1 Kings 7

The building of Solomons house, v.1.&c. Of the house of Libanon, 2. Of the porch of pillars, 6. of the porch of judgement, 7. of the house of Phraohs daughter, 8. Of Hiram the skillfull artificer, 13. Of the two copper pillars, 15. The molten sea, 23. The ten copper bases, 27. The ten copper lavers. 38. Briefly, all work-tools, and vessels, copper, and golden, 40. The dedicated things are brought into Temple, 51.

1. But Salomon was fifteen years [Almost as long again as in building the Temple, above v.6.38. The same requiring more haste, both in regard of Gods command, and of his worship, and wherein more workmen were employed, and for which more provision of materials was made] in building his (own) house; [serving him and his Court-household for a dwelling place. See below v.48. and chap.9.10.] and he finished all his house.

2. He built also the Forest of Libanon [So called (as some conceive) because it was built in a very pleasant and exalted place in Jerusalem, or without the city, and was beatified with many fair and high trees, like the forest of Libanon, serving the King for an house of pleasure, and recreation. Compare below chap.9.19.] an hundred [understand common ells: and see concerning this length, Gen.6.on vers.15.] and fifty ells in the breadth thereof, and thirty ells in the height thereof; upon four rows of Cedar-pillars, [this house being six stories high, and having three dwellings one above another, this is to be understood of the lowermost] and Cedar-beams [which made the floor of the middlemost dwelling] upon the pillars.

3. And it was covered with Cedar above [Whence arose the third or uppermost flooring] upon the ribs [or, beams, lofts, chambers] which were upon five and fourty pillars, fifteen in a row. [understand the uppermost part of this house, which (because it had a less burden or stress to hear then the lowermost) had only three rowes of pillars, whereas the lowermost had four, above v.2. each row consisting of fifteen pillars.]

4. There were three rows of lookings out: (so) that the one window was against the other window in three ranks. [As the house was three stories high, so it had likewise three rows of windows, in every story one row, whereof the uppermost stood right against the lowermost.]

5. Also all the doors and posts were four square of (one manner of) looking out: and window was over against window, in three ranks. [Heb. three times. The meaning is, the windows and gates of both sides, were in each loft raised up just one above another, so that man could extend his sight from the one to the other being over against it. Others interpret it thus, all the doors and posts were four square with the lookings out, etc.]

6. Then he made a porch [Here three porches are mentioned, whereof this is the first, and was in the forepart of the house of the forest of Libanon. See of the second, v.7. and of the third, v.8.] of Pillars; [i.e. consisting of many pillars, and from the roof resting upon them] fifty ells was the length thereof, [according to the breadth of the house. Compare above v.2.] and thirty ells the breadth thereof: and the porch was over against them, [viz. the doors, of which mention is made in the former verse, or the pillars, or house of the forest. The meaning is, that this porch was before 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 fore-mentioned house] and the pillars with the thick beams over against the same.

7. He also made a porch [viz.in Jerusalem, before his house, very convenient for the people, which came for judgement, to be sheltred there against the intemperateness or foulness of the weather] before the throne, where he judged, (to be) a porch of judgement, which was covered with Cedar, from floor to floor. [i.e. from the one end of the floor to the other. Some understand this of the walls, viz. that they were covered with Cedar, from below on the floor, to the ceiling above which is a floor likewise.]

8. And (at) his house where he dwelt, there was a Court more inward then that porch, which was like unto the same work; [The third porch, which was between the porch of judgement and the Kings house] he made also for Pharaos daughter, whom Salomon had taken (to wife) an house, [distinct from the strong hold of David, where he first dwelt. See above chap.3.1. and 2 Chron.8.11.] like unto that porch. [understand the third porch which was more inward, mentioned immediately before, unto the porch, the Queens house is said to be like, not so much in regard of the form, as of the matter, as appeareth by the following verse.]

9. All these things [Meaning all the buildings mentioned in this and the former Chapters. Compare below v.12.] were of costly stones, hewed according to measures, [i.e. according to the measures, which skilful masons or stone-cutters follow, to finish a work in the 11.] sawed with the saw within and without; and that from the foundation unto the rests an hand-breadth, [i.e. the rests sticking out, at the uppermost part of the wall, whereon the vault of the roof rested, and stook out an hand-breadth without the wall] and so without unto the great court. [where the people met.]

10. The foundation was also laid with costly stones, great stones; with stones of ten ells, and stones of eight ells.

11. And above, [viz. upon the foundation-stones] upon costly stones, hewed after the square, and Cedars. [i.e. planed planks of Cedar-wood, wherewith the hewed stones were covered over.]

12. And the great court [See above on v.9.] was round about of three rows of hewed stones, with one row of Cedar-beams: So it was with the inner court [see above chap 6.on v.36.] of the LORDS house, and with the porch of that house.

13. And King Salomon sent forth, and caused Hiram [See above chap.5.on v.1.] to be fetch [Heb. took, or took on. See Gen 12.on vers.15.] out of Tyrus. [see above chap.5.on v.1.]

14. He was the son of a widow-woman [By the descent of the tribe of Dan, 2 Chron.2.14.] of the tribe of Naphtali, [understand this of the widows son, whose descent by the Father side was of the tribe of Naphtali] and his father had been a man of Tyre, [viz. in respect of the city where he dwelt, and not in respect of his descent, according which he was an Israelite. Oth. this may be also understood, that this Father was likewise Tyrian by pedigree and descent, that is, an heathen, but that his wife was both of Dan and Naphtali; to wit, of one tribe by the Fathers side, and of another by the Mothers side, which might be done by the mixtures of the tribes one with another; for the Israelites did not always follow the rule of Gods law, which forbade them to marry out of their own tribe. See further 2 Chr.2.on v.14.] a worker (in) copper, who was filled with wisdom, and with understanding, and with knowledge, to make all (kind of) work in copper, [see Exod.31.3.] this (man) came unto King Salomon, and made all his work.

15. For he formed [Or cast] two copper pillars, [See Jer.52.21. 2 Kings 25:16, 17.] the height of the one pillar was eighteen ells, [Counted after the measure of the sanctuary, which were again as long as the common ells: see Gen.6, on v.15. and hence 2 Chron.3.15. there are thirty five ells (after the common measure of ells) ascribed to these pillars, to which one ell more being allowed to the foot, or basis, each pillar was thirty six common ells high, that is, eighteen holy ones, or ells of the Sanctuary] and a filler of twelve ells compass of the other pillar about. [viz. the compass and roundness of its body: understand the same likewise of the first pillar.]

16. He made also two [viz. For each pillar one] Chapters, [understand hereby the Chapter, an Ornament, made above on the top of the top of the body of a pillar, consisting of three parts, viz. the Foot or Basis, the plaited work of the Pomegranates, and the Crown] of molten copper, to set upon the heads of the pillars: five ells was the height of the one Chapter, and five ells the height of the other Chapter. [Meaning the whole Chapter being measured altogether with all the three parts thereof: for the foot or basis was an ell high, the pomegranate work an ell also, and the crown three ells: so many ells are attributed to the crown alone, 2 King.23.17. and being counted with the pomegranates four ell: see below vers 19.]

17. The nets were of net-work, [Or, of twisted, or of grated work] the wreaths of chain-work, for the chapters, which were on the head of the Pillars: [The meaning is, that the uppermost part, or the crown of the Chapter consisted of a most artificial twisting together of leaf, flower, and fruit-work, in certain rows fastened with wreaths most curiously one to another: compare 2 Chron.3.16.] seven were for the one Chapter, and seven for the other chapter. [some understand this work of the rows of the leaf-work, and of the strings or wreaths that tied the work close together: Others, of the strings or wreaths alone.]

18. So he made the pillars; as also two rows [viz. Of pomegranates that compassed the middle part of the knop about] round about upon the one net, to cover the Chapters, [i.e. the crowns, the uppermost part of the Chapters: see above on v.16.] that were upon the head of the pomegranates; he did likewise so to the other Chapter.

19. And the Chapters, which were upon the head of the pillars, were of Lilie-work [i.e. Had the form, fashion, and resemblance of Lilies] in the porch; [i.e. to be set in the porch] four ells. [understand this of two parts of the Chapter, the uppermost, and middlemost, namely the crown, and the pomegranate work both together: see above on v.16.]

20. Now the Chapters [The Chapter here signifieth the uppermost part of a whole chapter, called the Crown, which was round like a bowl, either in bulk like a ball, or in oval length] were upon the two pillars, yea upon it over against the belly, [understand the middlemost, or the middle part of the bowl, that which sticketh most out. Others understand by the belly, the hole that was above in the midst of the pillar, into which the Chapter were put, to stand fast] which was by the net, and two hundred pomegranates were in rows round about, (also) upon the other Chapter.

21. After that he reared up the pillars in the porch of the Temple; and having reared up the right pillar, he called the name thereof Jachin, [i.e. He (viz. the LORD) will establish] and having reared up the left pillar, he called the name thereof Boaz. [i.e. Power is in him. These two names intimated, that spiritual Temple, which is the Church of true Believers, and of the Elect, resting on the almighty power of God, should be able to stand against all outward and inward violence whatsoever, so that the gates of hell should never prevail against it, Matth.16.18.]

22. And upon the head of the pillar was Lilies-work: [See hereof above ver.19.] so the work of the pillars was finished.

23. Moreover, he made the molten sea [Called likewise so, 2 Chron.4.2. but 2 King.25.13. a copper-sea. Understand a huge great vessel, or kettle, containing great store of water, and in that regard called a Sea, according to the instance of the Hebrews, who were wont to call the gatherings of many waters together, Seas. This water served for the washings of the Priest and Levites: compare Exod.30. ver.18,19,20. & 40. ver 30,31,32. & Lev.8.on ver.11. 2 King.16,17. 2 Chron,4.6.] it was ten ells from the one brain direct [Heb. lip so in the following verse] thereof, to the other brim thereof [i.e. measured over thwart in a direct thorough, from the one brim to the other] round all about, and five ells in the height thereof, and a measuring-line of thirty ells did compass it round about. [i.e. this which being measured in roundness without was thirty ells wide: for the roundness containeth twice as much room as the direct line doth: compare 2 Chron.4.2.]

24. And under the brim thereof [viz. At the outside of this molten sea] were knops, [The Hebrew word signifieth properly wild gourds, or the pictures and droughts, or representations thereof, as above chap.6.v.18. & 2 King.4.39. but it seemeth that it signifieth 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] compassing the same round about, ten in an ell, [the meaning is, that in a cubit, or ell, were ten knops. And it being said in the former verse, that one row of these knops was thirty Ells in compass, it followed, that the number of knops in one row was three hundred; and in two together six hundred] compassing that Sea round about: two rows of these knops were casting of it. [viz. of the sea: for they were not carved or engraven in this copper sea, but cast together with the same: so 2 Chron.4.3.]

25. It 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 above upon them: and all their hinder parts were inward. [i.e. the hinder parts of these Oxen were inward hidden under this copper sea, that they could not easily be seen. So 2 Chron.4.4.]

26. Now the thickness of it was an hand-breadth, and the brim thereof as the work of the brim of a cup: (or) of a Lilie-flower: it contained two thousand Baths. [Meaning that ordinarily so much water was put into it: but being brim-full, it held three thousand Baths, 2 Chron.4.5. A Bath was a great measure of the Hebrews of liquid or moist Wares, containing as much as an Epha did in dry Wares, Ezk.45.11. an Epha held ten Gomers, Exod.16.36. and Lev.5.on ver.11. a Gomer contained fourty three common Egg-shels: six of these shells contain the measure of a Log: see Levt.14. on verse 10. threescore and twelve Logs make about a Bath.]

27. He made also ten Copper-bases, [Or, undershoarings, feet, under-proppings, which stood foursquare, or four-cornered, upon which was set a Laver, or Wash-vessel, 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] four Ells was the length of one be

28. And this was the work of the bases; they had borders; [Heb. Shuttings in. Understand wide spaces inclosed or shut in between two ledges, wherein Pictures of Beasts and Cherubims were made for ornaments. See the following verses, and below verse 36.] and the borders were between the ledges. [Heb.steps. These were borders sticking out, or bands, 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.]

29. And upon the borders that were between the ledger, were Lions, Oxen and Cherubims, and upon the ledges (there) was the foot [Meaning an even place or space ,serving for the under –propping of the Laver, rested thereon] above: and between the Lions and Oxen in addition of extend work.[i.e. adjoined ornaments of work twisted thorough and drawn out ,which were at the neck of the laver, an half ell below it :see below verse .35.]

30. And one base four copper wheels, and copper plates ;[Wherein the axle-trees of the wheels stuck ,for the under –propping of the bases ,that lay thereon]and the four corners of the bad shoulders :[i.e. tenons, or stays, like unto shoulders ,that came above out of the hollowness at the four corners of the base; not made thereon without, but from the thence ifluing, and begin cast there with to hold the laver fast that lay thereon, that it might not wag or glide off from the base, when it was carried or transported from one place to another. Compared below v.34.] under the laver [see hereof below on v.38.] were these molten shoulders at the side of every ones additions.

31. And the mouth [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 ell deep] of it was within the ledge, [i.e. the circumference of the mouth, or of the hollowness into which the laver was let in] and above it an ell, and the mouth thereof was round of foot-work [comformable unto the work which is made to support or under prop anything, and must every way fit the same. Therefore as the laver was round, so was it likewise requisite that this hollowness of the mouth should be round] an ell and half an ell: [viz. according to the measure of the laver which was let into the seat] and also upon the mouth of it [i.e. upon the plate, or the covering wherein the mouth was, which comprehended the laver] were covenant rings, and the border thereof [i.e. the outer most compass or circumferences, which conclude the uppermost covering of the base] were four square, not round.

32. Now the four wheels were under the borders, and the axles-trees [Heb. hants] of the wheels at the base: and the height of a wheel was an ell and half an ell.

33. And the work of those wheels was like the work of a charet wheel: their axles-trees, and their naves, and their strakes, and their spokens were all molten.

34. And there were four shoulders [Some conceive that these shoulders differed from these mentioned above ver.30. for that those came out of the hollowness into which the laver is let, but these in the outside of the hollowness of the laver supported the middlemost part thereof] upon the four corners of one base: the shoulders thereof were of the base. [i.e. they were not fastened to it without, but one work issuing out of the base: see above on ver.30.]

35. And upon the head of one base [viz. above the face, and the shoulders thereof] was around height of half an ell round about: also upon the head of the base the handles thereof [Heb. the hands thereof: so in the following verse. Understand the uppermost part of the shoulders, wherewith as with hants the laver was supported: or, understand hereby little pillars, which issued above out of the four corners of the base, have foursquare borders, wherein were curious gravings] and the borders thereof were of the same.

36. Now he carried upon the plates of the handles thereof, and upon the borders thereof, [See above on ver.31.] Cherubims, lions, and Palm-trees: according to every ones empty place, and additions rounds about.

37. Like unto he made the ten bases; they had all one kind of casting, one kind of measure, one kind of size.

38. He made also ten copper lavers: [Standing upon the copper bases, which might be transported from place to place, described in the former verses beginning at the 27. These vessels were filled with water, which the Priests were to use in their ministration. See 2 Chron.4.6. and compare Lev.8. the annotate. on verse 11.] one laver contained fourty Baths, [viz. of water: see of this measure above on verse 26.] one laver was four ells; upon every base, of those ten bales, was one laver.

39. And he set five of those bases on the right side of the house, [viz. In the Court of Priests, where the Offerings were prepared] and five on the left side of the house; but he set the sea [see above on verse 23.] on the right side of the house Eastward [where the entering of the house was] over against the south.

40. Moreover, Hirom [Straightway called in this verse Hiram, and elsewhere also Huram: see above on vers.13. the same name the King of Tyre had] made the laver, and the shovels, and the sprinkling basins; and Hiram made an end of doing all the work, that he made King Salomon for the house of the LORD.

41. (To wit) the two pillars, and bowls of the Chapters [Understand hereby Crowns, which were the uppermost part of the Chapter, of which see above verse 19. and 20.] that were on the head of the two pillars: and the two nets, to cover the bowls of the Chapters, which were on the head of the pillars.

42. And the four hundred Pomegranates [See above verse 20.] for the two nets: (namely) two rows of Pomegranates for one net, to cover the two bowls of the Chapters, that were above upon the pillars.

43. Also the ten bases, [See of these above ver.27.] and the ten lavers [see above ver.38.] upon the bases.

44. Moreover, one sea: [see above ver.23.] and the twelve oxen under that sea: [see above verse 25.]

45. Also the poes [To seeth the flesh in of certain sacrifices, that was eaten by the Priests, and by those that brought the beasts to be offered. Some pots were also to gather the ashes of the sacrifices in, and to carry them forth: see Exod.27 3.] and the shovels; and the sprinkling basins, and all these vessels which Hiram made for King Salomon for the house of the LORD; (all) of polished copper.

46. In the plain of Jordan did the King cast it in close earth: [i.e. Clayie, and tough ground: so 2 Chron.4.17.] between Succoth, [lying in the tribe of Gad beyond the Jordan: see Gen.33.on ver.17.] and between Zarthan. [see Jos.3.on v.16.]

47. And Salomon left all these vessels (unweighed) because of the exceeding great multitude: [Heb. For the multitude greatly] the weight of the Copper was not searched.

48. Salomon likewise made all the vessels, that were for the house of the LORD: the golden altar, [i.e. Overlaid with gold, Exod.30 3. but otherwise made of Cedar-wood, above chap.6.20. which is called Sittim-wood, Exod.30.1.] and the great table, [understand tables in the plural number: for there were ten in Salomons temple, 2 Chron.4 8. They were of gold, viz. being therewith overlaid without, but within they were of wood: compare Exod.25. ver.23, 24.] upon which the shew bread, (loaves) [Heb. bread-(loaves) of faces: so called, not because they had faces, but because they lay before the face of the Lord, that is, before the Holy of Holies. see Exod.25.30.] were.

49. And the candlesticks of inclosed gold, [See above chap 6.on ver.20. Of such kind of gold were these candlesticks made, being not onely overlaid therewith, be-wholly consisting of it, as Moseh’s candlestick did, to which with its appurtenances, a whole talent of gold went, Exod.25.31, 39.] five on the right hand, and five on the left hand [that is, on the North and South side of the holy place] before the Oracles place; and the flowers and the lamps, and the snuffer [see of these three, Exod 25 v.31,37, and 38.] of gold.

50. Likewise the cups, and the flesh-hooks, [Or, Forks, or, chopping-knives, [of which there were an hundred in number, 2Chron.4 8.] and the incense cups, [others spoons] and the censers of inclosed gold: [see above chap.6.on ver.20.] beside the hinges, the hinges of the door of the innermost house, of the Holy of Holies, (and) of the doors of the house of the Temple of gold.

51. So all the work was finished that King Salomon made for the house of the LORD: After that Salomon brought the dedicated things of David his father; [i.e. Which were dedicated unto the Lord by David for an holy use: see 2 Sam.8.7,11. & 2 Chron.5.1.] the silver and the gold, and the vessels did he put among the treasure of the house of the LORD.