him, and that as a pardoning God (Jer. 31:34). Great spiritual activity will result. “Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of Jehovah from Jerusalem” (Isa. 2:3). “They shall declare My glory among the Gentiles” (Isa. 66:19). “The remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles as a dew from Jehovah, as showers upon the grass” (Mic. 5:7). The ox is in Scripture a type of the patient laborer for God: twelve is the number of Israel’s tribes. Under the mighty impulse of the latter-day outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Israel will be filled with desire that all the nations should know their God, and join with them in songs of joy (Psalm 67). Blessed contrast to their attitude during this day of grace. Their determined hostility, and their evil efforts to hinder the Gospel being preached to the Gentiles is described in 1 Thessalonians 2:16; Acts 13:45; 14:2-59. But when the Redeemer comes to Zion, and their hearts are wrought upon by divine grace, they will realize the purpose of God in their election, and will gladly throw themselves into the current of the Spirit’s operations, thus spreading blessing far and wide. Did not God say to Abraham, “in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed?” (Gen. 22:18). For Israel’s conversion the world’s blessing waits.
Israel will in that day, as compared with other nations, stand in priestly nearness to God. At Sinai He said, “If ye will obey My voice... ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests” (Ex. 19:6). This has never yet been realized. In Hosea 4:6 we hear the voice of Israel’s indignant God, “I will reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to Me.” But in the day of kingdom-glory, “ye shall be named the priests of Jehovah: men shall call you the ministers of our God” (Isa. 61:6). The knowledge of God and His great salvation will be spread universally. The twelve oxen under the molten sea looked north, west, south, and east.
Meantime, while Israel continues in obstinate unbelief, it is our privilege and responsibility to preach the Gospel of the grace of God to every creature. Are we wholeheartedly in this blessed service?
There is an allusion to the molten sea in Revelation 4:6; but what John saw.in heaven was not a sea of water, but “a sea of glass like unto crystal.” The purity of heaven is fixed; no more shall we need to “cleanse ourselves” as we are exhorted in 2 Corinthians 7:1.