Topical Encyclopedia
The Brazen Sea, also known as the "Molten Sea," was a large basin made of cast bronze, constructed under the reign of King Solomon for the temple in Jerusalem. This significant artifact is detailed in the biblical accounts of
1 Kings 7:23-26 and
2 Chronicles 4:2-5. It served a crucial role in the religious practices of ancient Israel, particularly in the purification rituals of the priests.
Construction and DesignThe Brazen Sea was an impressive feat of ancient craftsmanship. According to
1 Kings 7:23 , "He made the Sea of cast metal, circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim and five cubits high. It took a line of thirty cubits to measure around it." This description highlights its massive size and circular form. The Sea was supported by twelve bronze oxen, arranged in groups of three facing each cardinal direction, as described in
1 Kings 7:25 : "The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, and their hindquarters were toward the center."
The thickness of the basin was a handbreadth, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, resembling a lily blossom. The capacity of the Brazen Sea was considerable, holding "two thousand baths" (
1 Kings 7:26), which is estimated to be approximately 11,000 gallons or 41,600 liters.
Purpose and SymbolismThe primary function of the Brazen Sea was for the ceremonial washing of the priests. Before performing their duties, the priests were required to cleanse themselves, symbolizing purification and holiness before approaching the sacred tasks within the temple. This ritual washing was a physical representation of the spiritual cleansing necessary to serve in the presence of God.
The Brazen Sea also held symbolic significance. Its vast size and the use of bronze, a metal associated with judgment and strength, underscored the importance of purity and the weight of divine law. The twelve oxen supporting the Sea may symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating that the entire nation was upheld by the covenant relationship with God.
Historical and Theological ContextThe construction of the Brazen Sea during Solomon's reign marked a period of prosperity and religious centralization in Israel. Solomon's temple was the focal point of worship, and the Brazen Sea was an integral part of the temple's furnishings, reflecting the grandeur and holiness of the worship practices instituted by God.
Theologically, the Brazen Sea can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament understanding of spiritual cleansing through Christ. While the physical washing in the Old Testament was a temporary measure, it pointed forward to the ultimate purification from sin offered through Jesus' sacrifice.
Later HistoryThe fate of the Brazen Sea is recorded in
2 Kings 25:13, where it is mentioned that the Babylonians destroyed the temple and took the bronze from the Sea during the conquest of Jerusalem. This event marked the end of its use in the temple rituals, but its memory persisted as a symbol of Israel's former glory and the divine presence that once dwelt among them.
In summary, the Brazen Sea was a monumental and symbolic element of Solomon's temple, serving both practical and spiritual purposes in the worship life of ancient Israel. Its legacy continues to be a point of reflection on the themes of purity, judgment, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Brazen SeaBRAZEN SEA
SeeSEA, THE MOLTEN.
Library
Of the Building of this Temple
... 5. Solomon also cast abrazen sea, whose figure was that of a hemisphere.
Thisbrazen vessel was called asea for its largeness, for...
Vision of the Deity.
... The "sea of glass," corresponds to thebrazen sea, or laver, under the law, which
stood at the door of the tabernacle, Ex.38:8. It was an emblem of purity....
Appendix iii. Rabbinic views as to the Lawfulness of Images...
... (Ab. Z. iii.3.) This may explain how Josephus ventured even to blame King Solomon
for the figures on theBrazen sea and on his throne (Ant....
How Solomon Grew Rich, and Fell Desperately in Love with Women and...
... happened, he sinned, and fell into an error about the observation of the laws, when
he made the images ofbrazen oxen that supported thebrazen sea, [20] and...
The World Turned Upside Down
... slandered as if they were the common sewer, into which all the filth of sin was
to be poured; whereas, they were like Solomon's greatbrazen sea, which was...
How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the...
... that sort of brass which is said to be more valuable than gold; of which brass Solomon
made that large vessel which was called The [Brazen]Sea, and those most...
That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in...
... Hence also it is that before the doors of the temple thebrazen sea for washing
the hands of those who enter, that is the laver, is supported by twelve oxen (1...
Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church
... And in the temple, we understand, there was a greatbrazen sea in which the priests
did wash themselves, and there were otherbrazen seas, in which they washed...
The Mysteries of theBrazen Serpent
... and passion he can command, lest they should be opened on thatbrazen serpent, and
he... while they might, but still tarried on deck; at last asea swallowed them...
The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... After they quitted thebrazen pillar, they, too, traversed thatsea so famed
in ancient story. But their ship being wrecked as they...
Resources
What is the mercy seat? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Judas Iscariot? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgBrazen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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