READ: 1 Kin. 7:13-51: … So all the work that King Solomon had done for the house of the Lord was finished …
This section concerns the interior of the temple and all the furnishings that belong there. For the design and construction of these, Solomon appoints a special craftsman, Hiram (not the same as King Hiram). His father was a bronze worker from Tyre and his mother an Israelite woman. This man had received and developed remarkable skills in bronze work.
His work included decorating the pillars with the capitals placed on top, among them the two pillars in the vestibule, Jachin and Boaz. These symbolize the firmness, truth, and faithfulness of God, revealed to us in Christ (see 1 Tim. 3:15-16).
He also made the large round bronze sea with its base, adorned with wheels and supports. This sea had a diameter of about 5.5 meters and could hold at least 45,000 liters of water.
Its meaning is comparable to that of the bronze basin at the tabernacle: before performing their service in the sanctuary and at the altar, the priests have to wash their hands and feet. Violation of this rule carries the death penalty (Ex. 30:17-21). This regulation, too, is fulfilled in Christ, who cleanses us from sin and purifies us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
In addition, movable stands were made for rinsing sacrificial meat and other objects used in offerings. Pots were also provided for cooking portions of sacrificial meat that served as food for the priests (see 1 Sam. 2:14-15).
Under King Solomon’s direction, many items were made of gold or overlaid with gold: the golden altar of incense, the golden table for the showbread, the ten golden lampstands, and other sacred vessels. Whatever gold and silver remained, Solomon stored in the treasuries of the temple.
What does all this say about God’s heavenly sanctuary?
Sing: Ps. 26:4