Synopsis of the Chapter
Solomon makes the altar of holocausts, the molten sea, two golden basins, ten golden candlesticks, tables, bowls, and the other vessels of the temple.
Verse 2: A Line of Thirty Cubits ¶
2. A LINE OF THIRTY CUBITS. — He calls the line the circle, or circumference of the bronze sea, which was 30 cubits, namely three times greater than its diameter.
Verse 3: The Likeness of Oxen ¶
3. THE LIKENESS OF OXEN WAS ALSO UNDER IT, etc. — that is to say: Besides the twelve bronze oxen on which the molten sea rested, there were on the front part of the sea, for a space of ten cubits (which was a third of the circumference, for the whole was thirty cubits), other oxen heads projecting for elegance; perhaps also so that through them, as through spouts, water could be drawn out. Moreover these heads were "in two rows." In Hebrew, arranged in two rows; for one row was below the brim, the other toward the bottom. And they were cast, in Hebrew, cast in its castings, namely of the sea, that is to say: These heads were not externally added and fastened to the sea, but were originally cast together with the sea itself in the founding work.
Verse 9: The Court of the Priests ¶
9. HE MADE THE COURT OF THE PRIESTS AND THE GREAT HALL — that is, as the Hebrew and Septuagint have, the great court, in which the people prayed, which was an open-air area surrounded on all sides by porticos, so that in rainy weather the people would be sheltered by them, taking refuge there; which porticos were distinguished by a triple order of columns and a triple tier. Moreover this court of the people surrounded and enclosed on three sides the court of the priests, and was like the temple of the people. Hence in Hebrew it is called azara, that is, help, because the people praying to God there felt His assistance.
Verse 21: Certain Flowers ¶
21. AND CERTAIN FLOWERS. — In Hebrew, and flowers, for example of roses, lilies, clove-pinks, etc. These flowers were fashioned of gold.