This verse from 1 Kings 7:26 describes the "Sea," a large molten bronze reservoir in Solomon's Temple. Let's break down each part of the description:
"It was a hand width thick." This refers to the thickness of the bronze used to construct the "Sea's" walls. A "hand width" is likely about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm), indicating a substantial thickness for strength and durability.
"Its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily." This describes the decorative design of the rim of the "Sea." Instead of a plain edge, it was shaped and ornamented to resemble a lily flower, likely with a flared and curved shape. This detail highlights the artistic and ornate nature of the temple's construction.
"It held two thousand baths." This indicates the enormous capacity of the "Sea." A "bath" was a unit of liquid measure. Estimates vary, but a common estimation is that one bath equals about 22 liters (approximately 5.8 US gallons). Therefore, two thousand baths would be roughly 44,000 liters (about 11,624 US gallons).
In essence, the verse describes a massive bronze vessel, impressive in its size and construction, with a decorative rim and an enormous capacity for holding water.
Significance:
Function: The "Sea" served a practical purpose, providing a large supply of water for the priests to use for ritual cleansing and purification ceremonies in the temple.
Symbolism: Beyond its practical use, the "Sea" also held symbolic significance, representing purification, abundance, and perhaps even the cosmic waters of creation in ancient Near Eastern mythology.
Artistic Value: The verse underscores the craftsmanship and artistry involved in the construction of Solomon's Temple, showcasing the attention to detail and the use of decorative elements.
Magnitude: The sheer size of the Sea emphasizes the wealth and power of King Solomon's kingdom, capable of undertaking such a grand construction project.
This verse from 1 Kings 7:26 describes the "Sea," a large molten bronze reservoir in Solomon's Temple. Let's break down each part of the description:
"It was a hand width thick." This refers to the thickness of the bronze used to construct the "Sea's" walls. A "hand width" is likely about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm), indicating a substantial thickness for strength and durability.
"Its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily." This describes the decorative design of the rim of the "Sea." Instead of a plain edge, it was shaped and ornamented to resemble a lily flower, likely with a flared and curved shape. This detail highlights the artistic and ornate nature of the temple's construction.
"It held two thousand baths." This indicates the enormous capacity of the "Sea." A "bath" was a unit of liquid measure. Estimates vary, but a common estimation is that one bath equals about 22 liters (approximately 5.8 US gallons). Therefore, two thousand baths would be roughly 44,000 liters (about 11,624 US gallons).
In essence, the verse describes a massive bronze vessel, impressive in its size and construction, with a decorative rim and an enormous capacity for holding water.
Significance:
Function: The "Sea" served a practical purpose, providing a large supply of water for the priests to use for ritual cleansing and purification ceremonies in the temple.
Symbolism: Beyond its practical use, the "Sea" also held symbolic significance, representing purification, abundance, and perhaps even the cosmic waters of creation in ancient Near Eastern mythology.
Artistic Value: The verse underscores the craftsmanship and artistry involved in the construction of Solomon's Temple, showcasing the attention to detail and the use of decorative elements.
Magnitude: The sheer size of the Sea emphasizes the wealth and power of King Solomon's kingdom, capable of undertaking such a grand construction project.