1 Kings 7 45

1 Kings 7:45 kjv

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

1 Kings 7:45 nkjv

the pots, the shovels, and the bowls. All these articles which Huram made for King Solomon for the house of the LORD were of burnished bronze.

1 Kings 7:45 niv

the pots, shovels and sprinkling bowls. All these objects that Huram made for King Solomon for the temple of the LORD were of burnished bronze.

1 Kings 7:45 esv

Now the pots, the shovels, and the basins, all these vessels in the house of the LORD, which Hiram made for King Solomon, were of burnished bronze.

1 Kings 7:45 nlt

the ash buckets, the shovels, and the bowls.
Huram made all these things of burnished bronze for the Temple of the LORD, just as King Solomon had directed.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 45 Meaning

1 Kings 7:45 concludes a detailed inventory of the principal bronze furnishings crafted by Hiram for Solomon’s Temple. This verse specifically lists the "pots," "shovels," and "basins" – essential vessels for the Temple's sacrificial rituals and daily maintenance. It emphasizes that all these sacred instruments, commissioned by King Solomon and skillfully produced by Hiram, were uniformly fashioned from highly refined, burnished bronze, signifying their quality, durability, and fitting beauty for the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 7 45 Context

This verse is situated within 1 Kings chapter 7, which meticulously details the construction and furnishing of Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Following a description of Solomon's own palace (vv. 1-12), the focus shifts entirely to the Temple's interior and external adornments. Specifically, 1 Kings 7:13-51 enumerates the numerous highly skilled works of art and craftsmanship, primarily in bronze, performed by Hiram from Tyre, at Solomon’s behest. Verse 45 is part of a series (vv. 40-45) that lists the various utilitarian, yet sacred, bronze implements used in the Temple service. These items, along with grander pieces like the two pillars, the bronze sea, and the movable stands with lavers, underscored the grandeur and elaborate nature of the worship dedicated to Yahweh. The historical context reflects a period of immense wealth, political stability, and architectural ambition under Solomon's reign, facilitated by strategic alliances like the one with King Hiram of Tyre, who provided invaluable resources and skilled artisans.

Word Analysis

• Also: An additive particle (gam in Hebrew), indicating that these items are further additions to the previously listed bronze articles (e.g., pillars, the Sea, bases, lavers) and a continuation of the same material and maker.
• the pots: (Hebrew: סִירוֹת, sîrōt, plural of sîr). Refers to cooking pots, typically used for preparing sacrificial meat or portions for the priests within the Temple precincts. Their inclusion highlights the practical aspects of daily Temple service, tying into the elaborate sacrificial system prescribed in the Torah. They indicate the internal logistics of handling consecrated offerings.
• the shovels: (Hebrew: יָעִים, yāʿîm, plural of yaʿ). These were implements used for collecting and removing ashes from the altar, particularly the altar of burnt offering. They symbolize the continuous nature of sacrifice and the necessity for ceremonial cleanliness within the sacred space. Proper removal of waste was crucial for maintaining ritual purity.
• and the basins: (Hebrew: מִזְרָקוֹת, mizrāqōt, plural of mizrāq). These were bowls or vessels used for sprinkling, often specifically for catching and sprinkling the blood of sacrifices upon the altar (Lev 1:5, 11; 3:2, 8, 13) or for offering various libations. Their role underscores the centrality of blood in atonement and the ritualistic purification process, essential components of Israelite worship.
• All these vessels: This phrase emphasizes the comprehensiveness and unity of the bronze items described. It confirms their shared identity as implements designated for service in God’s house, not ordinary tools.
• in the house of the LORD: (Hebrew: בֵּית יְהוָה, bêṯ YHVH). This crucial phrase denotes the sacred purpose and location of these items. They were specifically manufactured for the Temple, God's dwelling place among His people, reinforcing their sacred status and prohibiting their use for common purposes.
• which Hiram made: (Hebrew: אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה חִירָם, ʾašer ʿāśāh Hīrām). Identifies Hiram of Tyre as the master craftsman responsible for these bronze works (1 Kgs 7:13-14). Hiram's renowned skill, even as a non-Israelite, was divinely orchestrated and recognized as essential for the Temple's construction. This highlights God's ability to use diverse instruments and talents to accomplish His purposes.
• for King Solomon: Designates Solomon as the royal patron and commissioning authority. It signifies his vision, wealth, and dedication in building the Temple for Yahweh, reflecting the glory and prosperity of his reign.
• were of burnished bronze: (Hebrew: נְחֹשֶׁת מְרֻקָּה, nəḥōšeṯ məruqqāh - from 1 Kgs 7:47 in MT; nəḥōšeṯ meaning bronze/copper, məruqqāh meaning scoured/polished/burnished). This specification of material is vital. Bronze (an alloy of copper and often tin) was a durable and valuable metal in the ancient world, representing strength and endurance. "Burnished" implies a polished, shimmering finish, giving the metal a brilliant luster. This speaks to the immense value, beauty, and craftsmanship invested in every detail of the Temple furnishings, fitting for the presence of the divine. Symbolically, bronze in biblical contexts can also denote strength, judgment, and purification, often being associated with altars and ceremonial implements. The quantity of such highly refined bronze for so many detailed items indicates extreme cost and dedication.

1 Kings 7 45 Bonus section

• Symbolic Continuity and Grandeur: The extensive use of bronze in Solomon's Temple, particularly for its various utensils and furnishings, echoes the materials specified for the Tabernacle (Exod 27:1-8, 38:1-8). This demonstrates continuity in the design and sacred symbolism from the wilderness tabernacle to the permanent Temple. However, the scale and sheer volume of burnished bronze work in Solomon's Temple significantly surpasses that of the Tabernacle, symbolizing a new era of greater glory and divine favor.
• "Too Great to Weigh": 1 Kings 7:47 explicitly states that "Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because there were so many; the weight of the bronze was not determined." This emphasizes the unimaginable quantity of bronze used, a testament to the immense resources at Solomon's disposal, reflecting the abundant blessings God poured upon his reign.
• Divine Empowerment for Craftsmanship: While Hiram is lauded for his skill, the Bible elsewhere attributes such profound abilities in craftsmanship to divine endowment. For example, Bezalel and Oholiab were "filled with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship" (Exod 31:3-5) for the Tabernacle's construction. This implies that Hiram’s skill, though originating from Tyre, was ultimately enabled and purposed by God for His sacred dwelling.

1 Kings 7 45 Commentary

1 Kings 7:45 succinctly reinforces the meticulous detail, high quality, and extensive nature of the Temple furnishings. The mundane, utilitarian functions of "pots," "shovels," and "basins" are elevated to sacred status by their designation for the "house of the LORD" and their construction from "burnished bronze." This detail showcases that every aspect of Temple service, from the most magnificent pillars to the simplest ash-removal tool, was held in the highest regard and crafted to impeccable standards, reflecting the awesome majesty of the God whom it served. Hiram’s contribution underscores the divine orchestrating of human skill, regardless of origin, towards God’s greater plan. The sheer abundance of such precious, finely wrought vessels points to both Solomon’s wealth and his unparalleled devotion, demonstrating the dedication of the entire kingdom's resources to God’s dwelling. The consistent use of burnished bronze not only highlights aesthetic value and durability but also continuity with the Tabernacle's bronze implements, yet now on a scale and grandeur befitting a permanent, glorious Temple.