Bible Dictionary
Sea, Molten
The molten sea was Solomon’s enormous copper basin in the temple courtyard, used for priestly washing. It stood on twelve oxen and was later removed and dismantled during the decline and destruction of the kingdom.
Definition
The molten sea was a very large copper basin made by Solomon for the temple, serving a purpose comparable to the laver of the tabernacle. It held water for priestly washing and stood on twelve oxen facing outward.
Biblical Usage
The molten sea belonged to the temple furnishings and was used for priestly cleansing. It was later altered by Ahaz and finally broken up by the Assyrians.
Historical Background
It was about fifteen feet in diameter and seven and a half feet deep, holding two or three thousand baths. Its copper came from cities captured by David from Hadarezer king of Zobah.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
In the place of the laver of the tabernacle Solomon caused a laver to be cast for a similar purpose, which from its size was called a sea. It was made partly or wholly of the brass, or rather copper, which was captured by David from “Tibhath and Chun, cities of Hadarezer king of Zobah.” (1 Kings 7:23-26; 1 Chronicles 18:8) It is said to have been 15 feet in diameter and 7 1/2 feet deep, and to have been capable of containing 2000, or according to (2 Chronicles 4:5) 3000 Baths (16,000 to 24,000 gallons). The lever stood on twelve oxen three toward each quarter of the heavens, and all looking outward. It was mutilated by Ahaz by being removed from its basis of oxen and placed on a stone base, and was finally broken up by the Assyrians. (2 Kings 16:14,17; 25:13)