2 Chronicles 4:17

KJV

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the plain {H3603} of Jordan {H3383} did the king {H4428} cast {H3332} them, in the clay {H5645} ground {H127} between Succoth {H5523} and Zeredathah {H6868}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king cast them in the plain of the Yarden, in the clay ground between Sukkot and Tz'redah.

Berean Standard Bible

The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zeredah.

American Standard Version

In the plain of the Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 4:17 provides a precise geographical detail concerning the manufacturing of the massive bronze furnishings for Solomon's Temple. It specifies that these colossal castings, including the great pillars, the molten sea, and the bases for the lavers, were forged by King Solomon's craftsmen, under the direction of Hiram of Tyre, in the clay-rich plain of Jordan, specifically situated between the towns of Succoth and Zeredathah. This seemingly minor logistical detail underscores the immense scale, meticulous planning, and advanced metallurgical skill required for the Temple's construction, highlighting the practical realities behind the grand divine project.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within a broader section of 2 Chronicles (chapters 3-5) that meticulously describes the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple. Chapter 4, in particular, details the various bronze elements: the bronze altar, the molten sea, the ten lavers, and the two great pillars (Jachin and Boaz), along with their intricate decorations and accompanying stands. Verse 17 serves as a practical interjection, shifting from a description of the finished articles to the logistical reality of their creation. It explains *where* these enormous items, which could not have been cast within the confines of the Temple itself, were manufactured. This detail grounds the preceding descriptions in a tangible, historical reality, emphasizing the immense scale of the undertaking and the practical genius required to bring the divine blueprint to fruition.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was an undertaking of monumental proportions, requiring vast resources, advanced engineering, and highly specialized craftsmanship. In the ancient Near East, large-scale bronze casting was a sophisticated art. It necessitated immense heat, large quantities of raw materials (copper and tin), and specific types of clay for durable molds that could withstand molten metal. The "plain of Jordan" was an ideal location for such an operation due to its abundant deposits of suitable clay, its proximity to water sources (the Jordan River) essential for the casting process, and the open space required for the immense heat and fumes generated by the furnaces. The mention of Hiram of Tyre, a master craftsman from Phoenicia, highlights the international collaboration involved, as Israel lacked the specialized metallurgical expertise possessed by its northern neighbors. This verse thus offers a glimpse into the industrial capabilities and inter-regional cooperation of the Solomonic era.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, though a technical detail, contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Chronicles. First, it subtly highlights **Divine Detail and Precision**, suggesting that God's oversight extends even to the practical logistics of building His dwelling place. The very specificity of the location implies that every aspect of the Temple's construction, from grand design to the source of its materials, was part of a divinely ordered plan. Second, it underscores **Human Skill and Collaboration**, implicitly celebrating the extraordinary craftsmanship of Hiram and his laborers, working under Solomon's direction. It showcases the synergy between different peoples (Israelites and Phoenicians) united for a sacred purpose. The parallel account in [1 Kings 7:46](/1_kings/7-46 "1 Kings 7:46 - Hiram's Casting Location") further emphasizes this collaboration and the chosen location. Finally, the **Geographical Significance** of "Succoth and Zeredathah" (also known as Zarethan or Zarthan) grounds the narrative in verifiable geography, affirming the historical authenticity of these events and the tangible nature of Solomon's kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast (Hebrew, _yātsaq_):** This verb specifically refers to the process of melting metal and pouring it into a mold, a highly specialized and dangerous craft in the ancient world. The use of this term emphasizes the technical skill involved in creating the large bronze objects for the Temple, which were not merely fashioned but meticulously formed through a complex metallurgical process.
* **clay ground (Hebrew, אַדְמַת הָאֲדָמָה, _’admat ha’adamah_):** This phrase literally means "ground of the earth" or "clay of the earth." It signifies the specific type of earth, rich in clay, that was essential for creating the robust molds capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures of molten bronze. The quality and composition of this clay were critical for the structural integrity and successful casting of such massive objects.
* **plain of Jordan (Hebrew, כִּכַּר הַיַּרְדֵּן, _kikkar hayyarden_):** This refers to the Jordan River valley, a fertile and geologically distinct region. The term "plain" (kikkar) denotes a circular or oval-shaped district, often referring to the broad, flat expanse of the valley. Its choice as the casting site was strategic, owing to its abundant clay deposits, access to water, and the open space necessary for a large-scale industrial operation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them":** This clause establishes the primary location for the bronze casting operations. "The king" refers to Solomon, indicating his oversight and commissioning of the work, though the actual casting would have been done by skilled artisans like Hiram. "Them" refers to the large bronze furnishings previously described in 2 Chronicles 4, such as the pillars, the molten sea, and the lavers, which were too large to be cast within the Temple precincts.
* **"in the clay ground":** This specifies the particular type of terrain within the Jordan plain that was utilized. The presence of suitable, high-quality clay was crucial for constructing the molds into which the molten bronze would be poured. This detail highlights the practical and material requirements for such a massive undertaking.
* **"between Succoth and Zeredathah":** These are two specific geographical markers within the Jordan plain, providing a precise location for the foundry. Succoth was on the east side of the Jordan, and Zeredathah (also known as Zarethan or Zarthan) was on the west. Pinpointing the location between these two points emphasizes the historical accuracy and meticulous record-keeping of the chronicler, grounding the narrative in verifiable geography.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler's inclusion of this seemingly mundane detail employs several literary devices. **Precision** and **Specificity** are paramount, as the verse meticulously names the geographical location, not merely "somewhere in the valley." This precise naming contributes to the **Historicity** and **Realism** of the narrative, grounding the grand account of Temple construction in tangible, verifiable facts, thereby enhancing its credibility. Furthermore, there is an element of **Understatement**; the simple statement "did the king cast them" belies the monumental effort, advanced technology, and immense resources required for such an industrial feat in the ancient world. The verse also serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the meticulousness that would characterize the entire Temple operation, from its design to its dedication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though focused on a practical detail, resonates with profound theological implications. It illustrates that God's work, even when executed through human hands, is characterized by meticulous planning, divine provision, and the highest standards of craftsmanship. Just as God meticulously designed the universe and prepared the earth for human habitation, so too did He oversee the practicalities of His earthly dwelling place. This attention to detail in the physical construction of the Temple reflects God's character—a God of order, precision, and excellence who values every aspect of His creation and every act of service offered to Him. It reminds us that even the seemingly mundane or "behind-the-scenes" aspects of our service are significant in God's eyes and contribute to His larger purposes.

* [Exodus 31:1-5](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-5 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Divinely Gifted Craftsmen")
* [1 Kings 7:13-47](/1_kings/7-13 "1 Kings 7:13-47 - Detailed Account of Hiram's Work on Temple Furnishings")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy of Heavenly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly technical detail of 2 Chronicles 4:17 offers a powerful lesson for contemporary believers: God is invested in the practicalities of our service, and excellence in execution, even in what appears to be mundane, brings Him glory. Just as the massive bronze castings required specific materials, a precise location, and immense skill, so too does our spiritual service require careful planning, the right resources (both spiritual and material), and dedicated effort. This verse challenges us to consider how we apply our gifts, talents, and resources, no matter how ordinary they seem, to God's purposes. It encourages resourcefulness, utilizing what God has provided (like the clay in the Jordan plain) for His kingdom work. It also emphasizes the value of craftsmanship and attention to detail, reminding us that our commitment to quality in all areas of life can be an act of worship. Ultimately, it teaches us that every component of our lives, when offered to God, can contribute to the building of His spiritual temple.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in this verse challenge my approach to seemingly mundane tasks in my own service to God?**
* **In what ways can I better utilize the "resources" (talents, time, material possessions) God has given me for His kingdom, even in practical, behind-the-scenes ways?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the value of collaboration and specialized skill in serving a greater purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why was the "plain of Jordan" chosen for casting the Temple's bronze items?**

Answer: The plain of Jordan was an ideal location for several practical reasons crucial for large-scale bronze casting. Firstly, it was known for its abundant deposits of high-quality clay, which was essential for creating the durable molds needed to withstand the immense heat of molten bronze. Secondly, its proximity to the Jordan River provided a reliable water source, necessary for various stages of the casting process, including cooling. Thirdly, the relatively flat and open terrain offered ample space for the large-scale industrial operation, including the furnaces, workshops, and storage areas, and allowed for the dissipation of the intense heat and fumes generated. This strategic choice is also noted in the parallel account in [1 Kings 7:46](/1_kings/7-46 "1 Kings 7:46 - Hiram's Casting Location").

**Who was Hiram, and what was his role in the Temple's construction?**

Answer: Hiram (or Huram in Chronicles) was a highly skilled bronze craftsman from Tyre, a Phoenician city-state. He was commissioned by King Solomon to oversee and execute the intricate bronze work for the Temple, as described in [2 Chronicles 2:13-14](/2_chronicles/2-13 "2 Chronicles 2:13-14 - Hiram's Skill and Pedigree"). His expertise was crucial because Israel, while rich in resources, did not possess the advanced metallurgical knowledge and experience that Phoenicia did. Hiram was responsible for designing and casting the two massive bronze pillars (Jachin and Boaz), the enormous molten sea, the ten bronze lavers with their stands, and other essential bronze furnishings, playing a pivotal role in bringing the Temple's elaborate design to fruition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of 2 Chronicles 4:17, describing the precise location for casting the Temple's bronze furnishings, points forward to the ultimate, divinely ordained precision of God's plan of salvation in Christ. The physical Temple, with its elaborate components forged with such care, served as a tangible representation of God's presence among His people, foreshadowing the Incarnation where God's glory truly "dwelt among us" in the person of Jesus Christ, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh") declares. Just as the Temple's components were shaped through intense heat and precise processes, so too was Christ's perfect life and atoning sacrifice the culmination of God's perfectly executed plan, a work meticulously prepared "before the foundation of the world" ([1 Peter 1:19-20](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19-20 - Christ's Precious Blood")). The "casting" process, involving transformation from raw material to sacred object, can also be seen as a metaphor for the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, making believers into a "new creation" in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")), who together form the spiritual temple, built upon the cornerstone of Christ Himself ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling Place")). Thus, the earthly precision in building a temporary dwelling points to the eternal perfection of God's redemptive work, fully realized in Christ.

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 7:46

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan.