At the top of each stand was a circular band half a cubit high.This phrase describes the architectural detail of the stands used in Solomon's Temple, which were part of the larger complex of the temple furnishings. The circular band, being half a cubit high, indicates a precise measurement, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and divine order associated with the temple's construction. A cubit, an ancient unit of length, was approximately 18 inches, making the band about 9 inches high. This detail underscores the importance of symmetry and proportion in the temple's design, which was intended to reflect the perfection and holiness of God. The circular shape may symbolize eternity and completeness, themes often associated with God's nature. The use of such detailed craftsmanship in the temple furnishings highlights the reverence and dedication to worship in ancient Israel.
The supports and panels were cast as a unit with the top of the stand.
This phrase indicates that the supports and panels were not separate pieces but were cast together with the top of the stand, suggesting a high level of skill in metalworking. This method of casting as a single unit would have required advanced techniques and reflects the technological capabilities of the period. The integration of the supports and panels with the top of the stand signifies unity and strength, which can be seen as a metaphor for the unity and strength of the nation of Israel under Solomon's reign. The casting process itself, involving the melting and molding of metal, can be seen as a type of purification, akin to the refining of faith mentioned in other scriptures (e.g.,1 Peter 1:7). This unity in construction may also symbolize the unity of God's people and the integral role of the temple as the center of worship and community life.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple and his palace, including the intricate designs of the temple furnishings.
2.
Hiram (Huram)A skilled craftsman from Tyre, brought in by Solomon to oversee the construction of the temple's bronze work, including the stands mentioned in this verse.
3.
Temple of SolomonThe first temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people.
4.
Bronze StandsPart of the temple furnishings, these stands were used to support the basins for washing, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship and the importance of purity in worship.
5.
JerusalemThe city where the temple was built, serving as the spiritual and political center of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Detail in WorshipThe intricate design of the temple furnishings, including the bronze stands, highlights the importance of detail and excellence in our worship and service to God.
Unity in CraftsmanshipThe casting of the supports and panels as a unit symbolizes the unity and harmony that should characterize the body of Christ, working together for God's glory.
Purity and PreparationThe stands supported basins for washing, reminding us of the need for spiritual cleansing and preparation before approaching God in worship.
God's Presence and HolinessThe temple and its furnishings were a constant reminder of God's presence and the holiness required to dwell with Him, calling us to live lives set apart for His purposes.
Legacy of Faithful ServiceJust as Hiram's craftsmanship left a lasting legacy in the temple, our service to God should aim to leave a legacy of faithfulness and dedication.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Kings 7:35?
2.How does 1 Kings 7:35 reflect God's attention to detail in craftsmanship?
3.What does the "circular band" symbolize in the context of Solomon's temple?
4.How can we apply the precision in 1 Kings 7:35 to our spiritual lives?
5.How does this verse connect to the broader theme of God's order in creation?
6.What lessons on excellence can we learn from the artisans in 1 Kings 7:35?
7.What is the significance of the "circular band" mentioned in 1 Kings 7:35?
8.How does 1 Kings 7:35 reflect the craftsmanship of Solomon's temple?
9.What does 1 Kings 7:35 reveal about ancient Israelite architectural practices?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 7?
11.Why does the Bible say pi is 3 instead of 3.14?
12.Why does the Bible miscount the value of pi in 1 Kings 7:23?
13.Does God dwell in temples? (1 Kings 8:13 vs. Acts 7:48)
14.1 Kings 11:7 - Is there any archaeological evidence of the pagan altars and high places that Solomon supposedly built?What Does 1 Kings 7:35 Mean
At the top of each stand“At the top of each stand…” (1 Kings 7:35a) directs our eyes upward to the place where the bronze water basin would rest.
• The elevation matters. The priests drew water from a point above ground level, symbolizing cleansing that comes “from above” (John 3:3).
• Each stand was identical (1 Kings 7:37), underlining God’s orderly pattern in worship, just as the tabernacle furnishings followed a set design (Exodus 25:9).
• The location anticipates the priestly duty of washing before service (Exodus 30:18–21), foreshadowing the believer’s daily cleansing in Christ (1 John 1:7).
was a circular band“…was a circular band…” (1 Kings 7:35b).
• A circle suggests completeness and continuity, paralleling the unending covenant mercy proclaimed inPsalm 136 (“His loving devotion endures forever”).
• The same “circular” motif appears in the massive Bronze Sea (2 Chronicles 4:2), tying the smaller lavers to the larger basin and showing a unified theme of cleansing.
• Revelation pictures a rainbow—or circular halo—around God’s throne (Revelation 4:3), another reminder that God surrounds His people with grace while calling them to purity.
half a cubit high“…half a cubit high…” (1 Kings 7:35c). About nine inches.
• The modest height kept the basin secure yet accessible—an invitation, not a barrier. Jesus echoed this openness: “Come to Me, all you who are weary” (Matthew 11:28).
• Its defined measurement reflects the precision of God’s commands (Exodus 40:16). Nothing in worship was left to guesswork; holy service rests on revealed truth, not human improvisation (Colossians 2:23).
• The fixed half-cubit also balanced the stand’s proportions, reinforcing stability—just as doctrinal accuracy stabilizes faith (Ephesians 4:14).
The supports and panels were cast as a unit with the top of the stand“The supports and panels were cast as a unit with the top of the stand.” (1 Kings 7:35d).
• No joints, no bolts—one seamless casting. Unity and strength are inseparable (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
• The panels carried carved cherubim, lions, and palm trees (1 Kings 7:29), reminding worshipers of God’s majesty and Eden-like fellowship (Genesis 3:24;Revelation 22:2). These images were inseparable from the structure itself, just as spiritual truth must be welded to daily practice (James 1:22).
• Because everything was “cast as a unit,” the basin could be trusted to hold living water without fear of collapse. Likewise, the believer’s cleansing rests on Christ’s finished, indivisible work (Hebrews 9:12).
summary1 Kings 7:35 describes the uppermost feature of each bronze stand: a firmly unified, circular band—modestly high, beautifully integral with its supports and panels. The verse highlights God’s meticulous design, the completeness of His cleansing provision, and the unbreakable unity of truth and practice. What stood secure for Israel’s priests points us to the perfect, elevated, and finished work of Christ that cleanses and steadies every believer.
Verse 35. -
And in the top [Heb.
head]
ofthe base was there a round compass [Probably "the base above" (ver. 29)or stand for the laver. This was apparently
arched to the height of nine inches above the
top of the base]
of half a cubit high: and on the top of the base the ledges [Heb.
hands. These can hardly be either "the hands of the wheels" (ver. 32) or the "shoulders" of ver. 30 or ver. 34, but what they were it is difficult to say. They may have been arms or projections supporting the laver]
thereofand the borders thereof were of the same. [Heb.
from it, sc., of one piece or casting.]
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
At the topוּבְרֹ֣אשׁ(ū·ḇə·rōš)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218:The headof each standהַמְּכוֹנָ֗ה(ham·mə·ḵō·w·nāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4350:A fixed resting place, base[was] a circularעָגֹ֣ל ׀(‘ā·ḡōl)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5696:Circularbandסָבִ֑יב(sā·ḇîḇ)Adverb
Strong's 5439:A circle, neighbour, environs, aroundhalfחֲצִ֧י(ḥă·ṣî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677:The half, middlea cubitהָאַמָּ֛ה(hā·’am·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-basehigh.קוֹמָ֖ה(qō·w·māh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6967:HeightThe supportsיְדֹתֶ֔יהָ(yə·ḏō·ṯe·hā)Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3027:A handand panelsוּמִסְגְּרֹתֶ֖יהָ(ū·mis·gə·rō·ṯe·hā)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4526:Something enclosing, a margin, a strongholdwere cast as a unitמִמֶּֽנָּה׃(mim·men·nāh)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofwithוְעַ֨ל(wə·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe topרֹ֤אשׁ(rōš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218:The headof the stand.הַמְּכֹנָה֙(ham·mə·ḵō·nāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4350:A fixed resting place, base
Links
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OT History: 1 Kings 7:35 In the top of the base was (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) 
