2 Chronicles 4:18

KJV

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus Solomon {H8010} made {H6213} all these vessels {H3627} in great {H3966} abundance {H7230}: for the weight {H4948} of the brass {H5178} could not be found out {H2713}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shlomo made so many of these objects that the total weight of the bronze could not be determined.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon made all these articles in such great abundance that the weight of the bronze could not be determined.

American Standard Version

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 4:18 concludes the detailed description of the bronze furnishings for Solomon's Temple, emphasizing the extraordinary scale and opulence of the materials used. It highlights that the quantity of bronze was so immense it defied measurement, underscoring the king's vast resources, the meticulous preparation for divine worship, and ultimately, God's abundant provision for His sacred dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a concluding statement to the extensive list of bronze implements crafted for the Temple, detailed in 2 Chronicles 4:1-17. The preceding verses meticulously describe the construction of the colossal bronze altar (v. 1), the "molten sea" (vv. 2-5) for the priests' ritual cleansing, and the ten lavers (vv. 6-8) for washing sacrificial offerings. It also lists the golden lampstands, tables, and other items, before returning to the bronze objects like pots, shovels, and basins (vv. 9-17). Verse 18 acts as a summary declaration, emphasizing the sheer volume of all these bronze vessels and tools, crafted under the skilled direction of Huram-abi from Tyre, reinforcing the grandeur and completeness of the Temple's furnishing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of Solomon's Temple was a monumental undertaking, reflecting the peak of Israel's wealth and power during the United Monarchy. In the ancient Near East, temples were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved immense resources and skilled craftsmanship, symbolizing the god's power and the patron king's devotion. Bronze (an alloy of copper and tin) was a highly valued and frequently used metal for both utilitarian and sacred objects due to its durability and malleability. The acquisition of such vast quantities of bronze would have required extensive mining, smelting, and international trade, showcasing Solomon's economic prowess and the peace God had granted him, enabling such a massive project.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **immense scale and grandeur**, emphasizing that no expense or effort was spared in preparing a fitting dwelling for God. This reflects the **glory and majesty of God**, who deserves the very best. Secondly, it highlights **Solomon's wealth and wisdom**, which were divinely bestowed, enabling him to undertake such a monumental project, as seen in [2 Chronicles 1](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles 1 - Solomon's Reign and Wisdom"). Thirdly, and most profoundly, it points to **God's abundant provision**. The ability to procure and fashion an immeasurable quantity of precious metal for sacred use ultimately testifies to God's inexhaustible resources and His generous supply for the fulfillment of His purposes and the worship of His name, a theme echoed throughout [the book of Chronicles](/2_chronicles/1 "2 Chronicles 1 - The Reign of Solomon and Subsequent Kings"). Finally, it speaks to the **meticulous preparation for worship**, demonstrating the thoroughness and lavish care taken in every aspect of Temple service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abundance (Hebrew, _rov'_):** This word signifies a great quantity, multitude, or overflowing measure. In this context, it conveys not merely a sufficient amount, but an overwhelming, almost excessive, supply of vessels. It emphasizes the lavishness and opulence of the Temple's furnishings, indicating that no resource was stinted.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nechoshet'_):** While KJV translates this as "brass," the Hebrew term refers to bronze, an alloy primarily of copper and tin, which was the dominant metal for tools, weapons, and artistic objects in the ancient Near East before the Iron Age. Bronze was a valuable and durable material, highly prized for its strength and ability to be cast into intricate forms, making it suitable for the sacred implements of the Temple.
* **Could not be found out (Hebrew, _lo nihqar'_):** This phrase literally means "was not searched out" or "could not be investigated/measured." It is a powerful hyperbole indicating that the quantity of bronze was so vast, so immense, that it defied conventional weighing or accounting. It emphasizes the immeasurability and boundless nature of the resources poured into the Temple's construction, pointing to a quantity beyond human comprehension or calculation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus Solomon made all these vessels":** This clause serves as a summary statement, referring back to the detailed list of bronze items described in the preceding verses (2 Chronicles 4:1-17). It reiterates Solomon's role as the orchestrator and patron of the Temple's construction and furnishing, highlighting his authority and the successful completion of this phase of the project.
* **"in great abundance":** This phrase directly describes the sheer volume of the vessels produced. It's not just that many items were made, but that they were made in an overflowing, lavish quantity, far exceeding what might be considered merely sufficient. This underscores the opulence and grandeur intended for God's dwelling.
* **"for the weight of the brass could not be found out":** This final clause provides the reason for the "great abundance" and serves as the ultimate descriptor of its scale. It signifies that the total mass of bronze used was so enormous that it was literally immeasurable by the means available at the time. This hyperbole powerfully conveys the boundless resources dedicated to the Temple, reflecting both Solomon's immense wealth and, ultimately, God's limitless provision.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in 2 Chronicles 4:18 is **Hyperbole**. The statement that "the weight of the brass could not be found out" is an intentional exaggeration used to emphasize the extraordinary, almost inconceivable, quantity of bronze utilized in the Temple's furnishings. It is not meant to be taken literally as an inability to physically weigh the metal, but rather as a vivid rhetorical device to convey the immense scale, opulence, and lavishness of the Temple project. This hyperbole serves to impress upon the reader the grandeur of God's dwelling and the boundless resources dedicated to His worship. Additionally, there is an element of **Emphasis** through repetition of the idea of vastness, reinforcing the grandeur of the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The immeasurable abundance of bronze vessels in Solomon's Temple speaks volumes about the nature of God and the appropriate response to His glory. It underscores that God is not a God of scarcity but of limitless resources and generosity. The lavishness of the Temple, far exceeding mere functionality, was a tangible expression of Israel's devotion and recognition of God's supreme worth. It teaches us that when we dedicate our resources, talents, and efforts to God's purposes, we should do so not out of obligation or minimalism, but with a spirit of excellence, generosity, and boundless devotion, knowing that He is worthy of our very best. This abundance also reflects God's blessing upon Solomon and Israel, demonstrating that obedience and devotion can lead to prosperity that enables grand undertakings for God's glory.

* [1 Kings 7:47](/1_kings/7-47 "1 Kings 7:47 - Parallel Account of Bronze Vessels")
* [2 Chronicles 7:1](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1 - God's Glory Fills the Temple")
* [Ephesians 3:20](/ephesians/3-20 "Ephesians 3:20 - God's Abundant Power Beyond All We Ask")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer build physical temples of stone and bronze, the principle of 2 Chronicles 4:18 remains profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse challenges us to consider the quality and quantity of our own offerings—not just financial, but also our time, talents, and energy—to God's work. The "great abundance" of the Temple vessels encourages us to contribute to spiritual endeavors and ministry not out of obligation or what is merely convenient, but with a spirit of lavish dedication, excellence, and generosity. It reminds us that God's resources are limitless, and when we partner with Him, we can trust in His abundant provision for His purposes. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, and the church, as the body of Christ, should reflect a similar commitment to excellence and generosity in worship, service, and outreach, always striving to give our best for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "great abundance" of the Temple vessels challenge my understanding of generosity in worship and service today?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be holding back, rather than offering "immeasurable" resources or effort for God's glory?**
* **How does God's abundant provision for the Temple encourage me to trust in His limitless resources for my needs and for the advancement of His kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Why does the KJV say "brass" instead of "bronze"?**

Answer: The KJV, translated in the early 17th century, used "brass" as a general term for copper alloys. In ancient contexts like the Old Testament, the metal referred to was almost exclusively bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. True brass (copper and zinc) was not commonly produced until much later. Modern translations typically use "bronze" to accurately reflect the material. The KJV's use of "brass" is an archaic translation choice rather than a metallurgical inaccuracy of the original text.

**What was the purpose of so many bronze vessels in the Temple?**

Answer: The numerous bronze vessels served various essential functions within the Temple's sacrificial and ritual system. The large "molten sea" and ten lavers were for the priests to wash themselves and the sacrificial instruments, ensuring ritual purity. Other items like pots, shovels, and basins were used for handling ashes, blood, and other components of the sacrifices, as well as for general maintenance and cleaning of the sacred spaces. The sheer number indicates the extensive and continuous nature of the sacrificial worship and the meticulous attention to detail required for the proper functioning of the Temple.

**Does this verse imply that God requires lavish material offerings from us today?**

Answer: While this verse highlights the lavish material offerings for the Old Testament Temple, it primarily emphasizes the principles of generosity, excellence, and giving our best to God, not necessarily the exact form of the offering. Under the New Covenant, the focus shifts from a physical temple to spiritual worship and the heart of the giver. God desires our wholehearted devotion and cheerful giving, whether of material resources, time, or talents, as exemplified in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver"). The principle is to give abundantly from a grateful heart, reflecting God's own boundless generosity, rather than being bound by specific material requirements.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The immeasurable abundance of bronze vessels in Solomon's Temple, a testament to human dedication and divine provision, ultimately foreshadows the infinitely greater and truly immeasurable provision found in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, with all its meticulously crafted and abundant furnishings, served as a temporary dwelling place for God's presence and a shadow of the ultimate reality to come. Christ Himself is the true and eternal [Temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple"), in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of Christ in Christ")). The bronze, symbolizing strength and purification, points to Christ's perfect and sufficient sacrifice, which truly purifies from sin, unlike the repeated sacrifices made with the Temple vessels ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The "great abundance" that "could not be found out" pales in comparison to the [unsearchable riches of Christ](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - The Unsearchable Riches of Christ")—His boundless grace, immeasurable love, and inexhaustible power, which are freely given to all who believe. The Old Covenant Temple, with its finite, though vast, resources, ultimately points to the infinite and eternal provision of salvation, spiritual blessings, and access to God's very presence that we receive through Christ's finished work, a provision that truly defies all human measurement and comprehension ([Romans 5:20](/romans/5-20 "Romans 5:20 - Grace Abounds More")).

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 7:47

And Solomon left all the vessels [unweighed], because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

Jeremiah 52:20

The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

1 Chronicles 22:3

And David prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the joinings; and brass in abundance without weight;

1 Chronicles 22:14

Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.