The molten sea was a large basin made of bronze. It was 5 cubits (7.5 feet) high and 10 cubits (15 feet) in diameter at the brim. The sea holds 3,000 baths (about 17,500 gallons) of water. The brim was made like the brim of a cup. Under the brim, it was decorated with two rows of 300 gourds. This great sea rested on the backs of twelve bronze oxen which, in groups of three, faced the north, south, east and west. The very purpose of this great sea was for the priests to wash themselves before entering into the Temple.