The Ten Stands and Basins are significant components of the furnishings of Solomon's Temple, as described in the Old Testament. These items were crafted for the purpose of ritual purification and were integral to the worship practices in the temple. The detailed account of their construction and purpose is found in 1 Kings 7:27-39 and 2 Chronicles 4:6.

Construction and Design

The Ten Stands and Basins were made of bronze, a material commonly used in the temple for its durability and symbolic purity. Each stand was four cubits long, four cubits wide, and three cubits high. The stands were intricately designed with panels that featured figures of lions, oxen, and cherubim, along with decorative wreaths. The craftsmanship of these stands reflects the high level of artistry and skill employed in the construction of the temple.

The stands were mounted on four wheels, allowing them to be moved as needed. The wheels were fashioned like chariot wheels, emphasizing both their functionality and their aesthetic appeal. The axles, rims, spokes, and hubs were all cast in bronze, ensuring the stands were robust and capable of supporting the basins.

Function and Symbolism

The primary function of the Ten Stands and Basins was for the ceremonial washing of the offerings. Each basin held forty baths, approximately 240 gallons, of water. This large capacity underscores the importance of purification in the sacrificial system. The basins were used by the priests to wash the burnt offerings, a ritual that symbolized the cleansing of sin and the preparation of the offerings for God.

The number ten is often associated with completeness in biblical numerology, suggesting that the provision of ten stands and basins was intended to fully meet the needs of the temple's sacrificial system. The use of bronze, a metal associated with judgment and purification, further emphasizes the role of these items in the spiritual life of Israel.

Placement in the Temple

The Ten Stands and Basins were strategically placed around the temple courtyard. According to 1 Kings 7:39, five stands were positioned on the south side and five on the north side of the temple. This arrangement allowed for efficient access by the priests during the sacrificial rituals, facilitating the smooth operation of temple services.

Biblical References

1 Kings 7:27-39 provides a detailed description of the construction and design of the stands and basins. The passage highlights the meticulous attention to detail and the artistic excellence that characterized the temple furnishings. 2 Chronicles 4:6 reiterates the purpose of the basins, stating, "He also made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. In them the things to be used for the burnt offerings were rinsed, but the Sea was to be used by the priests for washing."

These passages underscore the importance of the Ten Stands and Basins in the religious life of ancient Israel, serving as a constant reminder of the need for purification and holiness in approaching God.