1 Chronicles 28:17

KJV

Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons [he gave gold] by weight for every bason; and [likewise silver] by weight for every bason of silver:

KJV (with Strong's)

Also pure {H2889} gold {H2091} for the fleshhooks {H4207}, and the bowls {H4219}, and the cups {H7184}: and for the golden {H2091} basons {H3713} he gave gold by weight {H4948} for every bason {H3713}; and likewise silver by weight {H4948} for every bason {H3713} of silver {H3701}:

Complete Jewish Bible

the gold for the pure gold forks, basins and jars, and for the gold bowls by weight for each bowl; also for the silver bowls by weight for each bowl;

Berean Standard Bible

the weight of the pure gold for the forks, sprinkling bowls, and pitchers; the weight of each gold dish; the weight of each silver bowl;

American Standard Version

and the flesh-hooks, and the basins, and the cups, of pure gold; and for the golden bowls by weight for every bowl; and for the silver bowls by weight for every bowl;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 28:17 meticulously details King David's provisions for the sacred vessels of the future Temple, specifying the precise allocation of pure gold and silver for various implements such as fleshhooks, bowls, cups, and basins. This verse underscores the extraordinary value and sacred purpose of every item intended for Temple service, emphasizing the exactness of the materials provided "by weight," reflecting the divine standard of excellence and the profound dedication to God's worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within King David's pivotal address to the leaders of Israel and his son Solomon, as recorded in [1 Chronicles 28](/1_chronicles/28 "1 Chronicles 28 - David's Charge to Solomon"). Having received the divine blueprint for the Temple from God (1 Chron 28:11-12, 19), David publicly charges Solomon with the monumental task of its construction. Chapters 28 and 29 serve as David's final will and testament regarding the Temple, showcasing his meticulous preparation, personal sacrifice, and spiritual legacy. Verse 17 specifically follows a detailed inventory of materials for larger structural elements and furnishings (1 Chron 28:14-16), now shifting focus to the smaller, yet equally vital, instruments essential for the sacrificial and ceremonial worship within the sanctuary. This detailed listing underscores the comprehensive nature of David's preparations and the divine precision required for every aspect of God's dwelling place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The building of the Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking, symbolizing the establishment of God's permanent dwelling among His people, a significant progression from the portable Tabernacle. In the ancient Near East, temples were central to national identity and religious life, often constructed with lavish materials to reflect the deity's honor and the patron's devotion. David's meticulous provision of precious metals, especially "pure gold" and silver "by weight," was not merely an act of generosity but a cultural statement of reverence and dedication. The items listed—fleshhooks, bowls, cups, and basins—were standard implements for the sacrificial system, used for handling meat, collecting blood, and performing libations or offerings, much like those prescribed for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 27:3](/exodus/27-3 "Exodus 27:3 - Tabernacle Implements") and [Exodus 38:3](/exodus/38-3 "Exodus 38:3 - Tabernacle Utensils"). The emphasis on "weight" ensured accountability, quality, and adherence to the divine standard, preventing any deviation from the sacred requirements.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Chronicles 28:17 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Precision and Order**, highlighted by the repeated phrase "by weight," signifying that God's work is to be executed with exactness and meticulous care, reflecting His own perfect nature. This echoes the detailed instructions given for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Secondly, the use of "pure gold" emphasizes **Purity and Holiness**, indicating that everything associated with God's presence and worship must be set apart and consecrated, symbolizing the undefiled nature of God Himself and the sanctity required of those who approach Him. Thirdly, David's extensive and detailed provision demonstrates **Generosity and Dedication** to God's kingdom, a theme further elaborated in [1 Chronicles 29:3](/1_chronicles/29-3 "1 Chronicles 29:3 - David's Personal Offering"), where David offers from his personal wealth. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Preparation for Worship**, showing that true worship requires forethought, resources, and a commitment to enabling the prescribed rituals, ensuring that the priests could perform their duties in the divinely ordained manner.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pure Gold (Hebrew, _zahav tahor'_):** This phrase denotes gold of the highest quality, unadulterated and refined. In biblical contexts, "pure" (טָהוֹר, _tahor_) often carries strong connotations of ceremonial and moral cleanness, essential for anything used in the worship of Yahweh. The use of pure gold for these vessels not only signified their immense value and the King's generosity but, more importantly, underscored their sacredness and separation for holy purposes within the Temple. It symbolized the unblemished nature required in approaching God's presence.
* **Fleshhooks (Hebrew, _mizlagot'_):** These were specific implements used by priests during sacrifices, likely for handling the meat of the offerings. Their inclusion among the precious vessels indicates that even the most utilitarian tools for sacred service were to be fashioned from the finest materials, emphasizing that every aspect of Temple worship, from the grandest altar to the smallest utensil, was consecrated and deserving of the highest quality.
* **By Weight (Hebrew, _bamishqal'_):** This recurring phrase is crucial. It signifies not just a general quantity but an exact, measured amount. In ancient Near Eastern economies, weighing precious metals was the standard method for ensuring precise value and accountability. In the context of the Temple, "by weight" implies meticulous adherence to divine specifications, leaving no room for approximation or casual provision. It speaks to the divine standard of precision and the human responsibility to execute God's commands with utmost care and integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups:"** This initial clause specifies the material—pure gold—for three categories of vessels. "Fleshhooks" were for handling sacrificial meat, "bowls" (מִזְרָקוֹת, _mizrakot_) were likely for collecting or sprinkling blood, and "cups" (כַּפּוֹת, _kappot_) could have been for libations or incense. The immediate mention of "pure gold" sets the tone for the sanctity and value of these items, underscoring that even the smaller, more practical instruments of worship were to be of the highest quality.
* **"and for the golden basons [he gave gold] by weight for every bason;"** This part introduces "basons" (סִפִּים, _sippim_), which were larger vessels often used for holding liquids, possibly blood or water for purification. The parenthetical "[he gave gold]" clarifies that David provided the material. The critical phrase "by weight for every bason" emphasizes the meticulousness of the provision, indicating that each basin was not merely given a lump sum of gold, but a precisely measured quantity, ensuring uniformity and adherence to a specific standard.
* **"and [likewise silver] by weight for every bason of silver:"** The final clause extends the principle of precise measurement to silver basins. The "[likewise silver]" implies that just as gold basins were weighed, so too were silver ones. This parallelism reinforces the theme of exactness and comprehensive provision. It shows that while gold was paramount, silver also held significant value and was subject to the same rigorous standards of measurement, ensuring that all materials, regardless of their intrinsic value, were consecrated and provided with divine precision for God's holy house.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 28:17 is **Repetition**, particularly of the phrase "by weight" (implied for gold basins, stated for silver). This repetition serves to create **Emphasis** on the meticulousness, precision, and exactitude required for the Temple's construction and furnishings. It highlights that David's provision was not haphazard but carefully calculated and divinely ordained. This emphasis on precise measurement underscores the divine standard of order and excellence that governs God's house and worship. Furthermore, the selection of "pure gold" and silver carries strong **Symbolism**. Gold, especially pure gold, often symbolizes divinity, purity, glory, and immense value in biblical literature, fitting for the dwelling place of God's presence. Silver, while of lesser value than gold, still represents preciousness and redemption. The meticulous detailing of these materials for even the smallest implements visually reinforces the sacredness and set-apart nature of all things dedicated to God's service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 28:17 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God deserves the absolute best, and that His worship is to be conducted with utmost precision, intentionality, and purity. David's meticulous provision for the Temple's vessels, down to the exact weight of precious metals for each item, reflects God's own character of order, holiness, and excellence. This attention to detail teaches that no aspect of serving God is too small to escape divine scrutiny or human dedication. It foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on offering our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual worship. The value placed on these physical objects points to the immeasurable value of the spiritual realities they represent and the sacredness of God's presence.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern of the Tabernacle") - "According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Heavenly Pattern") - "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice") - "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed accounting of precious metals for Temple vessels in 1 Chronicles 28:17 offers timeless lessons for believers today, transcending the specifics of ancient Temple worship. It calls us to consider the quality and intentionality of our own offerings to God. Just as David provided "pure gold" and weighed materials for even the "fleshhooks" and "cups," we are challenged to give our very best—our time, talents, resources, and devotion—to God's kingdom, not haphazardly or grudgingly, but with excellence and precision. This verse reminds us that God values not just grand gestures, but also the faithful, meticulous details of our service and devotion. It encourages us to approach our spiritual lives with the same care and intentionality, recognizing that every aspect of our being and doing can be consecrated for His holy purposes. Our worship, our work, our relationships—all should reflect the purity and order that God desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service to God am I tempted to be less than meticulous or offer less than my "pure gold"?**
* **How does the emphasis on "by weight" challenge my approach to commitment and accountability in my spiritual disciplines?**
* **What practical steps can I take to offer God my "best" in my daily life, reflecting the same dedication David showed for the Temple?**

### FAQ

**Why is such specific detail given for the materials of the Temple vessels, especially the emphasis on "by weight"?**

Answer: The meticulous detail regarding the materials and the repeated emphasis on "by weight" in 1 Chronicles 28:17 serves several crucial purposes. First, it underscores the **divine standard of excellence and perfection** required for anything associated with God's presence. God is a God of order, and His dwelling place was to reflect that. Just as the Tabernacle was built according to precise divine instructions (e.g., [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Pattern of the Tabernacle")), so too was the Temple. Second, it highlights the **sacredness and holiness** of the Temple and its furnishings. Pure gold and silver, weighed precisely, symbolized the purity and unblemished nature required for worship and the presence of a holy God. These were not mere utilitarian objects but consecrated instruments for sacred service. Third, it demonstrates **accountability and integrity** in handling God's resources. "By weight" ensured that the exact amount of precious material was used, preventing fraud or deviation from the divine blueprint. Finally, it showcases **David's profound devotion and generosity**. His personal commitment to providing such vast quantities of meticulously measured precious metals for even the smallest items reveals his deep love for God and his desire to see God's house built with the utmost honor and care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 28:17 details the physical preparations for an earthly Temple, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ, who embodies and transcends all that the Temple symbolized. The "pure gold" and meticulously weighed materials point to the perfect, unblemished nature of Jesus, who is the [Lamb of God without spot or blemish](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood"). The earthly Temple, with its precise furnishings, was a shadow of a greater reality, a "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" ([Hebrews 8:2](/hebrews/8-2 "Hebrews 8:2 - The True Tabernacle")). Jesus Himself declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")," referring to the temple of His body, which became the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the need for the sacrificial system and its intricate vessels, becoming our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary. The meticulousness of David's provision foreshadows the divine precision in God's plan of salvation, culminating in Christ's perfect work on the cross, which perfectly atoned for sin, making us, His believers, living stones in a [spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"), built not with gold and silver, but by the Spirit of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 4:20

Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;

2 Chronicles 4:22

And the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers, [of] pure gold: and the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the most holy [place], and the doors of the house of the temple, [were of] gold.

1 Kings 7:48

¶ And Solomon made all the vessels that [pertained] unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread [was],

1 Kings 7:50

And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold; and the hinges [of] gold, [both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy [place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit], of the temple.

1 Kings 10:21

And all king Solomon's drinking vessels [were of] gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon [were of] pure gold; none [were of] silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon.

1 Samuel 2:13

And the priests' custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

1 Samuel 2:14

And he struck [it] into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.