1 Kings 7:44 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And one sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

And one large bronze basin, with twelve bronze oxen supporting it from underneath.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

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

In the biblical narrative, 1 Kings 7 describes the detailed construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, which was built during a time of peace and prosperity in ancient Israel around 970-931 BC. This verse refers to the bronze sea, a large basin used for the priests' ritual washings to symbolize purification, and the twelve oxen supporting it, likely representing the twelve tribes of Israel as a unified nation under God's covenant. This element highlighted the temple's role as the central place of worship and God's provision for His people's spiritual needs.

Explore Similar Verses

1 Kings 7:30

Each bronze stand had four bronze wheels and bronze plates. The four corners had supports underneath, and these supports were cast as part of the structure, positioned at the side of each decorative panel to hold up the basin.

1 Kings 7:34

And there were four supports at the four corners of each base, and these supports were made as one piece with the base itself.

2 Chronicles 4:15

One large bronze basin, with twelve bronze oxen supporting it from underneath.

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