1 Kings 7 29

1 Kings 7:29 kjv

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

1 Kings 7:29 nkjv

on the panels that were between the frames were lions, oxen, and cherubim. And on the frames was a pedestal on top. Below the lions and oxen were wreaths of plaited work.

1 Kings 7:29 niv

On the panels between the uprights were lions, bulls and cherubim?and on the uprights as well. Above and below the lions and bulls were wreaths of hammered work.

1 Kings 7:29 esv

and on the panels that were set in the frames were lions, oxen, and cherubim. On the frames, both above and below the lions and oxen, there were wreaths of beveled work.

1 Kings 7:29 nlt

Both the panels and the crossbars were decorated with carved lions, oxen, and cherubim. Above and below the lions and oxen were wreath decorations.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 29 Meaning

1 Kings 7:29 describes the elaborate decorations found on the ten movable bronze stands, called mekonot, within Solomon's Temple. These stands, designed by Hiram of Tyre, supported the bronze lavers used by the priests for purification. The verse specifies that the panels (misgerot) and ledges (shalabim) of these stands were adorned with figures of lions, oxen, and cherubim, intricately crafted in relief as cast bronze work, interspersed with decorative wreaths. This showcases the meticulous and costly artistry dedicated to the house of the Lord, reflecting the splendor and majesty associated with divine worship.

1 Kings 7 29 Context

1 Kings chapter 7 continues the account of Solomon’s extensive building projects, following the construction of the Temple itself (1 Kings 6) and his own palace (1 Kings 7:1-12). This particular chapter focuses on the fabrication of the Temple’s bronze furnishings and vessels by a skilled craftsman named Hiram of Tyre, whom Solomon specially brought for this monumental task. Verse 29 specifically describes the decorative elements on the "stands" (mekonot), which were elaborately constructed mobile pedestals designed to hold ten large bronze lavers. These lavers were used by priests for washing and purification, crucial for cultic purity within the Temple service. The sheer scale and intricate detail, including the specific figures of lions, oxen, and cherubim, underscore the opulence and sacred significance of the House of the Lord, far exceeding the tabernacle's provisions.

1 Kings 7 29 Word analysis

• And on the frames (מִסְגְּרֹת – misgerot): The plural Hebrew word refers to panels or bordered enclosures. These were likely decorative flat surfaces or frames within the main structure of the bronze stands where images were placed, giving stability and a defined space for artistic representation. They denote integral, shaped sections of the elaborate construction.
• that were between the ledges (שְׁלַבִּים – sh'labim): The Hebrew plural refers to connecting bars, crosspieces, or shelves/ledges. This implies an architectural feature, likely horizontal bands or ribs that segmented the stands, providing additional support and spaces for the intricate carvings or reliefs mentioned.
• were lions (אֲרָיוֹת – 'arayot): The plural Hebrew for "lion." In ancient Near Eastern art and biblical symbolism, lions represent strength, courage, power, and royalty. For Israel, the lion was also the tribal emblem of Judah (Gen 49:9) and later applied to the Messiah (Rev 5:5). Their presence on Temple furniture signifies divine majesty, protection, and sovereign power.
• oxen (בָּקָר – baqar): The Hebrew for "cattle" or "oxen." These symbolize strength, service, fertility, and perseverance. Oxen were vital for agriculture and sacrifice in Israel. Their depiction suggests diligence, provision, and perhaps the service performed in the Temple itself.
• and cherubim (וּכְרֻבִים – u'kruvim): The Hebrew plural for "cherub." These are angelic beings consistently associated with God's presence, holiness, and as guardians (Gen 3:24). They are central to Tabernacle (Exod 25:18-22) and Temple iconography (1 Kgs 6:23-35), frequently depicted guarding sacred space or forming part of God's heavenly throne/chariot (Ezek 1, 10). Their presence emphasizes the divine sanctuary nature of the Temple.
• and on the ledges (וְעַל־הַשְּׁלַבִּים – ve'al-ha-sh'labim): Reiterates that these horizontal bands or borders were also highly decorated, not just plain structural elements.
• above and beneath (מִמַּעַל וּמִמָּטָּה – mimm'al u'mimmattah): This phrase indicates that the decorations extended comprehensively, covering both the upper and lower surfaces of these structural components. It emphasizes the thoroughness and extensive nature of the artistic detail, leaving no part undecorated.
• the lions and oxen: A specific re-mention of these figures, suggesting they were particularly prominent or perhaps repeated patterns across various sections of the stands.
• were wreaths of cast work (לִוְיוֹת מַעֲשֵׂה מֻצָּק – liwyot ma'aseh mutzaq):
  • wreaths (לִוְיוֹת – liwyot): Refers to garlands, festoons, or intertwined decorative patterns. This adds an element of organic beauty and intricate artistic flourish, typical of ancient architectural ornamentation.
  • of cast work (מַעֲשֵׂה מֻצָּק – ma'aseh mutzaq): Literally "work of casting." This highlights the specific metallurgical technique used: bronze was melted and poured into molds. This was a sophisticated process for the time, producing durable and highly detailed art, contrasting with hammered or carved work, and indicating substantial resources and skilled labor were invested.

• "frames...ledges...wreaths of cast work": This grouping emphasizes the technical sophistication and artistic dedication of Solomon's builders and craftsmen. The description moves from structural components to decorative elements and the method of their creation, indicating a complete and cohesive design plan executed with advanced bronze casting techniques.
• "lions, oxen, and cherubim": These three distinct symbolic motifs appearing together reflect a synthesis of powerful earthly representations (lions and oxen) and heavenly, divine association (cherubim). This combination signifies God's comprehensive sovereignty—over creation, human labor, strength, and the spiritual realm. Their presence transforms functional items into profound religious art, emphasizing the holiness and majesty of the space they inhabited without becoming objects of worship themselves, a key distinction from pagan practices.

1 Kings 7 29 Bonus section

The design motifs found on the Temple furnishings, such as cherubim, lions, and oxen, parallel common decorative elements in ancient Near Eastern temple architecture (e.g., in Assyria, Egypt). However, a crucial distinction in Israelite practice was that these figures were solely decorative, intended to evoke divine attributes and enhance the sanctuary's glory, not to be worshipped as deities, as was often the case in surrounding cultures. This aligns with the biblical injunctions against idolatry. The presence of these complex figures also prefigures Ezekiel's vision of the living creatures that form God's throne-chariot (Ezek 1, 10), which include faces of a lion, an ox, and a cherub/man, suggesting a symbolic continuity between the earthly Temple's imagery and heavenly realities. The precision of "cast work" also highlights the importance of the craftsmen, who were often divinely gifted (like Bezalel and Oholiab in Exodus) to undertake such sacred artistry.

1 Kings 7 29 Commentary

1 Kings 7:29 illustrates the extraordinary artistic and financial investment made in furnishing Solomon's Temple, a reflection of the kingdom's prosperity and its devotion to God. The inclusion of specific motifs—lions, oxen, and cherubim—on the movable bronze stands for the lavers was not arbitrary. Lions conveyed strength, royalty, and divine power; oxen signified service, sustenance, and endurance; and cherubim consistently denoted God's holy presence and protective guardianship. These images, expertly crafted through cast bronze work, integrated cosmic and earthly symbols to elevate the sacred space. The detailing of "wreaths" and the precise placement "above and beneath" underscores the complete and lavish dedication of art and skill to every aspect of divine worship, affirming God's worthiness of the highest honor and the most beautiful of creations. This level of detail in a structure made to honor God emphasizes that true worship encompasses not only spiritual devotion but also tangible excellence and beauty in honoring His majesty.