2 Chronicles 4:18

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 4:18

This verse is part of a detailed account in 2 Chronicles 4 describing the construction and furnishing of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, it concludes the list of numerous bronze (often translated as "brass" in KJV) vessels and implements made for the Temple's sacrificial system and daily operations. These items included the brazen altar, the molten sea, the ten lavers, and various pots, shovels, and basins, all crafted under the supervision of Huram-abi, a skilled craftsman from Tyre.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Immense Scale and Grandeur: The phrase "in great abundance" and the inability to measure the "weight of the brass" vividly convey the extraordinary scale and opulence of the Temple project. It emphasizes that no expense or effort was spared in preparing a dwelling place for God.
  • Solomon's Wealth and Resources: This abundance reflects the immense wealth and vast resources at King Solomon's disposal, a testament to the peace and prosperity God had granted during his reign, enabling such a monumental undertaking.
  • God's Abundant Provision: Ultimately, the capacity to procure and fashion such an immeasurable quantity of precious metal for sacred use points to God's generous provision for His people and for His worship. It highlights the inexhaustible resources available when God's purposes are being fulfilled.
  • Meticulous Preparation for Worship: The sheer number and variety of vessels underscore the meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness in preparing for divine worship. Every aspect of Temple service was provided for with lavish care.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "brass" in ancient contexts like this typically refers to bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, which was a valuable and widely used metal in the ancient Near East. The phrase "the weight of the brass could not be found out" (Hebrew: ืœึนื ื ึดื—ึฐืงึทืจ ืžึดืฉึฐืืงึทืœ ื”ึทื ึฐึผื—ึนืฉึถืืช, lo nihqar mishqal hannechoshet) powerfully conveys its immeasurability. It suggests a quantity so vast that it defied conventional weighing or accounting, emphasizing the boundless resources poured into the Temple's furnishings.

Related Scriptures

This verse finds a direct parallel in 1 Kings 7:47, which similarly describes the immeasurable quantity of bronze vessels made for the Temple. The extensive nature of Solomon's building projects and his unparalleled wealth are recurring themes in Scripture, highlighted in accounts of his wisdom and riches, such as 1 Kings 10:23. The dedication of this magnificent structure was met with the glory of the Lord filling the Temple, signifying divine approval of this grand offering. This abundance also foreshadows God's capacity to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" in His work.

Practical Application

While we no longer build physical temples in the same manner, 2 Chronicles 4:18 offers timeless principles. It reminds us of the importance of giving our best and with generosity to God's work. The "great abundance" of the vessels encourages us to contribute to spiritual endeavors and ministry not out of obligation, but with a spirit of lavish dedication, knowing that God's resources are limitless. It also highlights that every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the overall purpose of worship and glorifying God. This verse inspires us to approach our service to God with excellence and a willingness to utilize all available resources, much like Solomon did for the Temple.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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