1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 46
In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.
Original Language Analysis
בְּכִכַּ֤ר
In the plain
H3603
בְּכִכַּ֤ר
In the plain
Strong's:
H3603
Word #:
1 of 10
a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l
יְצָקָ֣ם
cast
H3332
יְצָקָ֣ם
cast
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
בְּמַֽעֲבֵ֖ה
them in the clay
H4568
בְּמַֽעֲבֵ֖ה
them in the clay
Strong's:
H4568
Word #:
5 of 10
properly, compact (part of soil), i.e., loam
בֵּ֥ין
H996
בֵּ֥ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
7 of 10
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
סֻכּ֖וֹת
between Succoth
H5523
סֻכּ֖וֹת
between Succoth
Strong's:
H5523
Word #:
8 of 10
succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine
Cross References
Joshua 3:16That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.Genesis 33:17And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle: therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.2 Chronicles 4:17In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.Joshua 13:27And in the valley, Beth-aram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of Chinnereth on the other side Jordan eastward.
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Solomon's reign (c. 970-930 BCE) represented Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple as God's dwelling place help us understand Christ's incarnation and the church as God's temple today?
- What does Solomon's prayer and dedication teach about approaching God in worship and prayer?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of temple furnishings and solomon's palace, within the book's focus on Solomon's wisdom, temple building, and tragic apostasy.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.