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2 Chronicles 4:22

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And the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers, [of] pure gold: and the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the most holy [place], and the doors of the house of the temple, [were of] gold.

And the snuffers {H4212}, and the basons {H4219}, and the spoons {H3709}, and the censers {H4289}, of pure {H5462} gold {H2091}: and the entry {H6607} of the house {H1004}, the inner {H6442} doors {H1817} thereof for the most {H6944} holy {H6944} place, and the doors {H1817} of the house {H1004} of the temple {H1964}, were of gold {H2091}.

and the snuffers, bowls, cups and fire pans of pure gold. As for the entryway to the house, the inner doors for the Especially Holy Place and the doors of the house (that is, of the temple) were of gold.

the wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, ladles, and censers of purest gold; and the gold doors of the temple: the inner doors to the Most Holy Place as well as the doors of the main hall.

and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the firepans, of pure gold. And as for the entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the most holy place, and the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple, were of gold.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 4:22 concludes a detailed inventory of the sacred furnishings and architectural elements within Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights the various implements used in temple service—the snuffers, basins, spoons, and censers—all crafted from pure gold, along with the very doors of the temple, including those leading to the Most Holy Place, which were also made of gold.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 2 Chronicles (chapters 3-5) that meticulously describes the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, a monumental undertaking that spanned seven years (as noted in 1 Kings 6:38). Following the general layout in chapter 3, chapter 4 focuses on the sacred vessels and fixtures. The chronicler's emphasis on the materials, especially the extensive use of gold, underscores the immense value, beauty, and sanctity attributed to God's dwelling place. This level of detail parallels the instructions given for the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, emphasizing continuity in divine design and human obedience.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory and Purity: The repeated mention of "pure gold" signifies the unparalleled glory, holiness, and perfection of God, for whom the Temple was built. Gold, being incorruptible and precious, was the most fitting material to represent divine majesty and the sacredness of His presence. It reflects the truth that only the purest and best should be offered to God.
  • Meticulousness in Worship: Even seemingly minor items like "snuffers" (used for trimming lamp wicks) and "spoons" (likely for incense or other offerings) were made of pure gold. This detail teaches that every aspect of worship, no matter how small, is important in God's eyes and should be performed with reverence, precision, and dedication.
  • Sacred Access: The "inner doors thereof for the most holy place" being made of gold highlights the exclusivity and profound sacredness of the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant resided and God's presence manifested. Access to this area was severely restricted, symbolizing the holy distance between God and humanity, which was later bridged by Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 9:3).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "pure gold" is zahab tahor (זָהָב טָהוֹר), which emphasizes gold refined to its highest quality, free from impurities. This term is consistently used throughout the Old Testament when describing materials for the Tabernacle and Temple, highlighting not just material value but also symbolic purity and perfection required for objects dedicated to divine service.

Practical Application

While we no longer worship in a physical temple with gold implements, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 4:22 remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us:

  • The Value of God: The immense cost and beauty of the Temple signify the immeasurable worth and glory of God. Our worship, time, and resources should reflect His supreme value in our lives.
  • Holiness in Service: Every act of service and worship, whether grand or seemingly insignificant, should be undertaken with reverence and purity of heart, knowing that we are serving a holy God.
  • Access Through Christ: The restrictive golden doors to the Most Holy Place foreshadow the ultimate access to God's presence provided through Jesus Christ, who tore the veil and opened the way for all believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 10:19). As believers, we are now considered the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19), called to live lives that reflect God's glory and purity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 6:31 (2 votes)

    And for the entering of the oracle he made doors [of] olive tree: the lintel [and] side posts [were] a fifth part [of the wall].

  • 1 Kings 6:32 (2 votes)

    The two doors also [were of] olive tree; and he carved upon them carvings of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid [them] with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, and upon the palm trees.

  • 2 Kings 12:13 (2 votes)

    Howbeit there were not made for the house of the LORD bowls of silver, snuffers, basons, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money [that was] brought into the house of the LORD:

  • Exodus 37:23 (2 votes)

    And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, [of] pure gold.

  • 1 Kings 7:50 (2 votes)

    And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold; and the hinges [of] gold, [both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy [place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit], of the temple.

  • 2 Kings 25:14 (2 votes)

    And the pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

  • Jeremiah 52:18 (2 votes)

    The caldrons also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the bowls, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.