And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;
And one large bronze basin, with twelve bronze oxen supporting it from underneath.
This verse describes part of the magnificent bronze furnishings that Solomon made for God's temple - a huge ceremonial washing basin held up by twelve bronze ox sculptures.
📚 Historical Context
This verse describes the temple furnishings that King Solomon commissioned around 950 BC when he built the first temple in Jerusalem. The 'sea' was a massive bronze basin about 15 feet across that held water for the priests to wash in before performing their duties. The twelve oxen represented the twelve tribes of Israel and faced outward in four groups of three, symbolizing God's people supporting the temple worship.
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