Definition: And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 7:39. It’s a really interesting detail about how King Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, he built two sets of steps leading eastward – meaning towards the east – on either side of the main entrance to the temple. Think of it like this: Five Bases: He created five separate levels or "bases" on each side of the house. Five on the Left & Right: Each base had five steps, one on the left and one on the right. Sea on the Eastward Side: The most surprising part is that he placed a large body of water – the sea – eastward over against the south side of the house. This created a beautiful, reflecting space! Why did he do this? This was a really significant symbolic gesture. It's believed to represent: A connection to God: The sea symbolizes a vast and holy space, allowing Solomon to worship God in a grand, expansive way. The waters of the Red Sea: It’s thought that this placement mirrored the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea during their escape from Egypt – a symbol of God's power to deliver them. In short, it was a very impressive and symbolic design that emphasized God's presence and power within the temple. Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like to know: What is the historical context behind this construction? How does this relate to other biblical stories involving water or the sea?