1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 27
And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֧עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
5 of 16
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
בָּֽאַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
בָּֽאַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
of one
H259
הָֽאֶחָ֔ת
of one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
בָּֽאַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
בָּֽאַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ
thereof and three
H7969
וְשָׁלֹ֥שׁ
thereof and three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
14 of 16
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Cross References
2 Chronicles 4:14He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;2 Kings 25:13And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.Jeremiah 52:17Also the pillars of brass that were in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that was in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans brake, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.
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 he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it.
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.