2 Chronicles 4:10

KJV

And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he set {H5414} the sea {H3220} on the right {H3233} side {H3802} of the east end {H6924}, over against {H4136} the south {H5045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Sea he placed on the right side [of the house], toward the southeast.

Berean Standard Bible

He put the Sea on the south side, at the southeast corner.

American Standard Version

And he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 4:10 meticulously details the precise placement of the "molten sea," a monumental bronze basin within the outer courtyard of Solomon's Temple. This immense vessel, designed for the ritual washing of priests, was strategically positioned on the south side of the Temple's eastern entrance. Its exact location underscores the meticulous nature of the Temple's construction, reflecting the divine instructions given for God's dwelling place and emphasizing the critical importance of purity in approaching a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the Chronicler's detailed account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, specifically spanning [2 Chronicles 3](/2_chronicles/3 "2 Chronicles 3 - Temple Construction Begins") and [2 Chronicles 4](/2_chronicles/4 "2 Chronicles 4 - Temple Furnishings"). Chapter 3 provides the architectural overview of the Temple structure itself, while Chapter 4 meticulously enumerates and describes the various bronze and gold furnishings, including the altar, the ten lavers, the lampstands, and the showbread tables. The "molten sea" stands out as one of the most prominent items, receiving significant descriptive attention in [2 Chronicles 4:2-5](/2_chronicles/4-2-5 "2 Chronicles 4:2-5 - Description of the Molten Sea") and its parallel account in [1 Kings 7:23-26](/1_kings/7-23-26 "1 Kings 7:23-26 - The Molten Sea in 1 Kings"). The specific placement detailed in [2 Chronicles 4:10](/2_chronicles/4-10 "2 Chronicles 4:10 - Placement of the Molten Sea") highlights the Chronicler's profound interest in the precise order, divine blueprint, and functional precision of Temple worship, ensuring every element contributed to the sacred liturgy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple marked a pivotal epoch in Israelite history, signifying a transition from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent, magnificent dwelling place for God in Jerusalem. This grand architectural endeavor, undertaken by King Solomon, was not only a testament to Israel's newfound wealth and political power but also the central hub of Israelite worship, where God's presence was believed to dwell among His people. Within this context, ritual purity was an absolute prerequisite in ancient Israelite religion, a concept deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law. Priests, functioning as mediators between God and His people, were stringently required to undergo ceremonial washings before performing their sacred duties, a practice inherited from the Tabernacle's bronze laver, as meticulously outlined in [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17-21 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver and Priestly Washing"). Therefore, the "molten sea" was not merely an ornate furnishing but an indispensable piece of equipment for maintaining the necessary holiness and ritual readiness for priestly service in the presence of a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** The detailed description of the molten sea's placement in [2 Chronicles 4:10](/2_chronicles/4-10 "2 Chronicles 4:10 - Placement of the Molten Sea") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the **precision and intentionality of divine design**. God's instructions for His dwelling place, whether the Tabernacle or the Temple, were remarkably specific, emphasizing that worship must be conducted according to His revealed will, not human invention or convenience. Secondly, the primary function of the molten sea highlights the pervasive theme of **ritual purity and sanctification**. Access to God, even under the Old Covenant, necessitated thorough cleansing and separation from defilement, serving as a constant, tangible reminder of God's absolute holiness and humanity's inherent sinfulness. Finally, the vast quantity of water contained within this "sea" points to the enduring **symbolism of water as an agent of cleansing and renewal**. This profound symbolism permeates Scripture, from the life-giving waters of [creation](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit Hovering Over Waters") to the judgment and new beginning of [the flood](/genesis/7 "Genesis 7 - The Great Flood"), and ultimately to the waters of [baptism](/romans/6-3-4 "Romans 6:3-4 - Baptism into Christ's Death") and the "living water" offered by Christ, as beautifully articulated in [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sea (Hebrew, _yâm_):** While literally meaning "sea" or "large body of water," here _yâm_ is used metaphorically to describe the immense size of the bronze basin. This "sea" was a colossal, circular vessel, approximately 15 feet in diameter and 7.5 feet deep, capable of holding an enormous amount of water (2,000 baths, or over 11,000 gallons, according to [1 Kings 7:26](/1_kings/7-26 "1 Kings 7:26 - Capacity of the Molten Sea")). Its scale was so impressive that it evoked the imagery of a vast body of water, distinguishing it from the smaller lavers also present in the Temple courtyard. The term underscores its unparalleled capacity for cleansing.
* **Right (Hebrew, _yᵉmânîy_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be on the right," _yᵉmânîy_ signifies the right side. In ancient Hebrew directional conventions, particularly when facing east (the primary orientation of the Temple), "right" consistently referred to the south. This precise directional detail underscores the meticulous planning and execution of the Temple's layout, ensuring every element was placed according to a specific, divinely ordained order, reflecting the sacred geometry of God's dwelling.
* **South (Hebrew, _negeb_):** This term, _negeb_, refers to the southern direction or region, often associated with dryness or drought. Its explicit mention here, in conjunction with "right side of the east end," serves to unequivocally confirm the molten sea's exact placement. This redundancy emphasizes the absolute precision required in the Temple's construction, leaving no ambiguity about the location of this vital piece of cultic equipment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he set the sea":** This clause identifies King Solomon as the agent, who, under divine guidance and with the skilled craftsmanship of Hiram of Tyre, oversaw the construction and placement of all the Temple furnishings. The "sea" refers to the colossal bronze basin, a central and visually dominant feature of the outer court, designed for a specific ritual purpose.
* **"on the right side of the east end":** This phrase specifies the location relative to the Temple's main orientation. The "east end" designates the eastern side of the Temple courtyard, which served as the primary entrance for worshippers and priests. "On the right side" of this eastern entrance, from the perspective of one facing the Temple, would invariably be towards the south, aligning with ancient Hebrew directional conventions.
* **"over against the south":** This concluding phrase serves as a clarifying and reinforcing statement, leaving no doubt about the molten sea's precise orientation. It explicitly confirms that the basin was positioned on the southern side of the Temple complex. This emphatic reiteration highlights the exactness of the placement, underscoring the divine blueprint's demand for absolute precision in every aspect of God's sacred dwelling.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Precision** and **Detailing** in its description, which are characteristic of the Chronicler's meticulous account of the Temple's construction. The exact directional specifications—"right side of the east end" and "over against the south"—leave no room for ambiguity, highlighting the paramount importance of order, adherence to divine blueprint, and functional exactness in sacred architecture. Furthermore, the use of **Metaphor** is evident in calling the large bronze basin a "sea." This vivid imagery effectively conveys its immense size and vast capacity for water, distinguishing it from the smaller lavers and elevating its significance within the Temple complex. This detailed, almost architectural, language underscores the sacredness and profound significance of every component within God's dwelling place, reflecting divine intentionality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The placement of the molten sea, a vessel for ritual cleansing, on the southern side of the Temple's eastern entrance, carries profound theological weight. It served as a constant visual and functional reminder that access to God's holy presence required purification. This principle of purity was not merely ceremonial but pointed to a deeper spiritual reality: a holy God cannot be approached by unholy people. The vastness of the "sea" symbolized the abundant provision for cleansing needed by the numerous priests who daily served in the Temple, underscoring the pervasive need for sanctification in the presence of the divine. This Old Testament practice foreshadowed the ultimate and complete purification offered through Christ, who provides a spiritual cleansing far beyond any physical ritual.

* [Exodus 30:18](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 16:4](/leviticus/16-4 "Leviticus 16:4 - Priestly Washing for Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Purification by Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical molten sea and the elaborate Temple rituals are no longer practiced, having been perfectly fulfilled in Christ, the profound spiritual truths they embodied remain eternally relevant for believers today. The meticulous placement of the sea reminds us of God's inherent character—His desire for order, intentionality, and reverence in our worship and approach to Him. Just as the Old Testament priests needed to be cleansed to serve, so too are believers, who are now a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to live lives of spiritual purity. This purity, however, is not achieved through ritualistic washing but through the complete and atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The molten sea serves as a powerful, enduring reminder of our ongoing need for cleansing from sin and the abundant, gracious provision God has made for our sanctification through His Son. It calls us to regularly examine our hearts, confess our sins, and walk in the holiness that befits those who bear the name of Christ, ensuring our lives are a continuous act of worship, marked by reverence, intentionality, and a fervent desire to honor God in every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on precise placement in the Temple's design speak to God's character and His expectations for our worship today?**
* **In what ways do we, as believers, need spiritual cleansing in our daily lives, and how do we access that cleansing through Christ?**
* **How can the symbolism of the molten sea encourage us to live lives of greater holiness and reverence in our approach to God?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our "service" to God is marked by intentionality and purity, reflecting His divine order and our new identity in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What was the "molten sea" and what was its purpose?**

Answer: The "molten sea" was a colossal bronze basin, approximately 15 feet in diameter and 7.5 feet deep, supported by twelve bronze oxen. It was not an actual sea but a massive laver designed to hold a vast quantity of water. Its primary purpose was for the ritual washing of the priests' hands and feet before they performed their sacred duties in the Temple. This washing was essential for maintaining ceremonial purity, a practice that originated with the bronze laver in the Tabernacle, as described in [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18-21 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Laver for Washing"). It symbolized the absolute necessity of holiness and cleanliness in approaching a holy God.

**Why was its placement so specific?**

Answer: The specific placement of the molten sea—on the south side of the Temple's eastern entrance—underscores the meticulous nature of the Temple's design and construction, which followed divine blueprints. Every detail, including the orientation and location of furnishings, held profound theological significance and was intended to reflect God's order, holiness, and the precise requirements for worship. This precision ensured that the Temple functioned exactly as God intended for the sacred rituals and the worship of His people. It also highlighted the practical importance of accessible water for priestly purification as they entered and served in the courtyard.

**Does this ritual washing apply to Christians today?**

Answer: While the physical ritual washing of the Old Testament priests does not literally apply to Christians today, the spiritual principles it represents are profoundly relevant and eternally true. The fundamental need for cleansing before approaching God remains. However, in the New Covenant, this cleansing is not achieved through ceremonial water but through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are declared righteous by faith in Christ, and we are continually purified by His Spirit. The washing of the molten sea powerfully foreshadowed the ultimate and complete purification that Christ provides, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence, as articulated in [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ's Blood"). We are called to live lives of spiritual purity, continually confessing our sins ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")) and walking in the Spirit, reflecting the holiness of God who has called us.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The molten sea, with its vast capacity for water and its indispensable purpose of priestly purification, serves as a powerful Old Testament type pointing directly and profoundly to Jesus Christ. Just as the priests needed to be ritually cleansed by water before ministering in the Temple, humanity, defiled by sin, requires a far more profound and spiritual cleansing to approach a holy God. Jesus is the ultimate and perfect "sea" of purification, not of water, but of His own precious blood. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice provides a complete, eternal, and once-for-all cleansing that no amount of ritual washing could ever achieve. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, making us clean and holy. We no longer need a physical basin for purification, for we have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God ([1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified")). He is the source of [living water](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"), and through Him, we are not merely cleansed for service but are made new creations, fully reconciled to God and empowered to live lives of holiness and worship. The meticulous placement of the molten sea in the Old Testament foreshadowed the precise and perfect plan of God to provide ultimate cleansing through His Son, Jesus Christ, making us fit to enter into His glorious presence, a church without spot or wrinkle ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Cleanses the Church")).

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

1 Kings 7:39

And he put five bases on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and he set the sea on the right side of the house eastward over against the south.