2 Chronicles 4
Read 2 Chronicles 4 (WEB)+
1Then he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high. 2Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim. It was round, five cubits high, and thirty cubits in circumference. 3Under it was the likeness of oxen, which encircled it, for ten cubits, encircling the sea. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast. 4It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set on them above, and all their hindquarters were inward. 5It was a handbreadth thick; and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It received and held three thousand baths. 6He also made ten basins, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them. The things that belonged to the burnt offering were washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. 7He made the ten lamp stands of gold according to the ordinance concerning them; and he set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left. 8He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. He made one hundred basins of gold. 9Furthermore he made the court of the priests, the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid their doors with brass. 10He set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south. 11Huram made the pots, the shovels, and the basins. So Huram finished doing the work that he did for king Solomon in God’s house: 12the two pillars, the bowls, the two capitals which were on the top of the pillars, the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars, 13and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. 14He also made the bases, and he made the basins on the bases; 15one sea, and the twelve oxen under it. 16Huram his father also made the pots, the shovels, the forks, and all its vessels for king Solomon, for Yahweh’s house, of bright brass. 17The king cast them in the plain of the Jordan, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah. 18Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance; for the weight of the brass could not be determined. 19Solomon made all the vessels that were in God’s house, the golden altar also, and the tables with the show bread on them; 20and the lamp stands with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the inner sanctuary, of pure gold; 21and the flowers, the lamps, and the tongs of gold that was perfect gold; 22and the snuffers, the basins, the spoons, and the fire pans of pure gold. As for the entry of the house, its inner doors for the most holy place and the doors of the main hall of the temple were of gold.
World English Bible (public domain)
“Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, and stored the silver and the gold and all the vessels in the treasuries of the house of God.”
2 Chronicles 4:22
Summary
In 2 Chronicles chapter 4, the focus shifts to the preparation and construction of the temple's furnishings under King Solomon's direction. One of the primary highlights is the making of the large bronze altar, which was used for sacrifices, signifying the importance of atonement and worship in the Israelite community. Additionally, the chapter details the creation of various bronze items, including the ten basins for washing, the lampstands, and the utensils for the temple service. Each piece is described with precision, reflecting the grandeur and holiness intended for the temple as the dwelling place of God among His people. These detailed descriptions emphasize not only the beauty of the temple but also the care and reverence with which Solomon approached his God-given task.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about 2 Chronicles 4
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying 2 Chronicles with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for men.
Chapter outline
How 2 Chronicles 4 unfolds
2 Chronicles 4:1 Construction of the Bronze Altar
Solomon constructed a large bronze altar, measuring twenty cubits long and wide, highlighting the significance of sacrificial worship.
2 Chronicles 4:2–5 The Molten Sea Description
A large bronze basin, known as the molten sea, was crafted, featuring oxen and capable of holding three thousand baths, symbolizing purification.
2 Chronicles 4:6–8 Creation of Basins and Lampstands
Ten basins were made for washing, while ten golden lampstands were placed in the temple, emphasizing the need for ritual cleanliness and illumination.
2 Chronicles 4:9–10 Establishment of the Court
Solomon constructed the court of the priests and adorned its doors with brass, establishing a space for worship and service.
2 Chronicles 4:11–15 Huram's Contributions
Huram created various temple vessels, including pots and basins, and the altar rested on twelve oxen, showcasing skilled craftsmanship.
2 Chronicles 4:16–18 Brass Work and Abundance
Huram also made utensils from brass, with the sheer quantity of materials indicating the scale and wealth of the temple.
2 Chronicles 4:19–22 Completion of Temple Furnishings
Solomon completed various vessels for worship, including golden items, culminating in the beauty and sanctity of the temple's design.
Key verses
2 Chronicles 4:22The key verse encapsulates the completion of Solomon's meticulous work, highlighting the fulfillment of God's plan for the temple.
Main themes in 2 Chronicles 4
Sacredness of Worship
The theme of sacredness of worship surfaces in the construction of the bronze altar and the molten sea. These elements highlight the Israelites' commitment to creating a holy space for sacrifices and purification. This theme is crucial in establishing the temple as a dedicated place for God's presence among His people.
Divine Provision
Divine provision is evident through the abundant materials and skilled labor used in the temple's construction, particularly in verses describing the bronze and gold vessels. The details of the craftsmanship reflect God's provision for the temple's grandeur and the resources available to Solomon. This underscores the belief that God equips His people to fulfill their divine tasks.
Commitment to Obedience
Commitment to obedience is illustrated as Solomon follows the design and instructions for the temple's furnishings, signified in the careful crafting of items like the lampstands. This obedience demonstrates Solomon's desire to honor God through his actions and leadership. It emphasizes the importance of following divine guidance in worship and service.
Symbolism of Temple Furnishings
The symbolism of temple furnishings is richly presented through items like the molten sea and the lampstands, which serve functional and ceremonial purposes. Each piece reflects themes of purification, light, and divine presence, inviting deeper understanding of worship. This symbolism enhances the chapter's portrayal of the temple as a sacred space.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 2 Chronicles 4
- 1 Kings 7This passage provides a parallel account of the temple's construction, connecting the details of craftsmanship and materials used.
- Jeremiah 52This account echoes the significance of the temple in Jerusalem's history, particularly its destruction and the loss of sacred space.
- 1 Kings 6This connects with the overall narrative of the temple's construction, detailing the architectural design and divine instructions.
- Exodus 25This passage develops themes of sacredness and divine instructions, linking the tabernacle's furnishings to the temple's grandeur.
- 1 Chronicles 28This echoes the preparations for the temple, showing continuity in the commitment to building a dwelling place for God.
- Exodus 30This connects through the emphasis on consecration and the significance of items used in worship, reinforcing holiness.
Study questions
Questions for studying 2 Chronicles 4
- What were the dimensions of the bronze altar Solomon made?
- How did the molten sea reflect Israelite worship practices?
- What role did Huram play in constructing the temple's furnishings?
- What is the significance of the twelve oxen supporting the molten sea?
- In what ways did Solomon ensure the temple was prepared for worship?
- How does the gold used in the temple reflect its sacred purpose?
2 Chronicles 4: frequently asked questions
What is 2 Chronicles 4 about?+
What is the key verse in 2 Chronicles 4?+
What are the main themes of 2 Chronicles 4?+
Related chapters