The king had them cast in clay moldsThis phrase refers to King Solomon, who commissioned the casting of the temple furnishings, including the two pillars, the Sea, and various other bronze items. The use of clay molds for casting indicates a sophisticated metallurgical process for the time, reflecting the advanced craftsmanship and resources available during Solomon's reign. This method allowed for detailed and intricate designs, which were essential for the grandeur of the temple. The use of clay molds is consistent with ancient Near Eastern practices, where clay was a common material for creating molds due to its availability and ease of shaping.
in the plain of the Jordan
The plain of the Jordan refers to the area surrounding the Jordan River, a significant geographical feature in Israel. This location was chosen likely due to its proximity to water, which was necessary for the casting process, and the availability of clay and other natural resources. The Jordan River valley was a fertile and resource-rich area, making it an ideal location for such large-scale industrial activities. This setting also underscores the logistical planning involved in Solomon's temple construction, as materials and labor had to be coordinated over significant distances.
between Succoth and Zarethan
Succoth and Zarethan were towns located in the Jordan Valley. Succoth is mentioned inGenesis 33:17 as a place where Jacob built a house and made shelters for his livestock. Zarethan is referenced inJoshua 3:16 in the context of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. The mention of these locations provides a specific geographical context, indicating the precise area where the casting took place. This region was strategically chosen for its resources and accessibility. The historical and biblical significance of these locations highlights the continuity of God's work and presence in the land, from the time of the patriarchs to the establishment of the temple.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
King SolomonThe ruler of Israel who commissioned the construction of the temple and its furnishings, including the bronze works mentioned in this verse.
2.
The Plain of the JordanA geographical area where the casting of the bronze items took place. This location was chosen for its suitability for large-scale metalwork.
3.
SuccothA town near the Jordan River, significant in Israel's history, and mentioned as a location near where the casting occurred.
4.
ZarethanAnother town near the Jordan River, close to Succoth, marking the area where the bronze casting was done.
5.
Bronze CastingThe event of creating the temple furnishings, which were essential for the worship practices in the temple Solomon built.
Teaching Points
The Importance of PreparationJust as Solomon prepared the materials and location for the temple furnishings, we must prepare our hearts and minds for worship and service to God.
God's Provision of ResourcesThe choice of the Jordan plain for casting shows God's provision of the right resources and locations for His work. We should trust God to provide what we need for His purposes.
Attention to Detail in WorshipThe detailed process of casting the bronze items reflects the importance of precision and care in our worship and service to God.
Historical ContinuityThe use of locations like Succoth and Zarethan connects Solomon's work to Israel's history, reminding us of the continuity of God's plan through generations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Kings 7:46?
2.How does 1 Kings 7:46 demonstrate God's provision for temple construction?
3.What significance does the location of casting in the Jordan Valley hold?
4.How can we apply the dedication shown in 1 Kings 7:46 today?
5.What other biblical events occurred in the Jordan Valley region?
6.How does this verse reflect God's attention to detail in His plans?
7.What is the significance of casting bronze in the plain of the Jordan in 1 Kings 7:46?
8.How does 1 Kings 7:46 reflect the technological advancements of Solomon's era?
9.Why is the location of the Jordan plain important in 1 Kings 7:46?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 7?
11.Is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the large-scale bronze casting described in 1 Kings 7:46?
12.What is the meaning and location of Succoth Valley?
13.What is the meaning and location of Succoth Valley?
14.Judges 8:4-5: Could 300 men realistically pursue thousands of Midianites without proper resources or logistical support?What Does 1 Kings 7:46 Mean
The king had them cast• The “king” is Solomon, whose heart’s desire was to honor the LORD with a temple worthy of His name (1 Kings 6:38;2 Chronicles 4:11).
• “Had them cast” points to deliberate, organized workmanship. Solomon delegated to Huram, “a skilled craftsman,” yet the ultimate authority and initiative belonged to the king (1 Kings 7:13–14).
• Scripture repeatedly credits leaders who obey God’s design—Moses for the tabernacle (Exodus 40:16) and David preparing materials for Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:2). Solomon stands in that same obedient stream.
in clay molds• Bronze is poured into simple, earthy molds—literally dirt shaped for holy purpose.
• The choice of clay underscores that God can use ordinary elements to fashion objects set apart for His glory, much like He shapes people: “But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay” (Isaiah 64:8).
• Clay molds allow large castings; the two pillars themselves stood eighteen cubits high (1 Kings 7:15). Their very size testifies that “nothing is too difficult” when the LORD commissions a task (Jeremiah 32:17).
in the plain of the Jordan• Instead of crafting these pieces in crowded Jerusalem, work happened in the spacious Jordan Valley, giving room for furnaces, molds, and manpower.
• The Jordan plain offered:
– Abundant clay soils and water for cooling metal.
– Easy transport: finished bronze could float up to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 4:18 hints the weight was “beyond measure”).
• The Jordan region already carried memories of God’s power—Israel crossed here on dry ground (Joshua 3:14–17), a setting well-suited for another monumental work of faith.
between Succoth and Zarethan• “Succoth” first appears when Jacob built shelters after meeting Esau (Genesis 33:17). It later hosted Gideon’s confrontation with reluctant allies (Judges 8:4–9).
• “Zarethan” lies near where the Jordan’s waters “stood in a heap” during Israel’s crossing (Joshua 3:16).
• By naming both sites, the writer pins the casting yard to a real map, affirming historical reliability—just as Solomon’s temple was tangible, not mythical.
• Those geographical markers remind readers of God’s covenant faithfulness: the same God who opened the river now oversees the forging of temple vessels.
summarySolomon personally oversaw the casting of massive bronze temple furnishings, choosing common clay molds in the fertile Jordan plain between Succoth and Zarethan. The details highlight skilled obedience, God’s use of humble materials, practical wisdom in location, and a deliberate link to earlier acts of divine deliverance.1 Kings 7:46 is more than a footnote—it roots the temple’s glory in real history, real geography, and a real God who shapes both metal and men for His worship.
(46)
In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them.--The casting was done in the Jordan valley. Succoth is on the east side of Jordan, in the territory of Gad (see
Genesis 33:17;
Joshua 13:27;
Judges 8:5)--the place of the halt of Jacob on his way from Padan-aram, and of the insult offered to Gideon and his revenge. Zarthan, or Zaretan (
Joshua 3:16), is on the western side, in the territory of Manasseh, not far from Bethshan, and nearly opposite Succoth.
Verse 46. -
Inthe plain [Heb.
Ciccar, i.e., circle or circuit, the word used only of the Ghor or Jordan valley. This tract is called "The Ciccar"
Genesis 13:11, 19:17, etc. See Stanley, "Sinai and Palestine," App., § 12] of Jordan [in the Heb. this river ("
the descender") always takes the art.]
did the king cast them, in the clay ground [Heb. as marg.
in the thickness of the ground. Whether the soil was made thick by stamping (Keil) it is impossible to say. It looks as if this site had been chosen because the soil was suitable]
between Succoth [
Genesis 33:17. It appears from
Judges 8:5 that it lay east of the Jordan (cf.
Joshua 13:27, where it allotted to the tribe of Gad); "and indeed it has been recovered, under its later name Tarala, at Tell Dar'ala, northeast of the Damieh ford" (Condor, p. 229). As Zarthan was almost certainly west of the Jordan, and as the casting - from the nature of the country - must as certainly have been done to the west of the river it is somewhat surprising to find a trans-Jordanie town mentioned as one of the landmarks defining the site. It is possible that there was a western Succoth - a place named
Sakut was discovered by Robinson and Van de velde, a few miles south of Bethshean; but this name is radically different (Conder). It is, therefore, more probable that, being near the ford of the river this place was so well known that it would serve better than any of the less familiar western towns to identify the site of the foundry]
and Zarthan. [See note on 1 Kings 4:12.]
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kinghad them castיְצָקָ֣ם(yə·ṣā·qām)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3332:To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hardin clayבְּמַעֲבֵ֖ה(bə·ma·‘ă·ḇêh)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4568:Thickness, compactnessmoldsהָאֲדָמָ֑ה(hā·’ă·ḏā·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 127:Ground, landin the plainבְּכִכַּ֤ר(bə·ḵik·kar)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3603:A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּן֙(hay·yar·dên)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383:Jordan -- the principal river of Palestinebetweenבֵּ֥ין(bên)Preposition
Strong's 996:An interval, space betweenSuccothסֻכּ֖וֹת(suk·kō·wṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5523:Succoth -- a city East of the Jordan, also a place in Egyptand Zarethan.צָרְתָֽן׃(ṣā·rə·ṯān)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6891:Zarethan -- a city in the Jordan Valley
Links
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1 Kings 7:46 BibleApps.com1 Kings 7:46 Biblia Paralela1 Kings 7:46 Chinese Bible1 Kings 7:46 French Bible1 Kings 7:46 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Kings 7:46 In the plain of the Jordan did (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) 
