1 Kings Chapter 7 · Verse 37
After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֔ה
After this manner he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה
After this manner he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֶ֣שֶׂר
the ten
H6235
עֶ֣שֶׂר
the ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
4 of 12
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
מוּצָ֨ק
casting
H4165
מוּצָ֨ק
casting
Strong's:
H4165
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, fusion, i.e., literally, a casting (of metal); figuratively, a mass (of clay)
אֶחָ֖ד
all of them had one
H259
אֶחָ֖ד
all of them had one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
מִדָּ֥ה
measure
H4060
מִדָּ֥ה
measure
Strong's:
H4060
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
אֶחָ֖ד
all of them had one
H259
אֶחָ֖ד
all of them had one
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
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
After this manner he made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one size.
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.