1 Kings 7: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Kings 7 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Solomon finished building his house after thirteen years (vv. 1-2). He constructed the House of the Forest of Lebanon, which was 100 cubits long and contained cedar beams (vv. 3-8). The construction of the Great Court included costly stones and cedar beams, similar to the inner court of Yahweh’s house (vv. 9-12). Solomon brought Hiram from Tyre, a skilled craftsman in brass, to assist with the temple's pillars and other structures (vv. 13-22). Hiram crafted the Molten Sea, a large basin resting on twelve oxen, which held two thousand baths (vv. 23-26). He also made ten brass bases and basins for the temple (vv. 27-39). Hiram finished all the vessels for the temple, including the golden altar and lampstands (vv. 40-51).

Key verse

“Solomon made all the vessels that were in Yahweh’s house: the golden altar and the table that the show bread was on, of gold;”
1 Kings 7:48 (WEB)

Outline

1 Kings 7:1–2 Completion of Solomon's House
1 Kings 7:3–8 House of the Forest of Lebanon
1 Kings 7:9–12 Construction of the Great Court
1 Kings 7:13–22 Craftsmanship of Hiram
1 Kings 7:23–26 The Molten Sea
1 Kings 7:27–39 The Ten Bases and Basins
1 Kings 7:40–51 Completion of Temple Vessels

Discussion questions

In v2, what are the dimensions of the House of the Forest of Lebanon?
What materials are mentioned in v9 as used for the buildings?
Hiram's craftsmanship in vv. 13-14: how does his heritage influence his role for Solomon?
The names 'Jachin' and 'Boaz' in v21: what do these names signify for the pillars?
When have you admired craftsmanship or beauty in a place dedicated to something important?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 7: 2 Chronicles 4, Jeremiah 52, 1 Kings 6.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 8.