1 Kings · Chapter 7

V. 1. House-The royal palace for himself, and for his successors. Thirteen years-Almost double the time to that in which the temple was built; because neither were the materials so far provided and prepared for this, as they were for the temple: nor did either he or his people use the same diligence in this, as in the other work; to which they were quickened by God’s express command.

Verse 1. Building his own house] This house is said to have been situated in Jerusalem, and probably was, what some call it, his winter’s residence. It is called the king’s house, 1 Kings 9:10.

Verse 1. Solomon was building his own house — The royal palace, for himself and for his successors, which he did not begin to build till he had finished the house of God, that nothing might hinder that holy work, 1 Kings 9:10. Thirteen years — Almost double the time to that in which the temple was built; because, neither were the materials so far provided and prepared for this as they were for the temple, nor did either he or his people use the same diligence in this as in the other work, to which they were quickened by God’s express command.

Verse 1. Solomon was thirteen years in building his own palace in Jerusalem, because fewer workmen were employed, many of whom were still engaged on the exterior parts of the temple.

SOLOMON’S PALACE, 1-12.

The description given in this chapter of Solomon’s royal house is, on account of its brevity, exceedingly obscure, and we are often obliged to conjecture the meaning, or to gather it from supposed analogies in ancient Oriental architecture. Fergusson, in his article on Solomon’s Palace in Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, observes: “The exhumation of the palaces of Nineveh, and the more careful examination of those at Persepolis, have thrown a flood of light on the subject. Many expressions which before were entirely unintelligible are now clear and easily understood; and, if we cannot yet explain every thing, we know at least where to look for analogies, and what was the character, even if we cannot predicate the exact form, of the buildings in question.” But this writer, with all his knowledge of architecture, has manifestly given the Hebrew text of this passage little or no study, for he follows the common version, which, in the rendering of a number of words, is unquestionably wrong; and he shows as much deference to Josephus as to the Bible. In these notes we mainly follow Thenius, whose diagrams and comments on the text furnish, perhaps, as satisfactory a solution of the difficulties as we may, with present light, expect to find.

The SITE of Solomon’s palace is a question yet unsettled. It has been quite generally believed to have occupied the northeastern part of the modern Zion, and to have been connected with the temple-mountain by a bridge over the Tyropoean valley. Here stood a palace erected by the Asmoneans. Josephus, 20:8, 11. Accordingly Barclay writes: “In all Jerusalem there is not a more eligible spot for a palace than the high northeastern cliff of Zion, nearest the temple — the site of the American Christian Mission premises — and accordingly it is at this spot that Josephus locates with so much precision the royal residence of the Asmonean and Herodian sovereigns; nor is there the slightest reason to doubt that it was the royal abode of the Davidian dynasty also; indeed, no other locality is at all consistent with the frequent allusions to the ‘king’s house’ in the Old Testament.” — City of the Great King, p. 166. This strong statement, however, seems to us unwarranted. What may seem to a modern resident an “eligible spot for a palace,” and the selection of it for that purpose by the Asmonean princes, is no proof that the same spot had been selected in the more ancient times of Solomon. On the contrary, the biblical allusions seem rather to locate the king’s house on the temple-mountain, and at a lower elevation than the temple itself. So especially the passages which speak of Solomon’s bringing his Egyptian wife, after the completion of his palace, “out of the city of David,” which was on Zion. (1 Kings 9:24; 2 Chronicles 8:11; compare note on 1 Kings 3:1,) and of “his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord.” 1 Kings 10:5. Compare also 2 Kings 11:19. We incline, therefore, with a number of recent authorities, to place the palace of Solomon at the southeast corner of the modern Haram area. Here Captain Warren’s excavations revealed walls as ancient as the time of Solomon, and here he locates the ancient palace. We furnish on the opposite page a plan of the topography of ancient Moriah, showing the contour of the rock, and the probable sites of the temple and the palace, according to the conclusions of Captain Warren. Of course the question cannot at present be settled with absolute certainty. For a detailed discussion of the subject, see Recovery of Jerusalem, chaps. 11 and 12.

1. His own house — His royal palace, as distinguished from the house of Jehovah. Thirteen years — Almost twice as long as it took to build the temple. According to Josephus the temple was built in a shorter time because of the extensive preparations for it beforehand, and the greater zeal and Divine co-operation with which Solomon prosecuted it. All his house — That is, the entire pile or group of buildings that composed the royal palace. The house of the forest of Lebanon, (verse 2,) the porch of pillars, (verse 6,) the porch of judgment, (verse 7,) the house where he dwelt, (verse 8,) the house for Pharaoh’s daughter, (verse 8,) and the several courts, (verses 8, 12,) were all different parts of one and the same great royal palace, and not, as some have supposed, entirely distinct and separate buildings.

V. 2. Of the forest of Lebanon-An house so called, because it was built in the forest of Lebanon, for a summer-seat, whither Solomon, having so many chariots and horses, might at any time retire with ease. The length-Of the principal mansion; to which doubtless other buildings were adjoining. Pillars-Upon which the house was built, and between which there were four stately walks. Beams-Which were laid for the floor of the second story.

Verse 2. The house of the forest of Lebanon] It was not built in Lebanon, but is thought to have been on Mount Sion. And why it was called the house of the forest of Lebanon does not appear; probably it was because it was built almost entirely of materials brought from that place. See the following verses.

Verse 2. He built also the house of the forest of Lebanon — The house mentioned in the foregoing verse was in Jerusalem, and was probably the place of Solomon’s residence during the winter. This seems to have been built for his summer residence, on some cool, shady mountain near Jerusalem, and to have been called the house of the forest of Lebanon, because it was situated in a lofty place, bearing some resemblance to mount Lebanon, and probably was surrounded with many tall cedars, such as grew there. That it was near Jerusalem, and not on mount Lebanon, properly so called, seems evident, because there was the throne of judgment, (verse 7,) which it was most proper should be in the place of his constant and usual residence; and because there was the chief magazine of arms, (Isaiah 22:8,) and Solomon’s golden shields were placed there, (1 Kings 10:17, and 14:25-28,) which no wise prince would have put in a place at the extremity of his kingdom, and at such a distance from his royal city as mount Lebanon was from Jerusalem. The length thereof — Of the principal mansion; to which, doubtless, other buildings were adjoining. Was a hundred cubits — Which was not longer than the house of God, if we take in all the courts belonging thereto. The height thereof thirty cubits — The same as the height of the holy place in the temple. Upon four rows of cedar pillars — Which supported the building, and between which there were four stately walks. With cedar beams upon the pillars — Which were laid for the floor of the second story.

Ver. 2. He built also the house (the palace) of the forest of Lebanon. A forest adjacent to Jerusalem, called so, as having some resemblance to Lebanon.

2. He built also — Rather, and he built, for the house here mentioned is not a building entirely distinct from all his house, (verse 1,) but an important part of it. House of the forest of Lebanon — So called from the vast amount of Lebanon cedar used in building it. This part of the palace was the great hall of state, and was large enough, Josephus says, “to contain a multitude for hearing causes and taking cognizance of suits.” In it also were deposited the king’s wondrous targets and shields of beaten gold. 1 Kings 10:16, 17. It was one hundred and fifty feet long by seventy-five wide. (Marked A in plan.) Upon four rows of cedar pillars — Interpreters have been puzzled to determine the position of these four rows of pillars. Fergusson, following the English version, tries to reconcile the manifest inconsistency of “forty-five pillars, fifteen in a row,” (mentioned in next verse,) with the four rows here mentioned, by supposing that three rows of columns stood free, and the fourth was built into the outer wall. But this is altogether unsatisfactory, and rests upon an erroneous interpretation of verse 3. Thenius supposes the pillars to have run round the entire hall on the inside, thus affording, as the Vulgate suggests, promenading places (deambulacra) between the rows of pillars; but his plan supposes four hundred pillars, far too great a number to crowd into a building of one hundred cubits by fifty. The great hall of the palace at Shushan, three hundred and forty-three by two hundred and forty-four feet, had, in all, but seventy-two columns, and its great central hall but thirty-six, and all standing nearly twenty feet apart. (Loftus, Chaldea, p. 367.) The central hall of the great palace of Xerxes at Persepolis, about two hundred feet square, also had thirty-six columns, standing the same distance apart, and also in six rows. W.L. Alexander, who follows mainly the plans of Thenius, (in Kitto’s Cyclopaedia of Bib. Lit.,) objects to his arrangement of the pillars, and “ventures to suggest that the four courses of pillars were not on the same area, but one above the other, corresponding to the four floors of the building.” But this would interfere with the side-chambers mentioned in the next verse. It is better to understand them as all resting upon the first floor, and supporting the chambers above, the four rows running lengthwise through the great hall. If, now, we suppose four rows of nine pillars in each row, placed equidistant, and enclosed by walls on the four sides, we meet all the necessary conditions of the case, and have a great hall of precisely the same number of columns as the central halls of the great palaces of Susa and Persepolis. According to this arrangement, the rows would be ten cubits apart, allowing ten cubits between the outer row and the wall on each side. Beams upon the pillars — On which the floor of the first row of upper chambers might rest.

V. 3. Fifteen-So in this second story were only three rows of pillars, which was sufficient for the ornament of the second and for the support of the third story.

Verses 3-5. Fifteen in a row — So in this second story there were only three rows of pillars, which were sufficient for the ornament of the second and for the support of the third story; and we may conjecture from hence that there were threescore pillars below. Light was against light — One directly opposite to another, as is usual in well-contrived buildings. In three ranks — One exactly under another in three rows. All the doors, &c., were square with the windows — That is, the figures of the doors and windows were one and the same, namely, square. And light was against light, &c. — This is meant of the smaller windows or lights which were over the door, and which were also square.

3. Upon the beams — Rather, Upon the chambers; for t[lx, here rendered beams, is the same word that is rendered chambers in 6:5, 8. The meaning here is, that he covered over or wainscotted with cedar the chambers, which in the stories above rested upon the four rows of pillars previously described. The whole verse should be translated thus: And above he covered over with cedar the side-chambers which were upon the pillars, forty-five, (in number,) fifteen in a row. That is, the chambers, not the pillars, were forty-five in number. Fifteen in a row — That is, fifteen chambers on each story, running in a row around the sides. rwc, a row, may be used of a layer of stones (1 Kings 6:36) or a series of chambers, as here, as well as of a range of pillars. Ver. 2. A single row or tier of these chambers is represented in the annexed cut, one chamber at the end being the place of the stairway.

V. 4. Against light-One directly opposite to the other, as is usual in well-contrived buildings. In ranks-One exactly under another.

Verses 3-5. Fifteen in a row — So in this second story there were only three rows of pillars, which were sufficient for the ornament of the second and for the support of the third story; and we may conjecture from hence that there were threescore pillars below. Light was against light — One directly opposite to another, as is usual in well-contrived buildings. In three ranks — One exactly under another in three rows. All the doors, &c., were square with the windows — That is, the figures of the doors and windows were one and the same, namely, square. And light was against light, &c. — This is meant of the smaller windows or lights which were over the door, and which were also square.

4. Windows in three rows — Rather, The frameworks were three rows. The word µypqv does not mean windows, but is applied, in chap. 6:4, to the cross-bars or framework of windows. So here it means the framework of beams with which the three galleries were constructed. Each of these three rows of framework contained a row of fifteen chambers. Light was against light — hzjm, here translated light, means a place to see through, an aperture for the purpose of looking out, like those of the boxes in a theatre. These openings were against or opposite to each other, one in each chamber. (c c in cut.) In three ranks — Or, three times. Corresponding to the three ranges of chambers. Each gallery had its row of openings looking out into the interior of the great hall below, and this interior may have been either open in the centre to the sky, or, as Alexander observes, the whole may have been roofed over, and lighted above by a clear story. The latter supposition is more probable.

V. 5. Windows-He speaks, of smaller windows or lights, which were over the several doors.

Verses 3-5. Fifteen in a row — So in this second story there were only three rows of pillars, which were sufficient for the ornament of the second and for the support of the third story; and we may conjecture from hence that there were threescore pillars below. Light was against light — One directly opposite to another, as is usual in well-contrived buildings. In three ranks — One exactly under another in three rows. All the doors, &c., were square with the windows — That is, the figures of the doors and windows were one and the same, namely, square. And light was against light, &c. — This is meant of the smaller windows or lights which were over the door, and which were also square.

5. All the doors — Which led from one of these chambers to another. (d d in cut.) And posts — tzwzm, posts, is undoubtedly a copyist’s error, and for it we should read, as did the Septuagint translators, twzjm, apertures, described in the preceding verse. Were square, with the windows — Here, again, the translation is erroneous. ãqv does not mean windows, but a layer of beams; that is, a beam framework. Render: And all the doors and the apertures were of squared beamwork. They were built in square form, and not arched.

V. 6. A porch-Supported by divers pillars, for the more magnificent entrance into the house; upon which also it is thought there were other rooms built, as in the house. The porch-Now mentioned which is said to be before them; before the pillars on which the house of Lebanon stood. Pillars-Or, and pillars; That is, fewer and lesser pillars for the support of the lesser porch. Beam-Which was laid upon these pillars, as the others were ver. 2.

Verse 6. And he made a porch of pillars — That is, supported by divers pillars: this was for his guard, and for people to walk in who came upon business, as well as for the more magnificent entrance into the house. Upon this also it is probable there were other rooms built as in the house. The porch was before them — That is, before the pillars of the great house before spoken of. And the other pillars, &c. — Or, and pillars, that is, fewer and lesser pillars for the support of the porch. Were before them — Or, according to them; (see the margin;) that is, they were directly opposite one to another.

6. A porch of pillars — The exact position of this porch is not stated, but as the description of the palace began with the house of the forest of Lebanon, we naturally suppose, in the absence of any thing that appears to the contrary, that it follows the order of the successive buildings, and accordingly this porch was situated between the house of the forest of Lebanon and the porch of judgment described in the next verse. (B in plan.) It served as a majestic colonnade leading to the throne-chamber. The porch was before them — Rather, a porch. A portico of lesser dimensions was built before the pillars. (a in plan.) Pillars and the thick beam — The pillars here mentioned were probably a sort of peristyle to the great porch of pillars; that is, a range of noticeable pillars running round the outside of the porch. The b[, thick beam, is to be understood of the threshold, or rather the ascent by steps into the porch, which was, of course, before or in front of the pillars, and probably ran around the entire porch.

V. 7. A porch-Another porch or distinct room without the house. The other-The whole floor; or, from floor to floor, from the lower floor on the ground, to the upper floor which covered it.

Verse 7. A porch for the throne] One porch appears to have been devoted to the purposes of administering judgment, which Solomon did in person.

Verse 7. He made a porch for the throne, even the porch of judgment — So it was called, because here he sat to judge and determine the causes that were brought before him. But some think it unlikely that this porch was adjoining to the house of the forest of Lebanon. They judge it more probable that it was built in some place near the royal palace in Jerusalem, and is here mentioned because the writer was speaking of other porches. And it was covered, &c., from one side of the floor to the other — Hebrew, from floor to floor; from the lower floor on the ground, to the upper floor which covered it.

Ver. 7. He made a porch for the throne. In England, our courts were open in porches, as the old court in Durham.

7. A porch for the throne — As the inner court of the house where the king dwelt was within this porch, (verse 8,) the porch itself must have led to it from the outer porch of pillars. So this throne-chamber was between the porch of pillars and the inner court. (R in plan.) It was the place where the king received his officers of state, and also foreign ambassadors and princes on important occasions, and especially where he sat to hear and decide the cases that were submitted to his judgment, and hence called, by way of eminence, the porch of judgment. Here was the great throne of ivory, and its magnificent and awe-inspiring surroundings, which are mentioned in 1 Kings 10:18-20. From one side of the floor to the other — Rather, as the margin, from floor to floor; that is, from floor to ceiling.

V. 8. Another court-That is, between the porch and the house, called therefore the middle court, 2 Kings 20:4. Like this-Not for form or quantity, but for the materials and workmanship, the rooms being covered with cedar, and furnished with like ornaments.

Verse 8. A house for Pharaoh’s daughter] This appears to have been a third house; probably the whole three made but one building, and were in the same place, but distinguished from each other; the first as Solomon’s palace, the second as a house of judgment, a court-house; the third, the harem, or apartments for the women.

Verse 8. His house where he dwelt had another court within the porch — That is, between the porch and the house, called therefore the middle court, 1 Kings 20:4. Solomon made also a house for Pharaoh’s daughter — Of which, see 2 Chronicles 2:11. Like unto this porch — Not for form or size, but for the materials and workmanship, the rooms being covered with cedar and the like ornaments.

8. His house where he dwelt — The royal residence proper. (D D in plan.) All the building’s and porches of the palace hitherto described were as so many vestibules or passage ways extending lengthwise through the midst of the great court, (verse 12,) and conducting to the immediate apartments of the king. They formed a grand approach to the throne; and a person passing through them in the order named would become more and more impressed with feelings of reverence and awe as he drew near the royal presence. Another court within the porch — Rather, the other court, in distinction from the great court round about the entire group of palatial buildings. This inner court was behind the porch of judgment, and enclosed by that porch in front, and the royal residence on the other three sides. (E in plan.) Was of the like work — Work like that of the porch of judgment; that is, the king’s house, (not the court, as the which supplied in the English version seems to indicate,) was wainscotted with cedar from floor to ceiling throughout all its apartments. A house for Pharaoh’s daughter — This probably formed the back part of the royal residence, (F in plan,) and at a later period became the royal harem, where the king kept the “many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh,” who turned his heart away from the Lord. 1 Kings 11:1.

V. 9. These-Buildings described here and in the former chapter. The measures-Hewed in such measure and proportion as exact workmen use to hew ordinary stones. Within, &c.-Both on the inside of the buildings which were covered with cedar, and on the outside also. To the coping-From the bottom to the top of the building. And so on-Not only on the outside of the front of the house, which being most visible, men are more careful to adorn; but also of the other side of the house, which looked towards the great court belonging to the king’s house.

Verse 9. All these were of costly stones — Namely, the buildings described here, and in the former chapter. According to the measures of hewed stones — Either, 1st, Which were hewed in such measure and proportion, as exact workmen use in hewing ordinary stones: or, 2d, As large as hewed stones commonly are, which are often very great. Sawed them with saws, within and without — Both on the inside of the buildings, which were covered with cedar, and on the outside also. From the foundation unto the coping — From the bottom to the top of the building. So on the outside toward the great court — Not only on the outside of the front of the house, which, being most visible, men are more careful to adorn, but also of the other side of the house, which looked toward the great court belonging to the king’s house.

Ver. 9. Costly stones. The work made them costly, but the name of the stone, whether of oolite, of granite, or of marble, is not named; but Josephus has “marmor” or marble.

9. All these were of costly stones — That is, the exterior walls of all these buildings were built of costly stones. According to the measures of hewed stones — Rather, according to the measure of hewing; that is, according to the amount of skill and labour required in sawing and hewing them. They were costly on account of this vast amount of labour and expense in preparing them for use. Sawed with saws — Here is evidence of the ancient use of saws in cutting stone. “Saws appear in Assyrian sculptures of the age of Sennacherib; and fragments of an iron saw were found at Nimrud.” — Rawlinson. Within and without — That is, on both sides of the wall the sawn surface of the stones appeared. But the inside of most of the buildings was covered with cedar, and so only the outside, towards the great court, continued to reveal from foundation to coping the smoothly sawn faces of the costly stones.

Verses 10, 11. The foundation was of costly stones — By costly stones, mentioned here, and in the foregoing and following verses, are not meant precious stones, but stones that, being larger, firmer, and better polished than others, were of greater price: probably they were large blocks of marble, squared and polished on all sides. Stones of ten cubits — Not ten cubits square, which would have been unnecessary, and would have rendered them unportable and unmanageable, but of such measure as is generally used in measuring stones and timber; and thus also the following eight cubits are to be understood. And above — That is, in the roof, or upper part; for this is opposed to the foundation. Were costly stones and cedars — Intermixed the one with the other. Thus the roof was finished after the same manner with the lower parts.

10. Even great stones — These foundation stones were costly because of their great size rather than of the vast amount of labour required in hewing them. Ten cubits — About fifteen feet. See note on 1 Kings 5:17.

V. 11. Above-That is, in the upper part; for this is opposed to the foundation. Stones and cedars-Intermixed the one, and the other.

Verses 10, 11. The foundation was of costly stones — By costly stones, mentioned here, and in the foregoing and following verses, are not meant precious stones, but stones that, being larger, firmer, and better polished than others, were of greater price: probably they were large blocks of marble, squared and polished on all sides. Stones of ten cubits — Not ten cubits square, which would have been unnecessary, and would have rendered them unportable and unmanageable, but of such measure as is generally used in measuring stones and timber; and thus also the following eight cubits are to be understood. And above — That is, in the roof, or upper part; for this is opposed to the foundation. Were costly stones and cedars — Intermixed the one with the other. Thus the roof was finished after the same manner with the lower parts.

11. And above — In the upper parts of the buildings.

V. 12. The court-Namely, of Solomon’s dwelling-house mentioned, ver. 8.

Verse 12. And the great court — Namely, of Solomon’s palace, mentioned verse 8. Was with three rows of hewed stones, &c. — Just like the inner court of the Lord’s house, (1 Kings 6:36,) and so the following words are to be understood. Both, for the inner court — Or, rather, as for the inner court, &c.; for so the particle w, vau, sometimes signifies. And for the porch of the house — Namely, Solomon’s own house.

Ver. 12. A row of cedar-beams. This was a colonade, and essential as well in the palace and the mansion, as in the temple, for a shade under which the courtiers might walk.

12. The great court round about — The great enclosure or park in which all the palatial buildings stood. (H H H in plan.) Three rows of hewed stones — Or three layers of hewn stone. See note on 1 Kings 6:36. If this view of this obscure verse be correct, it follows that the great court of the palace was not a cultivated park, but a solid artificial platform of stone-work, covered by a cedar flooring. This is the more probable since all the palace buildings were set upon a vast artificial platform raised upon the southern slope of Mount Moriah. Both for the inner court of the house of the Lord — The meaning is, that the pavement of the great court of the palace, like that of the inner court of the temple, (see 1 Kings 6:36,) consisted of three layers of hewn stone placed one upon another, with a layer of cedar planks fastened on the top of them. And for the porch of the house — That is, the porch of the palace had a similar pavement.

Here ends the Bible account of Solomon’s palace. But it is manifestly not an exhaustive or minute description; and it is likely that there were various apartments, and perhaps whole buildings, of less importance that receive no mention here. Josephus adds that he built other edifices for pleasure, and long cloisters, and a magnificent dining room, and various other things which it seems not to have been the purpose of the sacred historian to mention or describe.

Verse 13. Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.] This was not the Tyrian king, mentioned before, but a very intelligent coppersmith, of Jewish extraction by his mother’s side, who was probably married to a Tyrian. In 2 Chronicles 2:14, this woman is said to be of the daughters of Dan, but here of the tribe of Naphtali. The king of Tyre, who gives the account as we have it in Chronicles, might have made the mistake, and confounded the two tribes; or she might have been of Naphtali by her father, and of Dan by her mother, and so be indifferently called of the tribe of Naphtali or of the daughters of Dan. This appears to be the best solution of the difficulty. The versions and MSS. give no help here.

Verses 13, 14. Solomon sent and fetched Hiram — Though he was an Israelite by birth, yet he dwelt at Tyre; and, it is likely, had the privileges of that city, and so was one of King Hiram’s subjects. And therefore (2 Chronicles 2:13) that king says he had sent him to Solomon, that is, had granted Solomon’s request, who had requested that this man might come and serve him. His father was a man of Tyre — Whom his mother, when a widow, had married. A worker in brass — And in gold, and stone, and purple, and blue, 2 Chronicles 2:14. But his skill in brass is only mentioned here, because he speaks only of the brazen things which he made. And he was filled with wisdom, &c. — He had an excellent genius for and great skill in this work.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.

V. 14. In brass-And Of gold, and stone, and purple, and blue, 2 Chronicles 2:14. But only his skill in brass is here mentioned, because he speaks only of the brasen things which he made.

Verses 13, 14. Solomon sent and fetched Hiram — Though he was an Israelite by birth, yet he dwelt at Tyre; and, it is likely, had the privileges of that city, and so was one of King Hiram’s subjects. And therefore (2 Chronicles 2:13) that king says he had sent him to Solomon, that is, had granted Solomon’s request, who had requested that this man might come and serve him. His father was a man of Tyre — Whom his mother, when a widow, had married. A worker in brass — And in gold, and stone, and purple, and blue, 2 Chronicles 2:14. But his skill in brass is only mentioned here, because he speaks only of the brazen things which he made. And he was filled with wisdom, &c. — He had an excellent genius for and great skill in this work.

14. A widow’s son of the tribe of Naphtali — According to 2 Chronicles 2:14, she was of the daughters of Dan. But this need not be regarded as an error or mistake in either text, for she may have been by birth of the tribe of Dan, and by marriage connected with the tribe of Naphtali. So she would be a widow of Naphtali when Hiram’s father married her. Other explanations are also possible. A man of Tyre — Probably a native Tyrian, and not, as some have supposed, an Israelite who had become a resident of Tyre. A worker in brass — This is in apposition with man of Tyre, that is, Hiram’s father. Hiram followed his father’s trade. He was filled with wisdom — His skill and proficiency in working brass are described in nearly the same words as were used of Bezaleel, the divinely gifted artificer of the tabernacle. Exodus 31:3; 36:1. Cunning to work all works in brass — In 2 Chronicles (2 Chronicles 2:14) it is said that he was “skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber; in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him.” Wrought all his work — “Of course Hiram was only a foreman or leader of these different branches of art; and he certainly did not come alone, but brought several assistants with him, who carried out the different works under his superintendence.” — Keil.

Verse 15. He cast two pillars-eighteen cubits high] That is, about thirty feet in English measure.

A line of twelve cubits] In circumference. It would be difficult even now to procure a founder who could cast such massive pillars, whether solid or hollow.

Verses 15, 16. He cast two pillars of brass — Of which see 2 Kings 25:16, 17; Jeremiah 52:21. Of eighteen cubits high apiece — It is said, 2 Chronicles 3:15, that these pillars were thirty-five cubits high, which relates to the height of both of them together without their pedestals, whereas the height of each is given here with its pedestal. A line of twelve cubits did compass either of them — The diameter, therefore, was four cubits, which, considering the chapiter of five cubits, added to the height of each pillar, (2 Chronicles 3:15,) was only in due proportion to the height. In 2 Kings 25:17, indeed, it is said, that the height of the chapiter was only three cubits. But it must be observed, that the word chapiter may either be taken more largely for the whole, in which case, it was five cubits; or more strictly, either for the pommels, as they are called, 2 Chronicles 4:12; or for the cornice or crown, and so it was but three cubits, to which the pomegranates being added, made it four cubits, as it is verse 19, and the other work upon it took up one cubit more, which in all made five cubits.

15. He cast — Hebrew, Formed or fashioned. Two pillars of brass — “There are no features connected with the temple of Solomon which have given rise to so much controversy, or been so difficult to explain, as the form of the two pillars of brass which were set up in the porch. It has even been supposed that they were not pillars, in the ordinary sense of the term, but obelisks; for this, however, there does not appear to be any authority.” — Fergusson. It is doubtless impossible to restore with exact correctness the forms of the pillars, but from the minute description here given, though in some parts obscure, it is not

difficult to form an approximate restoration of their principal features, Eighteen cubits high apiece — This is to be understood of the height of the main shaft, not including the capitals and lily work. The thirty-five cubits, mentioned in 2 Chronicles 3:15 as the height of these pillars, is without doubt an error. Twelve cubits did compass either — Literally, the dimensions are thus given: Eighteen cubits was the height of the one pillar, and a line of twelve cubits encircled the second pillar. Thus we have given us the height of one pillar, and the circumference of the other; but this is only an abbreviated form of stating the measurements. These columns were hollow, and the brass was four fingers in thickness. Jeremiah 52:21.

V. 16. Five cubits-The word chapiter is taken either more largely for the whole, so it is five cubits; Or, more strictly, either for the pommels, as they are called, 2 Chronicles 4:12, or for the cornice or crown, and so it was but three cubits, to which the pomegranates being added make it four cubits, as it is below, ver. 19, and the other work upon it took up one cubit more, which in all made five cubits.

Verses 15, 16. He cast two pillars of brass — Of which see 2 Kings 25:16, 17; Jeremiah 52:21. Of eighteen cubits high apiece — It is said, 2 Chronicles 3:15, that these pillars were thirty-five cubits high, which relates to the height of both of them together without their pedestals, whereas the height of each is given here with its pedestal. A line of twelve cubits did compass either of them — The diameter, therefore, was four cubits, which, considering the chapiter of five cubits, added to the height of each pillar, (2 Chronicles 3:15,) was only in due proportion to the height. In 2 Kings 25:17, indeed, it is said, that the height of the chapiter was only three cubits. But it must be observed, that the word chapiter may either be taken more largely for the whole, in which case, it was five cubits; or more strictly, either for the pommels, as they are called, 2 Chronicles 4:12; or for the cornice or crown, and so it was but three cubits, to which the pomegranates being added, made it four cubits, as it is verse 19, and the other work upon it took up one cubit more, which in all made five cubits.

16. Two chapiters — Or capitals. Molten brass — Brass melted, so as to be cast into the forms desired. The brass, of which these pillars, the brazen sea, and other vessels were made, had been captured by David from the cities of Hadarezer. 1 Chronicles 18:8.

V. 17. The chapiters-Which those nets and wreathes encompass, either covering, and as it were receiving and holding the pomegranates, or being mixed with them.

Verses 17-19. Nets of checker-work, &c., for the chapiters — Which chapiters those nets and wreaths encompassed, either covering, and, as it were, receiving and holding the pomegranates, or being mixed with them. And he made — Or, so he made, or framed, or perfected, the pillars, and two rows round about — Of pomegranates, or some other curious work, which took up one of the five cubits, whereof the chapiter consisted. And the chapiters, &c., were of lily-work — Were made in imitation of lilies. In the porch — Or, as in the porch; such work as there was in the porch of the temple, in which these pillars were set, (verse 21,) that so the work of the tops of these pillars might agree with that in the top of the porch.

17. Nets of checker work — The words would apply equally well to representations either of netting, lattice, or basket work. Wreaths of chain work — Whether this is to be taken as in apposition with nets of checker work, or as something distinct from it, is not clear. The passage is, literally: nets, work of a net, twists, work of chains, for the capitals. 2 Chronicles 3:16 is also obscure, and lends no aid. The more probable meaning is, that the network consisted of chain-like twists, so that “wreaths of chain work” is explanatory of “nets of checker work.” Seven for the one — That is, the network on each capital was composed of seven strands or chains. But by comparing verse 41, where “the two networks” are mentioned, there is reason to suspect the reading seven, (h[bv,) and to adopt the reading of the Septuagint, which is diktua, network, (hkbc.) Then the passage would read, a network for the one capital, and a network for the other capital. The words hkbc and h[bv are so nearly alike that one may easily have become substituted for the other.

V. 18. Two rows-Either of pomegranates, by comparing this with ver. 20, or of some other curious work.

Verses 17-19. Nets of checker-work, &c., for the chapiters — Which chapiters those nets and wreaths encompassed, either covering, and, as it were, receiving and holding the pomegranates, or being mixed with them. And he made — Or, so he made, or framed, or perfected, the pillars, and two rows round about — Of pomegranates, or some other curious work, which took up one of the five cubits, whereof the chapiter consisted. And the chapiters, &c., were of lily-work — Were made in imitation of lilies. In the porch — Or, as in the porch; such work as there was in the porch of the temple, in which these pillars were set, (verse 21,) that so the work of the tops of these pillars might agree with that in the top of the porch.

Ver. 18. Net-work. The LXX have missed the sense here, and the versions have copied the error. The Hebrew word means the wreathings or platings of the branches gracefully round the chapiters of the pillars. It is sometimes rendered thicket. Genesis 22:13. Isaiah 10:34. Jeremiah 4:7.

18. He made the pillars — Rather, he made pomegranates, for in the Masoretic text the words pillars and pomegranates have evidently become transposed. So below, where our version has upon the top, with pomegranates, we should read, upon the top of the pillars. “The pomegranate was one of the commonest ornaments in Assyria. It was used on quivers, on spear-shafts and mace-heads, in patterns on doorways and pavements. It is doubtful whether a symbolical meaning attached to it, or whether it was merely selected as a beautiful natural form.” — Rawlinson. Two rows — These rows of pomegranates were probably set upon the upper and lower edges of the network, so that there were two rows for each pillar, and one hundred pomegranates in each row. See on verse 20. To cover the chapiters — More fully in verse 42, “to cover the two bowls of the chapiters;” that is, as we take it, to cover the upper and lower edges of the bowls or pommels of each capital.

V. 19. Lilly work-Made like the leaves of lillies. In the porch-Or, as in the porch; such work as there was in the porch of the temple, in which these pillars were set, ver. 21, that so the work of the tops of these pillars might agree with that in the top of the porch.

Verses 17-19. Nets of checker-work, &c., for the chapiters — Which chapiters those nets and wreaths encompassed, either covering, and, as it were, receiving and holding the pomegranates, or being mixed with them. And he made — Or, so he made, or framed, or perfected, the pillars, and two rows round about — Of pomegranates, or some other curious work, which took up one of the five cubits, whereof the chapiter consisted. And the chapiters, &c., were of lily-work — Were made in imitation of lilies. In the porch — Or, as in the porch; such work as there was in the porch of the temple, in which these pillars were set, (verse 21,) that so the work of the tops of these pillars might agree with that in the top of the porch.

19. The chapiters… were of lily work — That is, the upper part of each capital was wrought so as to resemble a full-blown lily-cup. The exact species of lily here intended cannot be determined. Some think the lotus flower is meant. In the porch, four cubits — The exact reference of these words it is difficult to explain. They seem to have been transposed from their proper place in the text. Keil thinks the reading should be as in the porch. But we have no notice elsewhere of lily work in the porch. Others have suggested that the lilies projected four cubits into the porch. Wordsworth suggests that the lily work was on the inner side of the pillars towards the porch, and not on the outer side. Thenius takes the words to designate the position of the pillars themselves, as standing in the porch, and this, on the whole, seems to be the best explanation, though it seems to involve a confusion or transposition of words in the text. Since the circumference of the pillars was twelve cubits, (verse 15,) the diameter was a little less than four cubits, so that each pillar would take up the space of four cubits within and on either side of the porch.

V. 20. The belly-So he calls the middle part of the chapiter, which jetted farthest out. Two hundred-They are said to be ninety and six on a side of a pillar; in one row and in all an hundred, Jeremiah 52:23, four great pomegranates between the several checker-works being added to the first ninety six. And it must needs be granted, that there were as many on the other side of the pillar, or in the other row, which makes them two hundred upon a pillar, as is here said, and four hundred upon both pillars, as they are numbered, 2 Chronicles 4:13.

Verse 20. Over against the belly — So he calls the middle part of the chapiter, which jetted farthest out. The pomegranates were two hundred — They are said to be ninety and six on the side of a pillar, in one row, and in all a hundred, (Jeremiah 52:23,) four pomegranates between the several checker-works being added to the first ninety-six. And it must needs be granted that there were as many on the other side of the pillar, or in the other row, which makes them two hundred upon a pillar, as is here said, and four hundred upon both pillars, as they are numbered, 2 Chronicles 4:13.

20. Had pomegranates — There is nothing corresponding to these words in the Hebrew, and their insertion by our translators was an error. This verse is a repetitious explanation of the preceding, and defines more particularly the position of the lily work part of the capitals. It should be rendered: And the capitals upon the two pillars were also above in immediate connexion with the belly, which was beyond the network. The belly which was by the network — That is, the oval shaped form of the capital at the place upon which the network was wrought, (literally, beyond, that is, behind the network,) called bowls in verse 41, and pommels in 2 Chronicles 4:13. Two hundred in rows — Two hundred in both rows of each pillar, making four hundred for the two networks of both pillars, (verse 42; 2 Chronicles 4:13,) and one hundred for each row or chain. 2 Chronicles 3:16; Jeremiah 52:23.

V. 21. Jachin-Jachin signifies he; That is, God shall establish, his temple, and church, and people: and Boaz signifies, in it, or rather, in him (to answer the he in the former name) is strength. So these pillars being eminently strong and stable, were types of that strength which was in God, and would be put forth by God for the defending and establishing of his temple and people, if they were careful to keep the conditions required by God on their parts.

Verse 21. The right pillar-Jachin] That is, He shall establish. The left pillar-Boaz, that is, in strength. These were no doubt emblematical; for notwithstanding their names, they seem to have supported no part of the building.

Verse 21. He set up the pillars in the porch — Where they were placed for mere ornament and magnificence, for they supported nothing. Called the name thereof Jachin — Which signifies, He, that is, God, shall establish, his temple, and church, and people: and Boaz signifies, in it, or rather, in him (to answer the he in the former name) is strength. So these pillars, being eminently strong and stable, were types of that strength which was in God, and would be put forth by God for the defending and establishing of his temple and people, if they were careful to observe the conditions required by him on their parts.

21. The right pillar — The one standing at the right hand of a person who stood in the porch looking out; that is, on the south side of the entrance. Jachin — ˆyky, he will establish; or, an establisher. Boaz — z[b, firmness; strength; stability. These pillars were symbolical, and their names indicate that the temple was built both for the establishment and stability of the true worship of Jehovah.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.

V. 23. A Sea-He melted the brass, and cast it into the form of a great vessel, for its vastness called a sea, which name is given by the Hebrews to all great collections of waters. The use of it was for the priests to wash their hands and feet, or other things as occasion required, with the water which they drew out of it.

Verse 23. He made a molten sea — He melted the brass, and cast it into the form of a great vessel, for its vastness called a sea, which name is given by the Hebrews to all great collections of waters. The use of it was for the priests to wash their hands and feet, or other things, as occasion required, with the water which they drew out of it. It was round all about — Of a circular form. Its height was five cubits — Besides the height of the oxen whereon it stood. A line of thirty cubits did compass it — For the diameter being ten cubits, thirty must be the circumference of it. This sea was filled with water by the Gibeonites, who were afterward called Nethinims.

Ver. 23. A molten sea ten cubits broad, and thirty round. It is wonderful how this inaccuracy should have escaped men that seem well skilled in mensuration. Allowing that decimals were not then understood, they could not surely be ignorant that a diameter of ten cubits will describe a circle of nearly thirty one and a half.

23. A molten sea — Called also brazen sea, from the material of which it was made. It was a vast bowl-shaped font, or laver, like that which Moses made for the tabernacle, (Exodus 30:18,) and for the same purpose, but on account of its immense size it is called a sea. Its general appearance is shown in the annexed cut, which will serve to explain the sacred writer’s description better than would any verbal comment on his words.

V. 24. Knops-Carved or molten figures: for this word signifies figures or pictures of all sorts. Ten, &c.-So there were three hundred in all. Cast-Together with the sea; not carved. Two rows-It seems doubtful whether the second row had ten in each cubit, and so there were three hundred more; or, whether the ten were distributed into five in each row.

Verse 24. There were knops compassing it — Molten figures: for the word µy[qp, pekagnim, signifies pictures or figures of all sorts, as gourds, flowers, beasts, &c. — Ten in a cubit — So there were three hundred of these knops in all, the sea being thirty cubits round. The knops were cast in two rows when it was cast — They were not carved afterward, but cast at first when the sea was molten. And, there being two rows of them, Abarbinel thence concludes there were six hundred in all, one under another.

24. Knops… in two rows — Egg-shaped representations of the wild gourd or cucumber, as in 1 Kings 6:18, compassing the laver in a double row at the upper part.

V. 25. Oxen-Of solid brass, which was necessary to bear so great a weight.

Verses 25, 26. It stood upon twelve oxen — Of solid brass, which was necessary to bear so great a weight. Probably the water was drawn by cocks out of the mouths of these oxen. It contained two thousand baths — That is, five hundred barrels, the bath being a measure of the same bigness with the ephah, each containing about eight gallons. It appears from 2 Chronicles 4:5, that if filled up to the brim, it would receive three thousand baths. But it is probable they were not wont to put so much in it, lest, with the wind, it should run over; and that two thousand was the quantity usually kept in it.

25. It stood upon twelve oxen — Josephus adds that its middle part rested on a short pillar ten cubits in diameter.

V. 26. Baths-Which amounts to five hundred barrels, each bath containing about eight gallons; the bath being a measure of the same bigness with an ephah.

Verses 25, 26. It stood upon twelve oxen — Of solid brass, which was necessary to bear so great a weight. Probably the water was drawn by cocks out of the mouths of these oxen. It contained two thousand baths — That is, five hundred barrels, the bath being a measure of the same bigness with the ephah, each containing about eight gallons. It appears from 2 Chronicles 4:5, that if filled up to the brim, it would receive three thousand baths. But it is probable they were not wont to put so much in it, lest, with the wind, it should run over; and that two thousand was the quantity usually kept in it.

26. Like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies — Literally, its lip was as the work of the lip of a cup — a flower of a lily. The brim curved outward, and was engraved with lily flowers. Two thousand baths — About seventeen thousand gallons. The reading three thousand, in 2 Chronicles 4:5, is probably an error. By estimating the capacity of this sea from its dimensions, as given in verse 23, it seems hardly possible that it could have held so much. But all calculations based on the dimensions given in verse 23 must be uncertain because of our ignorance of the exact shape of the laver. Perhaps the two thousand baths may denote the capacity, not only of the laver or sea proper, but also of the basin beneath it, as seen in the cut. This sea held the water which the priests used for their ablutions. 2 Chronicles 4:6.

V. 27. Bases-Upon which stood the ten lavers mentioned below, ver. 38, in which they washed the parts of the sacrifices.

Verse 27. He made ten bases] That is, pedestals, for the ten lavers to rest on.

Verses 27-29. He made ten bases of brass — Upon which stood ten lavers mentioned below, (verse 38,) in which they washed the parts of the sacrifices, 2 Chronicles 4:6. They had borders — Broad brims, possibly for the more secure holding of the lavers. Upon the ledges there was a base above — This is very obscurely expressed; hut probably by the base above is meant the uppermost part of the base; which, though it was above, yet was a base to the laver, which stood upon it. Certain additions — Either as bases for the feet of the said lions and oxen, or only as further ornaments.

27. Ten bases — Square chest-shaped supports on which the brazen lavers mentioned in verse 38 rested. The exact form of these bases and the lavers is, like that of the pillars Jachin and Boaz, difficult to define. The Scripture text itself is very obscure — the terms used are rare, and the versions all differ widely, and afford us no real aid. We may, however, by a careful study of the Hebrew text and the aid of the annexed cut, approximate a tolerably correct idea of the construction of these vessels. While the water in the brazen sea served for the priests to wash in, the lavers held the water in which they washed “such things as they offered for the burnt offering.” 2 Chronicles 4:6. Hence they were set upon lofty bases to lift them near to the top of the great brazen altar of burnt offerings, which was ten cubits high. 2 Chronicles 4:1. The bases were three cubits high, (verse 27,) the wheels a cubit and a half, (32,) the round compass half a cubit, (35,) the laver one cubit, and its base work a cubit and a half, (31,) and the corners or feet (30) were probably half a cubit, so that the height of the entire structure would be eight cubits, or about twelve feet. This would bring the top of the laver within three feet of the top of the great altar, and thus place it within convenient reach of the officiating priest.

V. 28. Borders-Broad brims, possibly for the more secure holding of the lavers.

Verses 27-29. He made ten bases of brass — Upon which stood ten lavers mentioned below, (verse 38,) in which they washed the parts of the sacrifices, 2 Chronicles 4:6. They had borders — Broad brims, possibly for the more secure holding of the lavers. Upon the ledges there was a base above — This is very obscurely expressed; hut probably by the base above is meant the uppermost part of the base; which, though it was above, yet was a base to the laver, which stood upon it. Certain additions — Either as bases for the feet of the said lions and oxen, or only as further ornaments.

28. They had borders — twrgsm, inclosed panels. (a a a in figure.) Between the ledges — µyblv, joints; fastening places. The corner pieces which joined upon and fastened the panels. (b b in figure.)

V. 29. Base above-So he calls the upper-most part of the base: for though it was above, yet it was a base to the laver, which stood upon it. Additions-Either as bases for the feet of the said lions and oxen: or, only as farther ornaments.

Verses 27-29. He made ten bases of brass — Upon which stood ten lavers mentioned below, (verse 38,) in which they washed the parts of the sacrifices, 2 Chronicles 4:6. They had borders — Broad brims, possibly for the more secure holding of the lavers. Upon the ledges there was a base above — This is very obscurely expressed; hut probably by the base above is meant the uppermost part of the base; which, though it was above, yet was a base to the laver, which stood upon it. Certain additions — Either as bases for the feet of the said lions and oxen, or only as further ornaments.

Ver. 29. Lions, oxen, and cherubims. Josephus reprimands Solomon for this, as an infringement on the second commandment. Yet they were not made as objects of idolatry: the hallowed emblems in the most holy place designated all creatures as worshipping God.

29. Lions, oxen, and cherubim — Miniature representations of them, for the size of the panels would not permit other. Upon the ledges… a base above — That is, an additional smaller base on the top of the other for the laver to stand upon. Its convex roof is called, in verse 35, a round compass. (k k in figure.) Certain additions — twyl, garlands, festoons. Such garlands adorned the upper as well as the lower portions of each base. Comp. verse 36. (c c in figure.) Made of thin work — drwm hc[m means, according to Furst, deepened work, and refers to all the ornaments mentioned in this verse as having been set into the metal in which they were engraved. According to the Vulgate and Gesenius, it means hanging work.

V. 30. Wheels-Whereby the bases and lavers might be removed from place to place as need required. Under-setters-Heb. shoulders; fitly so called, because they supported the lavers, that they should not fall from their bases, when the bases were removed together with the lavers.

Verse 30. Every base had four brazen wheels — Whereby the bases and lavers might be removed from place to place, as need required. Undersetters — Hebrew, shoulders; fitly so called, because they supported the lavers, that they should not fall from their bases, when the bases were removed, together with the lavers.

30. Wheels — These served for convenience in moving the lavers and bases to and fro. Plates of brass — Rather, axles. (d in figure.) The four corners — Rather, the four feet, meaning, doubtless, the projecting bottoms of the bases at the places where feet or legs would naturally be. (o o in figure.) Undersetters — Or, side-pieces, reaching down to the axles of the wheels and serving as stays or supports. (e e in figure.) At the side of every addition — Better, beyond each were garlands. The meaning seems to be that the undersetters, or side-pieces, were cast so as to be underneath the laver and the engraved garlands mentioned in verse 29.

V. 31. The mouth-So he calls that part in the top of the base which was left hollow, that the foot of the laver might be let into it. The chapiter-Within the little base, which he calls the chapiter, because it rose up from, and stood above the great base. Above-Above the chapiter; for the mouth went up, and grew wider like a funnel. A cubit-In height, ver. 35, whereof half a cubit was above the chapiter or little base, and the other half below it. A cubit and half-In compass. Four square-So the innermost part, called the mouth, was round, but the outward part was square, as when a circle is made within a quadrangle.

Verse 31. The mouth of it — So he calls that part in the top of the base which was left hollow, that the foot of the laver might be let into it. Within the chapiter — Within the little base, which he calls the chapiter, because it rose up from, and stood above the great base. And above — Above the chapiter; for the mouth went up and grew wider like a funnel. Was a cubit — In height, (verse 35,) whereof half a cubit was above the chapiter or little base, and the other half below it. A cubit and half — In compass. Four-square — So the innermost part, called the mouth, was round, but the outward part was square, as when a circle is made within a quadrangle.

31. The mouth of it — The mouth of the laver; its opening at the top; involving in this case, also, the entire cavity or hollow of the laver. Within the chapiter and above — An obscure and unintelligible expression, meaning, perhaps, the depth of the laver. A cubit — Literally, in a cubit; perhaps an erroneous copying of hmak, about a cubit. We take the meaning to be, that the depth of the laver was about one cubit. The mouth thereof was round after the work of the base, a cubit and a half — This makes no sense at all, and if we follow the common punctuation, the passage is perfectly unintelligible. It is very likely that some words have here fallen out of the text. As it is, it seems best to punctuate and read as follows: And the mouth was round; the base-work was a cubit and a half; and also upon the mouth were engravings, and their panels were square, not rounded. On this rendering we make the following notes: Mouth… was round — That is, the opening was round at the top, like a bowl. Base-work was a cubit and a half — The base-work that connected immediately with the laver, and separated it a cubit and a half from the round compass (verse 35) of the base above. Verse 29. This base work probably consisted of a pedestal and open standards in the form of curved plates, as represented in the figure. (n n.) See on verse 35. Upon the mouth were engravings — That is, upon the concave surface of the inside of the laver, and probably also on the outside. Their panels — The panels of the engravings. (P P in figure.) The lavers were so cast as to present the appearance of square panels set in the surface, and these panels were covered with sculptured work.

32. Axletrees of the wheels — Rather, hands, or supports of the wheels, (e e in figure,) which fastened their axles to the base; the same as the undersetters. Verse 30. This same word occurs again in the next verse (33) and should be rendered, there as here, supports or stays.

V. 33. Molten-And cast together with the bases.

Verses 33-37. Were all molten — Cast together with the bases. The undersetters were of the very base — Not only of the same matter, but of the same piece, being cast with it. According to the proportion of every one — Hebrew, r[mk, chemagnar, according to the nakedness, or, empty space of every one, that is, according to the extent of the spaces left empty for them, namely, that these figures were as large as the void plates would admit. All of them had one casting, &c. — They were cast in the same mould, and of the same size.

33. Axletrees… naves… felloes… spokes — The proper order and rendering of the words in the Hebrew text is as follows: Stays, felloes, spokes, naves. The nave is the same as the hub. (f f in figure.)

V. 34. Of the base-Not only of the same matter, but of the same piece, being cast with it.

Verses 33-37. Were all molten — Cast together with the bases. The undersetters were of the very base — Not only of the same matter, but of the same piece, being cast with it. According to the proportion of every one — Hebrew, r[mk, chemagnar, according to the nakedness, or, empty space of every one, that is, according to the extent of the spaces left empty for them, namely, that these figures were as large as the void plates would admit. All of them had one casting, &c. — They were cast in the same mould, and of the same size.

34. Of the very base itself — Cast so as to be one solid piece with the base, and not joined to it by pins or nails.

Verses 33-37. Were all molten — Cast together with the bases. The undersetters were of the very base — Not only of the same matter, but of the same piece, being cast with it. According to the proportion of every one — Hebrew, r[mk, chemagnar, according to the nakedness, or, empty space of every one, that is, according to the extent of the spaces left empty for them, namely, that these figures were as large as the void plates would admit. All of them had one casting, &c. — They were cast in the same mould, and of the same size.

35. Round compass of half a cubit high — This was the convex roof of the smaller base above, (k k in figure,) which rested on the top of the ledges, (verse 29,) and supported in turn the more immediate base-work of the laver. See note on verse 31. The ledges thereof and the borders thereof were of the same — Literally, on the top of the base its hands and its panels of it. What these hands, or supports, on the top of the base, were, it is hard to determine. But as the word in verses 32 and 33 was used of the stays that fastened the axles to the base, and are called the hands of the wheels rather than the legs of the base, so here, we incline to take the hands of the base for the legs or supports of the laver, called also in verse 31 the base-work of the laver. (n n n in figure.) It is there called base-work rather than a base, because it was made of several pieces of metal set underneath the laver with open spaces between, and not of a solid cube, like the lower bases. The round compass had also panels, like the lower base and the surface of the laver, (w w in figure,) and these, like them, were covered with sculptured work. Of the same — Or, of it; that is, cast, like the undersetters, (verse 34,) so as to be one piece with the base itself.

V. 36. The proportion-Or, empty place, that is, according to the bigness of the spaces which were left empty for them, implying that they were smaller than those above mentioned.

Verses 33-37. Were all molten — Cast together with the bases. The undersetters were of the very base — Not only of the same matter, but of the same piece, being cast with it. According to the proportion of every one — Hebrew, r[mk, chemagnar, according to the nakedness, or, empty space of every one, that is, according to the extent of the spaces left empty for them, namely, that these figures were as large as the void plates would admit. All of them had one casting, &c. — They were cast in the same mould, and of the same size.

Ver. 36. Palm trees, to designate the beautiful and everflourishing state of the church, in which “the righteous shall flourish as the palm tree.” Psalm 92:12.

36. Plates of the ledges — Rather, plates of the hands; the outer surface of the plates which formed a part of the base-work or supports of the laver. (n n in figure.) According to the proportion of every one — Better, according to the open space of each. That is, according to the room or space which each afforded for such engravings. Additions round about — Garlands. (c c in figure.) See on verse 29.

Verses 33-37. Were all molten — Cast together with the bases. The undersetters were of the very base — Not only of the same matter, but of the same piece, being cast with it. According to the proportion of every one — Hebrew, r[mk, chemagnar, according to the nakedness, or, empty space of every one, that is, according to the extent of the spaces left empty for them, namely, that these figures were as large as the void plates would admit. All of them had one casting, &c. — They were cast in the same mould, and of the same size.

37. One casting — They were all ten cast in one mould, so as necessarily to be of one measure, and one size or shape.

Verse 38. Then made he ten lavers] These were set on the ten bases or pedestals, and were to hold water for the use of the priests in their sacred office, particularly to wash the victims that were to be offered as a burnt-offering, as we learn from 2 Chronicles 4:6; but the brazen sea was for the priests to wash in. The whole was a building of vast art, labour, and expense.

Verses 38, 39. He made ten lavers of brass — Which were to stand upon the bases before mentioned. One laver contained forty baths — See verse 26; from whence it will appear, that each of these lavers contained ten barrels of water. And every laver was four cubits — Some think they were of this height. But it is more likely that these words relate to the diameter of them, which was four cubits, and then their compass was twelve cubits. He put five bases on the right side — That is, on the south side. See 1 Kings 6:8. Of the house — Of the court where the priests ministered, and where, as occasion required, they washed either their hands or feet, or the parts of the sacrifices. Five on the left side of the house — That is, on the north side of that court, which is here opposed to the right or south side. Over against the south — That is, in the south-east part, where the offerings were prepared. So that, as soon as the priests entered, which they did at the east gate, they might have water to wash their hands and their feet.

38. Ten lavers — One laver to stand on each of the ten bases. Forty baths — Three hundred and fifty-five gallons. Every laver was four cubits — In diameter at the mouth.

V. 39. Right side-In the south side, not within the house, but in the priests court, where they washed either their hands or feet, or the parts of the sacrifices. Left side-On the north side. The south-In the south-east part, where the offerings were prepared.

Verses 38, 39. He made ten lavers of brass — Which were to stand upon the bases before mentioned. One laver contained forty baths — See verse 26; from whence it will appear, that each of these lavers contained ten barrels of water. And every laver was four cubits — Some think they were of this height. But it is more likely that these words relate to the diameter of them, which was four cubits, and then their compass was twelve cubits. He put five bases on the right side — That is, on the south side. See 1 Kings 6:8. Of the house — Of the court where the priests ministered, and where, as occasion required, they washed either their hands or feet, or the parts of the sacrifices. Five on the left side of the house — That is, on the north side of that court, which is here opposed to the right or south side. Over against the south — That is, in the south-east part, where the offerings were prepared. So that, as soon as the priests entered, which they did at the east gate, they might have water to wash their hands and their feet.

39. The right side of the house — Hebrew, the right shoulder of the house; that is, the south side, near the front part of the building, or at the south side of the porch. Left side — The corresponding north side of the building. The sea… eastward, over against the south — That is, southeast from the front of the temple.

Verse 40. So Hiram made an end] It is truly surprising, that in so short a time one artist could design and execute works of such magnitude, taste, and variety, however numerous his assistants might be. The mere building of the house was a matter of little difficulty in comparison of these internal works.

Verse 40. Hiram made the lavers, &c. — These seem to have been the last things that he made. For he now finished all his work, most or all the particulars of which are recapitulated, with the addition of some others not mentioned before: shovels, for instance, wherewith they cleansed the altar from the ashes, and basins, wherein the priests received the blood of the sacrifices that were offered.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.

41. Bowls of the chapiters — See note on verse 20.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.

V. 45. The pots-To boil those parts of the sacrifices which the priests, &c. were to eat.

Verses 45-47. And the pots — Or caldrons rather. These were vessels in which they boiled those sacrifices, or parts of sacrifices, which were divided between the priests and the people that offered them; that is, the peace-offerings, that they might eat them before the Lord. In the clay-ground — Hebrew, In the thickness of the ground. That is, in earth that was stiff and glutinous, and therefore more fit for making moulds of all kinds. And in a plain country such moulds were more easily fixed than on the sides of hills, or steep places. Solomon left all the vessels unweighed — Because the weighing of them would have been troublesome, and to no purpose. Neither was the weight of the brass found out — Hebrew, rqjn, nechkar, investigated, or inquired into. Much less was an exact account taken of it.

45. Pots — Or, pans, for receiving and carrying the ashes away. Compare Exodus 27:3. Shovels — For removing ashes from the altar. Basins — To receive the blood of the sacrifices to be sprinkled on the altar.

Verse 46. Cast them, in the clay ground] In this place he found that particular kind of clay that was proper for his purpose. Some suppose that the place where Hiram had his foundry was on the other side, some on this side, of Jordan. Calmet supposes that it was near Bethshan.

Verses 45-47. And the pots — Or caldrons rather. These were vessels in which they boiled those sacrifices, or parts of sacrifices, which were divided between the priests and the people that offered them; that is, the peace-offerings, that they might eat them before the Lord. In the clay-ground — Hebrew, In the thickness of the ground. That is, in earth that was stiff and glutinous, and therefore more fit for making moulds of all kinds. And in a plain country such moulds were more easily fixed than on the sides of hills, or steep places. Solomon left all the vessels unweighed — Because the weighing of them would have been troublesome, and to no purpose. Neither was the weight of the brass found out — Hebrew, rqjn, nechkar, investigated, or inquired into. Much less was an exact account taken of it.

46. In the clay ground — In the dense, compact soil which is found in the vicinity of the Jordan. This dense soil was peculiarly adapted to foundry work. Succoth and Zarthan — Places in the Jordan valley not yet identified with any modern town or ruin. See on Genesis 33:17 and Joshua 3:16.

Verses 45-47. And the pots — Or caldrons rather. These were vessels in which they boiled those sacrifices, or parts of sacrifices, which were divided between the priests and the people that offered them; that is, the peace-offerings, that they might eat them before the Lord. In the clay-ground — Hebrew, In the thickness of the ground. That is, in earth that was stiff and glutinous, and therefore more fit for making moulds of all kinds. And in a plain country such moulds were more easily fixed than on the sides of hills, or steep places. Solomon left all the vessels unweighed — Because the weighing of them would have been troublesome, and to no purpose. Neither was the weight of the brass found out — Hebrew, rqjn, nechkar, investigated, or inquired into. Much less was an exact account taken of it.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.

V. 48. Vessels-Such as Moses had made only these were larger, and richer, and more. Table of gold-Under which, are comprehended both all the utensils belonging to it, and the other ten tables which he made together with it.

Verse 48. All the vessels that pertained to the house of the Lord — Such as God, by the mouth of Moses, had commanded to be made for his house and service, and such as Moses had made for the tabernacle; only these for the temple were larger, richer, and more in number; according to the difference, as to size and splendour, between the temple and the tabernacle, and between Solomon’s vast riches and the poverty of Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness. The altar of gold — That is, overlaid with gold. For it was made of cedar, as that of Moses was of shittim-wood, and it was only covered with gold, 1 Kings 6:20. This was the altar of incense which stood in the holy place, and is mentioned 1 Chronicles 28:18, as one of the holy things for which David left gold. And the table of show-bread — Under which, by a synecdoche, are comprehended, both all the utensils belonging to it, and the other ten tables, which were made at the same time, 2 Chronicles 4:7, 8.

48. The altar of gold — Overlaid with gold. See on 1 Kings 6:20. This altar in the temple was doubtless of the same form as that of the tabernacle. See on Exodus 30:1-5 and 37:25-28. The great brazen altar of burnt offerings in the court is not mentioned in this chapter, and only referred to incidentally in 1 Kings 8:64. Table of gold — Like that of the tabernacle. See on Exodus 25:23-30. In 2 Chronicles 4:8 mention is made of ten tables, and they were all probably of this same form, and placed five on each side of the holy place. Among the spoils taken from Jerusalem by Titus, as appears sculptured in relief on his triumphal arch at Rome, were the table and candlestick of the Herodian temple. These are shown in the annexed cuts, and were probably, in the main, like those of the more ancient temple of Solomon.

V. 49. Candlesticks-Which were ten, according to the number of the tables, whereas Moses made but one: whereby might be signified the progress of the light of sacred truth, which was now grown clearer than it was in Moses’s time, and should shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day of gospel light. Pure gold-Of massy and fine gold. The oracle-In the holy place. Flowers-Wrought upon the candlesticks, as it had formerly been.

Verse 49. And the candlesticks — Which were ten, according to the number of the tables, whereas Moses made but one: whereby might be signified the progress of the light of sacred truth, which was now grown clearer than it was in Moses’s time, and should shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day of gospel light. Of pure gold — Of massy and fine gold. Before the oracle — In the holy place. Flowers — Wrought upon the candlesticks, as had formerly been the case. Tongs of gold — Wherewith to take coals from the altar of burnt-offering.

49. Candlesticks — These ten golden candlesticks were all doubtless made after the pattern of that which adorned the tabernacle, and whose form is described in Exodus 25:31-36. Flowers — Which served to ornament the candlesticks. Lamps — What we term candles were not used, but lamps, with oil, were set, one on the central shaft, and one on each of the six branches of the golden candlestick. They were the receptacles for the wick and oil, and might be easily taken down, cleaned, and filled, without disturbing the candlestick itself. See on Exodus 25:37. Tongs — To handle burning coals, (Isaiah 6:6,) and sometimes to use as snuffers. Exodus 37:23.

Verse 50. The bowls and the snuffers, &c. — The use of the different articles here named is manifest. The bowls were to contain oil for the lamps, the snuffers to trim them: the basins, which were a hundred, as we learn 2 Chronicles 4:8, were to receive the water of sprinkling, and the blood of the sacrifices, which was sometimes brought into the most holy place. The spoons served to take up the oil. The censers were for offering incense. The hinges of gold, &c. — This shows the vast riches of Solomon, and his great piety, which made him spare no cost to beautify the house of God, and all things belonging to it.

50. Bowls — Used for drinking out of, and sometimes, like the basins, for sprinkling. Compare Exodus 12:22. Spoons — twpk, pans, or dishes; for what particular purpose does not appear. Censers — Fire-pans, in which coals were taken up and incense kindled. These smaller vessels are not described, but are supposed to have been like those of the tabernacle. ON THE SYMBOLISM OF THE TEMPLE.

The temple of Solomon, so far as it was a reproduction, on an enlarged scale, of the tabernacle, was, like that more ancient structure, the pattern, example, and shadow of heavenly things. Hebrews 8:5. But Solomon introduced a number of additions to the ancient pattern shown to Moses in the mount. The side-chambers, the colossal cherubim, the molten sea on twelve oxen in place of the more simple laver of the tabernacle-court, the ten smaller lavers and their bases, the ten tables and the ten golden candlesticks, all seem to have been the product and expression of theocratic ideas that had been maturing in the Israelitish mind for more than four hundred years, though many of them were probably demanded by the more extensive and elaborate service of Solomon’s time. An attempt to point out the sacred symbolism and meaning of the various parts and vessels of the temple must, in many respects, at best end only in conjectures. But this subject should not, therefore, be passed without remark. Dr. Bahr well observes, that if the entire system of Hebrew worship “were no idle ceremony, still less could the structure where this worship became concentrated be an empty, meaningless piece of architectural splendour. All the ancients so founded, arranged, and adorned their temples that they were the expression and the representation of their specific religious contemplation. The temple of Solomon would have been an exception to all the sacred buildings of high antiquity, had it not been the expression of the specifically Israelitish Old Testament ideas of religion.”

The writer just quoted has made this subject a special study, and has written extensively upon it, both in his Commentary on Kings, and his able work on the “Symbolism of the Mosaic Worship.” The present note is based largely on his exposition. Remarks on the typical significance of the altars, laver, table of showbread, golden candlestick, and mercyseat belong rather to the explanation of the tabernacle. We notice here only the leading outlines of the temple-plan, and the significance of its principal parts. Though Solomon was well aware that “the heaven and heaven of heavens” could not contain the God of Israel, (1 Kings 8:27,) yet he built the temple with the declared purpose of providing a house for Jehovah to dwell in — a settled place for his abode. 1 Kings 8:13. He could therefore have entertained no such thought as that by dwelling in the temple God ceased to be omnipresent; but the temple was specifically the place where Jehovah recorded his name, and therefore the visible sign and pledge of his covenant with Israel. It was the abode of his holiness, the place where he was to be consulted and understood by his people. Hence the graduated sanctity of the court, the holy place, and the holy of holies, was adapted to teach an impressive lesson of the absolute holiness of Jehovah.

While the temple was thus specifically the dwellingplace of Jehovah, it also typified heaven itself, which is “the true tabernacle.” Hebrews 8:2; 9:24. Accordingly, in Solomon’s prayer at the dedication we find a continued contrast between “this house” or “this place,” and “heaven, thy dwellingplace,” or simply “heaven.” 1 Kings 8:30-49. And so the pious Israelite might ever see in the holy and beautiful house where Jehovah recorded his name a type and symbol of heaven itself. It was the temple of his holiness. Psalm 5:7; 79:1; 138:2.

Bahr totally rejects the opinion that the temple was a representation of the theocracy of the kingdom of God in Israel, or of the New Testament “kingdom of heaven,” and urges that the latter is a divine-human relation, while the dwelling of Jehovah is a place. But he seems to overlook in this connexion the great truth that the divine-human relationship realized in the kingdom of grace is truly God dwelling in man, (1 John 4:12, 16,) or making his abode with him, (John 14:23;) and that the great body of his people in whom he thus dwells are called “the temple of the living God,” “a habitation of God through the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 3:17; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21, 22. We may, therefore, look upon the temple that rose to completion so silently that neither hammer nor axe was heard while it was building, as a glorious type of that “spiritual house,” built of “lively stones,” (1 Peter 2:5,) “Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fifty framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:21. Nor should we overlook the profound symbolism of the divine-human relationship set forth in the two main apartments of the temple. Why, in the temple as in the tabernacle, have two holy rooms, rather than three or more? Why, except, as Fairbairn admirably shows, (Typology, vol. ii, p. 250,) to express the twofold relation that essentially exists between the worshipper and God? The holy of holies, with its profound symbols of “mercy covering wrath,” showed God’s relation to his people; how and on what terms the Almighty and Holy One would dwell with man. The holy place, where the consecrated priests ministered, with its incense-altar and tables and candlesticks, expressed the relation of the true worshipper to God. The devout worshippers, who offer before God the incense of continual prayer, are at once the salt of the earth and the light of the world. And this is the one great truth embodied in the several symbols of the holy place. Thus in the two main apartments were exhibited “the two great branches into which the tree of Divine knowledge always, of necessity, runs, namely, the things to be believed concerning God, and the things to be done by his believing people.”

When we come to observe the details of the structure we notice, first of all, the graduated sanctity of the three holy places. First, the court, where nothing unclean might enter; then the holy place, where only the consecrated priests might go to perform holy services; and, beyond this, vailed in thick darkness, the holy of holies, where only the high priest entered, and he but once a year, on the great day of atonement. Here was symbolized not only the absolute holiness of Him who “dwelt in the thick darkness,” but also the gradual and progressive revelations of his name and nature, which have been made known to men. Whilst the temple and the priesthood remained, the Holy Ghost signified that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, (Hebrews 9:8;) but since Christ has rent the vail, and entered heaven itself for us, we all may, with boldness and full assurance of faith, enter into the holiest, and have everlasting communion and fellowship with God. Hebrews 9:24; 10:19-22. The square form of all the apartments and courts of the temple is not without meaning. The oracle was a perfect square; the nave a double square; the porch half a square, etc. Nowhere do we find the form of the triangle, the pentagon, or the circle, but every thing about the sanctuary seems, like the heavenly Jerusalem, to be quadrangular, as if to correspond with the four corners of heaven, the upper dwelling-place of God. Jeremiah 49:36; Matthew 24:31. Equally noticeable is the predominance of the numbers ten and three. The length and breadth of all the apartments and the courts is a common multiple of ten — the number of the commandments written on the tables of testimony within the ark. Ten is the number of the candlesticks and tables, the bases and lavers; ten cubits was the height of the cherubim, and the extent of their outspread wings; ten cubits was the breadth of the molten sea. Then we note the three holy apartments, each with its type of expiation — the altar or burnt offerings, the altar of incense, and the mercyseat; the last within the most holy place, which bore the form of a perfect cube, the length and the breadth and the height of it being equal. Each apartment also had three principal kinds of articles of furniture. In the oracle were the cherubim, the ark, and the tables of the law; in the nave were the candlesticks, the tables, and the altar of incense; and in the court were the brazen sea, the lavers, and the altar of burnt offerings. There were, also, the three stories of side-chambers. In this symbolism of numbers we may discern a mystic representation both of the variety and unity of all Divine revelation. “What happens thrice, is the genuine once; what is divided into three, is a true unity. The one dwelling by its division into three parts, is designated as one complete whole; and the three kinds of articles of use which are in the three parts, or in one of them, again form a complete whole, and belong under it to the one or the other relation. While the number ten gives the impress of finishing and completing to multiplicity, the number three is the signature of perfect unity, and thus also of the Divine being.” The adornings of the temple, the cherubim, lions, oxen, palms, flowers, and lily work, were representative of all created life, and signified that while Jehovah condescended to make the temple his special dwellingplace, his presence fills the universe with life. He upholds all things by the word of his power. Angels and men, cattle and creeping things and fowl, and all inanimate creation, have their being from Him whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain. And thus was added to the various lessons of Jehovah’s absolute holiness and infinite perfections, which the temple symbolized, this ornamental expression of his universal Providence.

V. 51. Silver and gold-So much of it as was left. And vessels-Those which David had dedicated, and with them the altar of Moses, and some other of the old utensils which were now laid aside, far better being put in the room of them.

Verse 51. Solomon brought in the things] It has been a question whether Solomon, in the structure of the temple, used any of the gold and silver which David had provided? And here it seems answered in the negative; for after the house was finished, with all its utensils and ornaments, with its immense profusion of gold, it is here said that Solomon brought in the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, which David his father had dedicated. It appears therefore that Solomon had employed four years to make preparation for the work before it was begun. During the whole time of the building, he was no doubt still appropriating a part of the public revenue for this purpose; and the provision made by his father he placed among the treasures of the house; but the temple was truly Solomon’s, as he had provided all its materials, and borne every expense. As the temple was built in some measure on the model of the tabernacle, and dedicated to the same use, I wish to refer the reader to the description of the former, in Exod. 25-27, and 35-39, and the notes there. I KINGS

Verse 51. Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated — The silver and gold, and other things which David had provided for erecting this temple, and which had not been expended in the house itself, or its furniture, Solomon laid up in the treasury belonging to it, for repairs, exigences, and the constant charge of the temple-service. Although this splendid edifice had cost him immense sums, besides what David had prepared for building it, he would not repay himself in any degree by diverting from their intended purpose, and transferring to his own secular use, these devoted, or, as they are termed in the margin, holy things of David. “What parents have dedicated to God,” says Henry, here, “the children ought by no means to alienate or recall; but cheerfully confirm what was intended for pious and charitable uses, that they may with their estates inherit the blessing.” And the vessels did he put among the treasures of, &c. — With those which David had dedicated, he laid up the altar of Moses, and some other of the old utensils which belonged to the tabernacle, as being of no further use, far better being provided in their room. Indeed, the tabernacle itself was thus laid up, for which, as the temple was now built, there was no further occasion; and yet it was proper to preserve the parts of so sacred a structure, which had been formed, in all respects, by divine direction, and had long been holy to the Lord. So was ended all the work — “Concerning this temple, we may observe, upon the whole, that the glory of it did not consist in its bulk or largeness, (for in itself it was but a small pile of building, no more than one hundred and fifty feet in length, and one hundred and five in breadth, taking the whole together, and is exceeded by many of our parish churches,) but its chief grandeur and excellence lay in its out-buildings and ornaments, in its workmanship, which was everywhere very curious, and in its overlayings, which were vast and prodigious. The overlaying of the holy of holies only, which was a room but thirty feet square and twenty high, amounted to six hundred talents of gold, which comes to four millions three hundred and twenty thousand pounds of our sterling money. ‘The whole frame,’ says Josephus, ‘was raised upon stones, polished to the highest degree of perfection, and so artificially put together, that there was no joint to be discerned, no sign of any working-tools having been upon them, but the whole looked more like the work of providence and nature, than the product of art and human invention. And as for the inside, what carving, gilding, embroidery, rich silks, and fine linen could do, of these there was the greatest profusion. The very floor of the temple was overlaid with beaten gold; the doors were large, and proportioned to the height of the walls, twenty cubits broad, and still gold upon gold.’ Antiq., lib. 8. chap. 2. In a word, it was gold all over, and nothing was wanting, either within or without, that might contribute to the glory and magnificence of the work.” — Dr. Dodd. Some have intimated, that one principal reason why Solomon bestowed all this outward splendour and glory on the temple of the one living and true God, probably was that he might keep the people from idolatry, knowing how much they were taken with such things. Certainly none of the idol temples were to be compared to it for riches and magnificence. Indeed, there was nothing like it in the whole world. But if this were any part of his design, the event showed how far it was from being answered thereby, and how little the expedient availed. Multitudes of the Israelites, and those not only of the more distant tribes, but even of the tribe of Judah itself, in the very midst of whom this most splendid and sumptuous fabric stood, soon relapsed into that most unreasonable and stupid of all sins. Nearly the whole Hebrew nation, even, became idolatrous. Nay, what is more astonishing, Solomon himself, who erected this most costly and superb edifice, was drawn away from the worship of that God to whose honour he had raised it, and was turned in his heart after other gods, 1 Kings 11:4; so true it is, that nothing merely external, whether in the place or ceremonies of God’s worship, however sumptuous or dazzling, can engage or secure the attachment of fallen man to him and his service. An acquaintance with his spiritual and holy nature and infinite perfections, and his love shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us, can only effect this; which blessings if we would receive and retain, we must keep our hearts with all diligence, and not suffer their desires to wander after vain things, which cannot profit. Had Solomon continued to attend to this, his own advice, the glory of his youth would not have suffered so dreadful an eclipse in his declining years; but the bright example of his wisdom and piety would have continued to shine with undiminished, nay, with increasing lustre, to the credit of the true religion, and the edification of millions, while he himself, in soul and body would have remained a temple of the living God, a habitation of Jehovah through the Spirit, a fabric unspeakably more glorious than that which, with such immense expense of treasure, time, and labour, he had erected in Jerusalem.

THE METAL WORK AND VESSELS OF THE TEMPLE, 13-51.

13. Hiram — Called also (verse 40, margin) Hiram and Huram. 2 Chronicles 4:11. So his name was subjected to the same variations of orthography as that of the Tyrian king.