23 And he maketh the molten sea, ten by the cubit from its edge unto its edge; 'it is' round all about, and five by the cubit 'is' its height, and a line of thirty by the cubit doth compass it round about; 24 and knops beneath its brim round about are compassing it, ten by the cubit, going round the sea round about; in two rows 'are' the knops, cast in its being cast. 25 It is standing on twelve oxen, three facing the north, and three facing the west, and three facing the south, and three facing the east, and the sea 'is' upon them above, and all their hinder parts 'are' inward. 26 And its thickness 'is' an handbreadth, and its edge as the work of the edge of a cup, flowers of lilies; two thousand baths it containeth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 7:23-26
Commentary on 1 Kings 7:13-47
(Read 1 Kings 7:13-47)
The two brazen pillars in the porch of the temple, some think, were to teach those that came to worship, to depend upon God only, for strength and establishment in all their religious exercises. "Jachin," God will fix this roving mind. It is good that the heart be established with grace. "Boaz," In him is our strength, who works in us both to will and to do. Spiritual strength and stability are found at the door of God's temple, where we must wait for the gifts of grace, in use of the means of grace. Spiritual priests and spiritual sacrifices must be washed in the laver of Christ's blood, and of regeneration. We must wash often, for we daily contract pollution. There are full means provided for our cleansing; so that if we have our lot for ever among the unclean it will be our own fault. Let us bless God for the fountain opened by the sacrifice of Christ for sin and for uncleanness.