2 Chronicles 1:5

KJV

Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the brasen {H5178} altar {H4196}, that Bezaleel {H1212} the son {H1121} of Uri {H221}, the son {H1121} of Hur {H2354}, had made {H6213}, he put {H7760} before {H6440} the tabernacle {H4908} of the LORD {H3068}: and Solomon {H8010} and the congregation {H6951} sought {H1875} unto it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The bronze altar crafted by B'tzal'el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had been placed before the tabernacle of ADONAI; and there Shlomo and the community consulted him.

Berean Standard Bible

But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, was in Gibeon before the tabernacle of the LORD. So Solomon and the assembly inquired of Him there.

American Standard Version

Moreover the brazen altar, that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, was there before the tabernacle of Jehovah: and Solomon and the assembly sought unto it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 1:5 describes a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Solomon, emphasizing the enduring significance and strategic placement of the brazen altar at Gibeon. This sacred altar, meticulously crafted by Bezaleel during the wilderness wanderings, served as the primary site for burnt offerings and atonement. The verse highlights Solomon's intentional leadership in gathering the entire congregation of Israel to this hallowed location, demonstrating a profound corporate commitment to seeking the Lord's presence and favor through established sacrificial worship as he prepared to assume the full responsibilities of kingship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the Chronicler's narrative of Solomon's ascension to the throne and his foundational acts of leadership. It immediately follows the mention of the Ark of the Covenant being in Jerusalem, brought there by David (as recounted in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")), creating a significant, albeit temporary, distinction: the Ark, symbolizing God's immediate presence, was in the capital, while the Tabernacle and its essential implements, including the brazen altar, remained at Gibeon. This setup directly precedes Solomon's grand pilgrimage to Gibeon, where he offers a thousand burnt offerings (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 1:6](/2_chronicles/1-6 "2 Chronicles 1:6 - Solomon's Sacrifices at Gibeon")) and subsequently receives his renowned divine encounter and request for wisdom, comprehensively described in [2 Chronicles 1:7-12](/2_chronicles/1-7 "2 Chronicles 1:7-12 - Solomon's Request for Wisdom"). The Chronicler deliberately emphasizes Solomon's adherence to traditional forms of worship as a righteous and necessary precursor to the monumental task of building the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the nascent period of the united monarchy under Solomon, who inherited a well-established kingdom from his father, David. Gibeon was widely recognized as "the great high place" (as also noted in [1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon")), serving as a preeminent site for national worship prior to the construction of the permanent Temple in Jerusalem. The brazen altar itself was a tangible link to the Mosaic covenant and the wilderness Tabernacle, having been designed by Bezaleel under explicit divine instruction (as meticulously detailed in [Exodus 38:1-7](/exodus/38-1 "Exodus 38:1-7 - Construction of the Brazen Altar")). Its continued use centuries later underscores the profound continuity of Israelite worship practices and the enduring theological significance of sacrifice as the divinely appointed means of approaching God for atonement and fostering fellowship. The collective act of "seeking unto it" by the king and the entire congregation vividly illustrates the cultural imperative of corporate worship and the seeking of divine favor at the inception of major national undertakings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **continuity of worship and covenant faithfulness**, demonstrating that even as the nation transitioned into a new era under Solomon, the foundational elements of Mosaic worship remained central and revered. The explicit mention and use of the altar crafted by Bezaleel directly connects Solomon's reign to the very origins of Israel's covenant relationship with God. Secondly, it highlights the profound **significance of atonement and sacrifice** as the divinely prescribed means of approaching a holy God; the brazen altar was the primary locus where sin was addressed through the shedding of blood. Thirdly, the verse vividly showcases **Solomon's initial devotion and the paramount importance of corporate worship**. His leadership in gathering the entire congregation to Gibeon signifies a national act of seeking God's blessing and guidance, thereby establishing a precedent for righteous leadership and communal spiritual engagement at the dawn of his reign, a theme that resonates throughout the book as Solomon's reign unfolds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bezaleel (Hebrew, _Bᵉtsalʼêl'_):** Meaning "in (the) shadow (i.e. protection) of God," Bezaleel was the divinely appointed and Spirit-filled chief craftsman for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings during the Exodus (see [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezaleel and Oholiab Appointed")). His mention here, centuries after the Exodus, serves to validate the altar's authenticity and divine origin. It emphasizes the continuity of legitimate, divinely ordained worship from the time of Moses through Solomon's era, reinforcing that Solomon was not instituting new practices but faithfully adhering to established, sacred traditions.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice," this term refers specifically to the structure used for offering sacrifices. The "brazen altar" (from H5178, _nᵉchôsheth'_ for "brass/copper") was constructed of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, designed to withstand the intense heat of burnt offerings. Its function was central to Israel's worship, symbolizing the necessary shedding of blood for the remission of sins and enabling communion between a holy God and His people. It was the primary locus for atonement.
* **Sought (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** This primitive root implies more than a mere physical approach. It conveys an earnest, diligent, and intentional seeking, often with the nuance of inquiring of God, consulting Him, or seeking His will and favor. When Solomon and the congregation "sought unto it," they were not simply approaching a physical object but were engaging in a profound spiritual act of drawing near to God through the prescribed rituals of sacrifice and prayer, desiring divine guidance and blessing for the nation. It speaks to a posture of humility, dependence, and devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made":** This clause precisely identifies the specific altar, emphasizing its material (bronze) and, more significantly, its ancient and divinely commissioned origin. By naming Bezaleel and tracing his lineage, the Chronicler firmly links this altar to the original Tabernacle constructed during the Exodus, reinforcing its legitimacy and sacred significance as a foundational element of Israel's worship, established by God Himself. This detail assures the reader of the continuity and authenticity of the worship practice.
* **"he put before the tabernacle of the LORD":** This part of the verse specifies the altar's location at Gibeon, where the Tabernacle of the Lord was situated. This detail is crucial for understanding the historical context, as the Ark of the Covenant was already in Jerusalem (as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 1:4](/2_chronicles/1-4 "2 Chronicles 1:4 - The Ark in Jerusalem")), creating a temporary separation of these key elements of worship. The phrase "before the tabernacle" indicates its proper, prescribed place for offerings and access to the holy space, signifying adherence to Mosaic law.
* **"and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it":** This final clause describes the collective action of the king and the entire assembly of Israel. It signifies a national, corporate act of worship and devotion. Solomon, as the newly appointed king, leads his people in seeking God's favor and guidance through the established means of sacrifice at the divinely appointed location. This act underscores his initial commitment to God and the paramount importance of communal spiritual engagement at the outset of his reign, setting a precedent for national piety.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in this verse to convey its profound significance and theological depth. The most prominent is **Allusion**, specifically to the Exodus narrative and the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle under Moses's direction. By explicitly naming Bezaleel, the text draws a direct, unbroken line from Israel's foundational covenant experience to Solomon's present act of worship, thereby emphasizing continuity, divine authorization, and the enduring nature of God's commands. The "brazen altar" itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the entire divinely ordained system of atonement, sacrifice, and the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. The detailed genealogy of Bezaleel (son of Uri, son of Hur) serves as a form of **Emphasis**, lending gravitas and historical weight to the altar's provenance and reinforcing its sacred, divinely ordained status. Furthermore, the phrase "Solomon and the congregation sought unto it" employs **Synecdoche**, where "the congregation" represents the entirety of the Israelite people, highlighting the corporate and national scope of this significant act of worship and demonstrating the king's unifying spiritual leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The brazen altar, central to Israelite worship, stands as a profound theological symbol. It was the place where the blood of sacrifices was shed, pointing to the foundational truth that "the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life" ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). This principle underscores God's absolute holiness and humanity's inherent sinfulness, necessitating a divinely appointed means of reconciliation. Solomon and the congregation's act of seeking God at this altar demonstrates their understanding of this truth: that access to God and His blessings required addressing sin through sacrifice. The altar, therefore, represents both the barrier of sin and God's gracious provision for its removal, allowing for fellowship to be restored. It powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would fully and finally atone for sin, transcending the temporary efficacy of animal offerings.

* [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Instructions for the Brazen Altar")
* [Leviticus 4:20](/leviticus/4-20 "Atonement for Unintentional Sin")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Gibeon, with Solomon leading the entire congregation to the ancient brazen altar, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that approaching God is not a casual endeavor but requires intentionality, humility, and adherence to His appointed means. Just as the altar served as the designated "place" of encounter and atonement for ancient Israel, believers today are called to draw near to God through the singular, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This verse prompts us to reflect on our own spiritual priorities: Do we, like Solomon, prioritize seeking God's wisdom and blessing at the outset of new ventures, whether personal, familial, or communal? The corporate nature of this worship also highlights the enduring importance of the gathered church, where believers collectively seek God, offer praise, and find reconciliation. It challenges us to consider how our communal worship reflects a shared dependence on God's provision for sin and a unified desire for His presence and guidance in our lives, moving beyond mere ritual to genuine spiritual engagement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's diligent seeking of God at the outset of his reign challenge our own priorities when embarking on new endeavors or significant life changes?**
* **In what ways do we, as a community of believers, "seek the Lord" together today, acknowledging our corporate need for His presence and guidance?**
* **Considering the brazen altar's purpose of atonement, how does our understanding of Christ's singular sacrifice deepen our appreciation for God's provision for sin and our access to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was the brazen altar still at Gibeon and not with the Ark in Jerusalem?**

Answer: This verse describes a transitional period in Israelite worship. King David had previously brought the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence, to Jerusalem (as seen in [2 Samuel 6](/2_samuel/6 "2 Samuel 6 - David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem")). However, the Tabernacle of the Lord, along with its associated implements like the brazen altar, had remained at Gibeon, which was known as "the great high place" ([1 Kings 3:4](/1_kings/3-4 "1 Kings 3:4 - Solomon Sacrifices at Gibeon")). This arrangement meant that while the Ark was in the capital, the traditional site for corporate sacrifice and the Tabernacle structure itself was still at Gibeon. This separation existed until Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, which would then house both the Ark and the new, permanent sacrificial altar, centralizing Israelite worship.

**What was the significance of Bezaleel being mentioned in connection with the altar?**

Answer: The mention of Bezaleel, "the son of Uri, the son of Hur," is highly significant because he was the divinely appointed and Spirit-filled chief craftsman responsible for overseeing the construction of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, including the brazen altar, during the time of Moses (as detailed in [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezaleel and Oholiab Appointed")). His inclusion in 2 Chronicles 1:5 serves to emphasize the altar's ancient, divinely-ordained origin and its authenticity. It underscores the continuity of legitimate worship practices from the wilderness generation through the early monarchy, assuring the reader that Solomon and the congregation were seeking God through the prescribed, sacred means established by God Himself, not through a human invention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The brazen altar, where "Solomon and the congregation sought unto it," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This ancient structure, designed for the shedding of animal blood to make temporary atonement for sin, powerfully prefigured the singular, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the altar was the divinely appointed place for approaching God under the Old Covenant, Christ is now our [true "altar"](/hebrews/13-10 "Hebrews 13:10 - We Have an Altar"), through whom we gain direct access to the Father. His perfect life and sacrificial death on the cross accomplished what countless animal sacrifices could never fully achieve: the complete and eternal cleansing of sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Therefore, while Solomon and the congregation sought God through the means of the brazen altar, believers today are called to draw near to God with confidence, not through a physical altar, but through faith in Christ's finished work, entering the holiest place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Drawing Near Through Christ")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of all that the brazen altar represented: the place of judgment, atonement, and reconciliation, enabling true and lasting fellowship with 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

Exodus 31:2

See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

Exodus 38:1

¶ And he made the altar of burnt offering [of] shittim wood: five cubits [was] the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; [it was] foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

Exodus 38:7

And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

1 Chronicles 13:3

And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul.

1 Chronicles 2:19

And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took unto him Ephrath, which bare him Hur.

1 Chronicles 2:20

And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

Exodus 27:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.