1 Kings 7 46

1 Kings 7:46 kjv

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.

1 Kings 7:46 nkjv

In the plain of Jordan the king had them cast in clay molds, between Succoth and Zaretan.

1 Kings 7:46 niv

The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Sukkoth and Zarethan.

1 Kings 7:46 esv

In the plain of the Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan.

1 Kings 7:46 nlt

The king had them cast in clay molds in the Jordan Valley between Succoth and Zarethan.

1 Kings 7 verses

1 Kings 7 46 Meaning

1 Kings 7:46 precisely describes the location where the colossal bronze furnishings for Solomon's Temple, crafted by Hiram of Tyre, were cast. This industrial work was performed in the Jordan Plain, specifically in the fertile or heavy clay ground situated between the two ancient sites of Succoth and Zarethan. This strategic choice of location was due to the specific geological conditions suitable for large-scale metal casting, such as abundant clay for molds and access to resources like water and fuel.

1 Kings 7 46 Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in 1 Kings 7 describing Solomon's monumental building projects. Chapters 6 and 7 meticulously chronicle the construction of the Temple and Solomon's palace. Chapter 7 focuses specifically on the grand bronze furnishings of the Temple—the massive bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the "Sea" (a colossal basin for priestly washing), and the movable stands with their smaller basins—all crafted by Hiram of Tyre, a renowned expert in bronze work. Verse 46 provides a specific geographical and geological detail concerning the site where the large bronze objects were cast, emphasizing the practicality and the sheer scale of the operation. Historically, this period marks the zenith of the united Israelite monarchy under Solomon, characterized by extensive construction, international trade, and the centralization of worship in Jerusalem. The chosen location in the Jordan plain was ideal due to its particular clay soil necessary for crafting molds of such magnitude, alongside access to other resources.

1 Kings 7 46 Word analysis

• In the plain of Jordan (בְּכִכַּר הַיַּרְדֵּן, bə·ḵik·kar hay·yar·dēn):

  • Plain (כִּכַּר, kikkar): Often refers to a round or disc-shaped object, hence a "district," "region," or "plain." Here, it specifically denotes the fertile, often level valley surrounding the Jordan River, a significant geographical feature of the ancient Near East. This "kikkar" is agriculturally rich, and its geological composition includes various types of soil.
  • Jordan (הַיַּרְדֵּן, hayYardēn): The primary river of ancient Israel, deeply significant for its role in Israel's history (e.g., crossing into the Promised Land, Josh 3) and as a physical boundary. The Jordan Plain itself stretches from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, characterized by its hot climate and distinctive geological features, including sedimentary deposits ideal for clay.
  • Significance: Specifying the "plain of Jordan" points to a distinct ecological and geographical zone. This choice of location implies logistical advantages for such a heavy industrial operation, potentially related to transport or proximity to necessary resources.

• did the king cast them (יָצַק הַמֶּלֶךְ אֹתָם, yaṣaq ham·me·leḵ ʾō·ṯām):

  • Cast (יָצַק, yatsaq): A verb meaning "to pour out," "to melt," "to flow," or specifically, "to cast (metal)." It implies the process of pouring molten metal into a mold. In the context of large bronze objects, this indicates a highly skilled and intensive metallurgical process requiring substantial heat and precision.
  • King (הַמֶּלֶךְ, hammelekh): Refers to King Solomon, emphasizing his authority and patronage over this vast construction project. While Hiram performed the physical casting, the project was Solomon's commission.
  • Significance: This highlights that these were not ordinary artisan tasks but industrial operations conducted under royal oversight, necessary for producing items of such immense scale and value for the national sanctuary. The method indicates the advanced technology of the era.

• in the clay ground (בְּמַעֲבֵה הָאֲדָמָה, bə·ma‘·ă·ḇê hā·ʾă·ḏā·māh):

  • Clay ground (מַעֲבֵה הָאֲדָמָה, ma‘ăḇê hāʾădāmāh): The Hebrew literally translates to "in the thickness/depth of the ground" or "in the mold of the ground." This refers to a particular type of dense, often heavy, deep soil—clay—which is crucial for making molds used in bronze casting. Large molds, particularly for items like the Sea, required enormous pits to be dug into this suitable soil, acting as a natural foundry. The specific "thickness" or "density" of the soil allowed for the formation and holding of intricate and robust molds against the intense heat and weight of molten metal. Some scholars link this to deep, consolidated riverbed deposits, rich in clay.
  • Significance: This technical detail underscores the expertise involved. Not just any ground would suffice. The specific geological conditions of the Jordan Plain, known for its deep alluvial soils and clay deposits, made it uniquely suitable for this type of heavy industry, allowing for the creation of vast earth-bound molds. This reveals the practical engineering wisdom behind the Temple's construction.

• between Succoth and Zarethan (בֵּין סֻכּוֹת וּבֵין צָרְתָן, bêyn suk·kō·wṯ ū·ḇêyn ṣār·tān):

  • Succoth (סֻכֹּות, Sukkot): An ancient site in the Transjordan region (east of the Jordan River), historically associated with Jacob's journey after meeting Esau (Gen 33:17). Its name means "booths" or "shelters." Often identified with modern Tell Deir ‘Alla.
  • Zarethan (צָרְתָן, Zarethan): Also spelled Zartanah. An ancient site, its exact location is debated, but generally placed in the Jordan Valley, often identified with Tell es-Saʿīdiyyah, also east of the Jordan, though some theories place it west. It is notable for its proximity to where the Jordan River waters "stood still" for the Israelite crossing (Josh 3:16, linked to the city of Adam).
  • Significance: These place names provide remarkable geographical precision, attesting to the historical veracity of the account. They pin down the exact region for the casting, reinforcing that this was a deliberate industrial setup at a location known for its specific resources. This area also had historical and perhaps ritual significance, though the verse highlights its industrial utility.

1 Kings 7 46 Bonus section

The area between Succoth and Zarethan, deep in the Jordan Valley, is renowned for its specific soil composition: deep, heavy alluvial and often saline clays deposited by the Jordan River and its tributaries. This kind of soil is perfect for constructing large, earth-pit molds—effectively a gigantic foundry carved directly into the ground—which would then be fired to harden the clay and molten bronze poured into them. This location also afforded logistical advantages, potentially access to water for the large workforce and cooling, and perhaps relative proximity to copper ore sources, though much of the copper would have been imported. The immense scale of these Temple furnishings necessitated this unique, outdoor industrial setup rather than a typical workshop, revealing the sophisticated engineering and resourcefulness employed in Solomon's building program. The meticulous detail in this verse is a hallmark of the historical reliability of the biblical account, highlighting practical constraints and solutions in ancient monumental construction.

1 Kings 7 46 Commentary

1 Kings 7:46 provides a crucial technical and geographical insight into the construction of Solomon's Temple, moving beyond grand descriptions to practical execution. It illustrates the precise logistical planning required for such monumental work, showing that even the casting of bronze objects demanded specific geological conditions. The phrase "in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan" is not a mere navigational detail but points to the necessity of a particular type of soil, rich in dense clay, suitable for creating the large, sturdy molds required for objects like the Bronze Sea and the two colossal pillars. This industrial operation would have involved considerable labor, heat, and raw materials. Hiram, the Tyrian master craftsman, utilized the natural resources of the Jordan Valley for this purpose, demonstrating Solomon's administrative reach and the effective collaboration between Israel and Tyre. The biblical account, in providing such specific information, not only confirms its historical grounding but also subtly underscores divine provision, as the very land provided the necessary materials and conditions for constructing God's dwelling place among His people. The accuracy of these details has been affirmed by historical and archaeological studies, which confirm both the ancient existence of these sites and the advanced metalworking capabilities of the period.