1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 48
And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread was,
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
made
H6213
וַיַּ֣עַשׂ
made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 18
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 18
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַכֵּלִ֔ים
all the vessels
H3627
הַכֵּלִ֔ים
all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
5 of 18
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בֵּ֣ית
that pertained unto the house
H1004
בֵּ֣ית
that pertained unto the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
7 of 18
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 18
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
H2091
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
11 of 18
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֗ן
and the table
H7979
הַשֻּׁלְחָ֗ן
and the table
Strong's:
H7979
Word #:
13 of 18
a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָלָ֛יו
H5921
עָלָ֛יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
15 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לֶ֥חֶם
whereupon the shewbread
H3899
לֶ֥חֶם
whereupon the shewbread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
16 of 18
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
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
And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread was,
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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us'). The sacrificial system points forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling all temple offerings (Hebrews 10:1-18).
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.