Practical exhortations from 1 Kings 7
1 Kings 7 is a chapter about building, craftsmanship, order, strength, preparation, service, and completion. It records Solomon’s own building works and then gives extensive detail concerning the furnishings made for the temple, especially the work of Hiram the craftsman.
From a Christadelphian perspective, the chapter encourages us to think about how carefully God’s work should be done, how different abilities can be used in His service, and how believers are being prepared as part of a spiritual house for the coming Kingdom.
1. Large works require patience
Verse 1 tells us:
“But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.” — 1 Kings 7:1
Thirteen years is a long period.
Important work often takes much longer than we initially expect.
This is true spiritually as well.
Character is not developed in a few weeks.
Faith, patience, discernment and wisdom are built over years.
James says:
“let patience have her perfect work.” — James 1:4
We should not become discouraged simply because spiritual growth is slow.
2. Finishing is as important as beginning
The verse specifically tells us:
“he finished all his house.”
Many people begin enthusiastically.
Fewer persevere to completion.
The same applies to discipleship.
Baptism is a beginning, not the finishing point.
Jesus said:
“he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” — Matthew 10:22
The aim is not simply to start faithfully, but to remain faithful.
3. There is a danger in giving more attention to ourselves than to God
The temple took seven years to build, while Solomon’s own house took thirteen.
The comparison should at least make us examine our own priorities.
How much time and attention do we give to:
- our houses,
- possessions,
- careers,
- comfort,
- hobbies,
compared with the things of God?
Jesus said:
“seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” — Matthew 6:33
There is nothing wrong with caring properly for our homes and responsibilities, but God’s things must remain first.
4. Material splendour is not spiritual greatness
The chapter describes impressive buildings, pillars, cedar, brass and elaborate workmanship.
Yet later Solomon’s spiritual decline shows that beautiful buildings cannot guarantee faithfulness.
This is an important warning.
We can possess:
- beautiful meeting rooms,
- impressive publications,
- advanced technology,
- excellent organisation,
and still become spiritually weak.
God looks primarily at the heart.
“the LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
Hiram the craftsman
One of the most important people in the chapter is not a king or priest, but a skilled craftsman.
Verse 13 says:
“And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.”
He becomes central to the temple furnishings.
5. God’s work needs practical people as well as teachers
Hiram was:
“filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass.” — 1 Kings 7:14
His ability was practical.
He worked with metal.
This reminds us that service to God is much broader than public speaking.
Ecclesias need people who can:
- organise,
- repair,
- cook,
- drive,
- manage finances,
- translate,
- use technology,
- maintain buildings,
- welcome visitors,
- care for others.
Not all service happens from a platform.
6. Skill and wisdom can go together
Hiram’s practical craftsmanship is described using words such as:
“wisdom, and understanding.”
This is significant.
Biblical wisdom is not restricted to abstract thought.
A person can express wisdom through skilled workmanship.
Whatever our occupation or ability, we can seek to perform it carefully and faithfully.
“whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23
7. Use the abilities God has given you
Hiram did not try to be Solomon.
Solomon did not try to do Hiram’s work.
Each contributed according to his role.
We should not waste time wishing we possessed someone else’s abilities.
Instead ask:
What can I do with what God has given me?
Paul says:
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy…” — Romans 12:6
Different abilities can all contribute to God’s work.
8. Excellence in ordinary work honours God
Hiram’s work was extraordinarily detailed.
The chapter records measurements, decorative work and construction methods.
He did not approach the task carelessly.
This teaches us that doing something well can itself be an act of faithfulness.
We should avoid the attitude:
“It is only voluntary work, so it does not matter.”
If something is being done in God’s service, care matters.
The two pillars
Hiram made two great pillars for the temple.
Verse 21 says:
“And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple.”
He named them:
“Jachin”
“Boaz.”
The names are commonly understood along the lines of “He shall establish” and “In him is strength.”
Without forcing symbolism beyond what Scripture states, these names suggest valuable principles.
9. God is the one who establishes
Human institutions eventually fail.
Kingdoms rise and fall.
Men become powerful and then disappear.
But what God establishes endures.
Psalm 127 says:
“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” — Psalm 127:1
This is a powerful question for all our activities:
Is God at the foundation of what I am trying to build?
10. Our strength must come from God
The idea associated with Boaz directs our minds toward strength.
Human strength is temporary.
David had been strong, but became weak in old age.
Solomon was powerful, but eventually failed spiritually.
True strength comes from God.
Paul says:
“be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” — Ephesians 6:10
We should therefore pray for spiritual strength rather than trusting ourselves.
11. Stability comes from a sound foundation
The pillars stood prominently at the entrance.
A strong structure requires stability.
Likewise, a stable spiritual life requires sound principles.
If our faith rests primarily upon:
- emotion,
- personalities,
- tradition,
- circumstances,
it can easily collapse.
Our faith should rest upon God’s word.
12. Strength and beauty belong together
The pillars were both strong and beautifully decorated.
This suggests a useful principle.
Spiritual strength should not make us harsh.
A strong believer should also display:
- kindness,
- patience,
- gentleness,
- mercy.
Jesus combined firmness with compassion perfectly.
Paul speaks of:
“speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15
Truth without love can become harsh.
Love without truth can become weak.
Godly character requires both.
The lily work and pomegranates
The pillars were decorated with:
“lily work” — 1 Kings 7:19
and:
“two rows of pomegranates” — verse 18.
These were natural forms associated with beauty and fruitfulness.
13. God desires fruitfulness
The imagery of fruit should remind us that God expects spiritual fruit from His people.
Jesus said:
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” — John 15:8
A knowledge of the truth should produce:
- love,
- joy,
- peace,
- longsuffering,
- gentleness,
- goodness,
- faith,
- meekness,
- temperance.
Paul calls these:
“the fruit of the Spirit.” — Galatians 5:22-23
14. Strength should produce fruit, not pride
The pillars were enormous structures, but they were decorated with fruit.
That gives us a useful exhortation.
The spiritually strong person should not become proud.
Strength should produce useful fruit for others.
The more mature we become, the more patient and helpful we should become.
The molten sea
Verse 23 says:
“And he made a molten sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other.”
This enormous basin contained water used in connection with temple service.
It naturally directs our thoughts toward cleansing.
15. Service to God requires cleansing
Before approaching holy service, purification was necessary.
This principle continues spiritually.
David prayed:
“Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” — Psalm 51:2
We approach God recognising our need for forgiveness.
We do not come because we are naturally righteous.
We come through God’s mercy in Christ.
16. Cleansing must be continual
A basin used for washing was not useful only once.
It was needed repeatedly.
Likewise disciples continue to need forgiveness and correction after baptism.
John writes:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” — 1 John 1:9
Baptism begins a new life, but it does not make us incapable of sin.
We must continue examining ourselves.
17. God provides the means of cleansing
The priests did not invent their own method of purification.
God had provided the arrangements.
Likewise, reconciliation with God is according to His provision.
The way of salvation is through the Lord Jesus Christ.
“there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12
The twelve oxen
The molten sea stood upon twelve oxen:
“three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east.” — 1 Kings 7:25
The number twelve naturally relates to Israel and its twelve tribes.
18. God’s purpose with Israel remains important
The temple belonged to Israel’s national worship.
Christadelphians recognise that God’s purpose with Israel was not an accidental stage later discarded.
Paul asks:
“Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.” — Romans 11:1
God’s promises to Abraham and David remain central to the Gospel.
This is important in understanding the future Kingdom of God.
19. God’s purpose ultimately extends in every direction
The oxen faced north, south, east and west.
Without insisting on a specific symbolism, this can remind us of the worldwide scope of God’s purpose.
God promised Abraham:
“in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” — Genesis 22:18
The Kingdom will not concern Israel alone.
Through Christ, blessing will extend to the nations.
The ten bases and lavers
The chapter gives extensive details concerning the wheeled bases and lavers.
Again, some readers may be tempted to assign symbolic meaning to every measurement. We should be cautious about going beyond Scripture.
But the practical principles remain clear.
20. God’s service involves repeated ordinary tasks
The lavers were practical objects.
They had work to do.
Not everything in the temple was dramatic.
Likewise, much of discipleship consists of repeated ordinary duties:
- reading Scripture every day,
- praying,
- attending meetings,
- checking on someone,
- preparing food,
- helping with transport,
- completing routine ecclesial tasks.
Faithfulness is built through repetition.
21. Mobility reminds us that service should be practical
The bases had wheels.
They were designed to function.
Beauty and usefulness were combined.
This gives us a valuable principle.
Things we create for God’s service should not merely look impressive.
They should work.
Whether we are producing a Bible course, website, meeting arrangement or preaching material, usefulness matters.
22. Good design serves a purpose
The chapter carefully describes:
- panels,
- borders,
- wheels,
- axles,
- supports,
- basins.
Nothing was random.
Good design solves problems.
There is an exhortation here for anyone with responsibility.
We should ask not merely:
“Can we do this?”
but:
“How can we do this in a way that actually serves people well?”
23. Many components form one work
The temple required pillars, lavers, basins, shovels, bowls and many other items.
Each was different.
Yet all belonged to one purpose.
Paul uses exactly this kind of principle concerning the ecclesia:
“there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” — 1 Corinthians 12:6
We should value contributions different from our own.
24. Do not despise apparently small roles
Some temple objects were enormous.
Others were small utensils.
Yet both were necessary.
The same is true in the ecclesia.
The brother giving a public address may be visible.
The sister who quietly encourages someone distressed may be unseen.
Both forms of service matter.
Paul says:
“those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.” — 1 Corinthians 12:22
The quantity of brass
Verse 47 says:
“Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.”
There was an enormous amount of material.
25. God’s work can involve abundant resources
The temple project involved substantial resources.
Those resources had a purpose.
Likewise, money and material possessions can be useful when directed toward God’s work.
The danger lies not in possessing resources, but in allowing possessions to possess us.
Paul says:
“Charge them that are rich in this world… that they be rich in good works.” — 1 Timothy 6:17-18
26. Abundance should increase generosity
If God gives us more than we need, the question should not merely be:
What more can I accumulate?
but:
How can this be useful?
Jesus teaches us to lay up:
“treasures in heaven.” — Matthew 6:20
The gold vessels
The latter part of the chapter lists the golden furnishings made for the temple.
Everything connected with the house of God received careful attention.
27. Holiness requires care
The temple furnishings were not treated casually.
The principle is that things dedicated to God deserve respect.
Today this applies especially to our conduct.
Paul says:
“present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.” — Romans 12:1
Our lives themselves are to be dedicated to God.
28. Our whole life should belong to God
There were many different vessels, but all were dedicated to temple service.
Similarly, discipleship is not merely one compartment of life.
God should influence:
- work,
- money,
- family,
- entertainment,
- relationships,
- speech,
- private behaviour.
Paul says:
“whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
29. What is dedicated to God should not be used carelessly
Temple vessels were separated for divine service.
There is a spiritual lesson concerning ourselves.
At baptism we become people separated to God.
That should affect how we live.
Paul asks:
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16
If we belong to God, our conduct should reflect that ownership.
David’s preparation and Solomon’s completion
At the end of the chapter we read:
“And Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated.” — 1 Kings 7:51
David had prepared things which Solomon later used.
This gives us a beautiful lesson about generations of service.
30. We may prepare something others will use
David never saw the completed temple.
But his work contributed to it.
Likewise, we may:
- teach a child who later serves God,
- prepare material another person uses,
- establish an ecclesial work another generation continues,
- plant a seed of truth whose result we never see.
This should not discourage us.
God sees the whole purpose.
31. Do not measure service only by what you personally complete
David prepared.
Solomon completed.
Neither should be regarded as unnecessary.
Paul says:
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.” — 1 Corinthians 3:6
The important thing is not personal ownership.
It is participation in God’s work.
32. Preserve useful things entrusted to you
Solomon did not discard what David had prepared.
He incorporated it into the temple treasury.
We should likewise respect useful spiritual resources inherited from faithful people before us.
Not everything old is automatically right.
But neither should everything old be discarded merely because it is old.
Wisdom examines, preserves what is good, and continues building.
The greater spiritual house
The temple was an extraordinary building, but the New Testament directs our attention toward a greater house.
Peter says:
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.” — 1 Peter 2:5
God is preparing people.
Each believer can become part of that spiritual house.
Our different abilities resemble the different components of the temple: not identical, but all serving one purpose.
33. Christ must remain central
No amount of craftsmanship can replace the foundation.
Paul says:
“other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11
Our faith must remain centred upon Christ:
his teaching,
his sacrifice,
his resurrection,
his coming Kingdom.
34. God is building character now
The craftsmen shaped brass, stone, timber and gold.
God is shaping people.
The tools He uses include:
- His word,
- trials,
- responsibilities,
- relationships,
- correction,
- patience.
Some shaping is painful.
But the purpose is greater than present discomfort.
Paul says:
“all things work together for good to them that love God.” — Romans 8:28
Solomon’s glory and the greater Son of David
The splendour described in 1 Kings 7 belongs to Solomon’s kingdom.
But Jesus said:
“behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” — Matthew 12:42
Solomon’s kingdom eventually declined.
Christ’s Kingdom will not.
Daniel says:
“the God of heaven [shall] set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.” — Daniel 2:44
For Christadelphians, this is the great future hope: the literal return of Jesus Christ to the earth, the restoration of the Kingdom of God, the establishment of righteous rule from Jerusalem, and ultimately the filling of the earth with God’s glory.
The central exhortation of 1 Kings 7
1 Kings 7 shows many different people, materials and skills being brought together to accomplish one great work.
The chapter asks us:
Am I patiently building for God, even when the work takes years?
Am I using the abilities God has given me rather than envying somebody else’s?
Do I perform ordinary responsibilities carefully?
Is God establishing my life, or am I relying upon my own strength?
Does spiritual strength in me produce fruit and kindness?
Am I allowing God to cleanse and shape my character?
Am I contributing something useful to the ecclesia, even if my role is largely unseen?
And perhaps most importantly:
Am I building something that will remain useful in God’s purpose after my own part is finished?
David prepared.
Hiram crafted.
Solomon organised and completed.
Thousands of others served.
Different people did different things, but together the house was built.
That gives us a simple exhortation for everyday discipleship:
Use whatever God has placed in your hands, do your part carefully, and remember that the work is greater than any one of us.
For:
“ye are God’s building.” — 1 Corinthians 3:9
Practical Readings — 1 KINGS 7