The Ten Basins, Lampstands, and Tables are significant elements of the furnishings in Solomon's Temple, reflecting the grandeur and meticulous design of the house of worship built for the Lord in Jerusalem. These items are detailed in the biblical account of 1 Kings 7 and 2 Chronicles 4, where they are described as part of the extensive preparations made by King Solomon to honor God with a temple that would serve as a central place of worship for the Israelites.

The Ten Basins

The ten basins, also referred to as lavers, were crafted by Hiram, a skilled artisan from Tyre, who was commissioned by Solomon to oversee the temple's construction. According to 1 Kings 7:38-39 , "He made ten bronze basins, each holding forty baths, and each basin was four cubits. There was one basin for each of the ten stands. He set five stands on the south side of the temple and five on the north." These basins were used for ceremonial washing, a critical aspect of the Levitical rituals, symbolizing purification and readiness to approach God.

The Ten Lampstands

The ten lampstands of gold were another essential feature of the temple's interior, providing light and symbolizing the presence of God among His people. As described in 2 Chronicles 4:7 , "He made ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north." These lampstands were reminiscent of the menorah in the Tabernacle, serving as a perpetual light before the Lord and representing divine guidance and wisdom.

The Ten Tables

The ten tables, crafted for the temple, were used for the placement of the showbread, a sacred offering that signified God's provision and covenant with Israel. 2 Chronicles 4:8 states, "He made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north. He also made a hundred gold bowls." The showbread, also known as the Bread of the Presence, was a continual offering, replaced every Sabbath, and was a reminder of God's sustenance and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Symbolism and Significance

The Ten Basins, Lampstands, and Tables collectively underscore the themes of purity, divine illumination, and covenantal provision. Each element was meticulously crafted and placed within the temple to facilitate the worship and service of the Lord, reflecting the holiness and order that God required. The use of precious materials such as gold and bronze highlights the reverence and honor due to God, as well as the wealth and resources that Solomon dedicated to the temple's construction.

These furnishings also serve as a typological foreshadowing of Christ, who is the true Light of the World, the Bread of Life, and the one who purifies and sanctifies His people. The temple, with its intricate design and sacred objects, points to the greater reality of God's presence with His people, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.