2 Chronicles 1:5

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 1:5 describes a significant aspect of early Israelite worship during the reign of King Solomon, highlighting the importance and location of the brazen altar.

Context

This verse immediately follows the mention of the Ark of the Covenant being in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 1:4). However, the tabernacle of the LORD, along with its associated implements like the brazen altar, was still located at Gibeon. This setup meant that while the Ark, representing God's presence, was in the capital, the traditional place of sacrifice and corporate worship remained at Gibeon. King Solomon, at the very beginning of his reign, gathered the entire congregation of Israel to this site, indicating his intention to seek divine guidance and blessing, a prelude to his famous request for wisdom found in 2 Chronicles 1:7.

Key Themes

  • Continuity of Worship: The verse emphasizes the enduring significance of the brazen altar, which had been made by Bezaleel, the divinely gifted craftsman of the tabernacle, during the time of Moses. Its continued use centuries later demonstrates the unchanging principles of approaching God through sacrifice.
  • Significance of the Brazen Altar: This altar was the central point for burnt offerings and various sacrifices, serving as the primary place of atonement for the sins of the people (see Leviticus 16:30). It was where blood was shed, symbolizing the cost of sin and the means by which fellowship with God could be restored.
  • Solomon's Devotion and Corporate Worship: Solomon's act of leading "the congregation" to the altar signifies his initial commitment to God and the importance of communal worship. It shows a desire to honor the Lord and seek His favor at the divinely appointed place of meeting and sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The term "brazen altar" (Hebrew: mizbeach hanechoshet) refers to its construction from bronze or copper. Its material choice was significant, as bronze was known for its durability and ability to withstand intense heat, necessary for the continuous burnt offerings. The phrase "sought unto it" implies more than just physically approaching the altar; it conveys a deep spiritual seeking, a reverence for the sacred space, and a desire to connect with God through the prescribed rituals of sacrifice and prayer.

Practical Application

While the physical brazen altar is no longer central to Christian worship, its spiritual significance remains. It points to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became our "altar" and "offering" (Hebrews 9:26). Just as Solomon and the congregation sought the Lord through the altar, believers today are called to draw near to God through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. This verse reminds us of:

  • The unchanging need for atonement and reconciliation with God.
  • The importance of approaching God through His appointed means, which for Christians is through Jesus Christ.
  • The value of corporate worship and seeking God together as a community.
  • The principle of humble devotion and seeking God's wisdom at the outset of any significant endeavor.
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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.
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