Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SEA, MOLTEN

An enormous bronze basin constructed by Hiram of Tyre that was placed in the courtyard of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem (1 Kgs. 7:23-26; 2 Chr. 4:2-5; cf. 2 Kgs. 25:13; 1 Chr. 18:8, “bronze sea”). “Molten” refers to the bronze casting technique employed in the sea’s construction. The basin was ca. 2.3 m. (7.5 ft.; 5 cubits) deep and ca. 4.6 m. (15 ft.; 10 cubits) from rim to rim. It had a tremendous capacity, holding at least 41,640 l. (11,000 gal.; cf. 1 Kgs. 7:26; 2 Chr. 4:5).

The only specific reference to the sea’s purpose is that it was for the priests to wash in (2 Chr. 4:6). Two factors, however, suggest that this was a specialized and limited purpose of the sea which the Chronicler chose to highlight: the courtyard also contained 10 basins designed for ritual washings that would have been, because of the height of the sea, more feasible for regular use; and the elaborate nature of the sea’s construction suggests its symbolic value. Resting as it did upon 12 oxen in four groups of three facing toward the four points of the compass, its elaborately paneled bowl (1 Kgs. 7:24-26) would have made a powerful impression upon the public by displaying in a formidable fashion the sovereignty and might of Israel’s God who ruled even the sea (cf. Ps. 93:1-4).

Kevin D. Hall

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SEA, MOLTEN

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)