What was the Molten Sea's primary purpose in the Temple?

The Molten Sea, also known as the Brazen Sea, was a massive bronze basin primarily used by the priests for washing their hands and feet before ministering in the Temple. This ritual cleansing was essential for maintaining ceremonial purity as they performed their sacred duties, as described in 2 Chronicles 4:6. It was a larger, more permanent version of the bronze laver found in the Tabernacle (e.g., Exodus 30:18-21).

Why were oxen used as decorative elements for the Molten Sea?

Oxen were highly symbolic animals in ancient Israel and the broader Near East, representing strength, endurance, and utility, particularly in agricultural labor and as sacrificial animals. While the twelve oxen supporting the Molten Sea (mentioned in 2 Chronicles 4:4) are often associated with the twelve tribes of Israel, the general "similitude of oxen" described in 2 Chronicles 4:3 likely conveyed a sense of steadfastness, power, and the foundational support for the sacred priestly functions associated with the Molten Sea. Their inclusion underscored the robust and enduring nature of the Temple and its service.

What does "ten in a cubit" mean in relation to the oxen figures?

"Ten in a cubit" refers to the density or spacing of the oxen figures around the circumference of the Molten Sea's base. A cubit was an ancient unit of measurement, roughly 18-21 inches. This detail indicates that for every cubit of the basin's circumference, there were ten individual oxen figures. This precise measurement highlights the extraordinary meticulousness and scale of the bronze casting work, demonstrating the high level of artistry and engineering dedicated to every detail of Solomon's Temple construction.

4:2 4:2

2 Chronicles 4:3

4:4 4:4

Bible Versions

And under it [was] the similitude of oxen, which did compass it round about: ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about. Two rows of oxen [were] cast, when it was cast.

And under it was the similitude {H1823} of oxen {H1241}, which did compass {H5437} it round about {H5439}: ten {H6235} in a cubit {H520}, compassing {H5362} the sea {H3220} round about {H5439}. Two {H8147} rows {H2905} of oxen {H1241} were cast {H3332}, when it was cast {H4166}.

Below the rim a ring of ox-like figures encircled it, ten for every twenty-one inches all the way around the Sea. The oxen were in two rows; they were cast when the Sea was cast.

Below the rim, figures of oxen encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around the Sea, cast in two rows as a part of the Sea.

And under it was the likeness of oxen, which did compass it round about, for ten cubits, compassing the sea round about. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast.

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.

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Cross-References

Ezekiel 10:14

And every one had four faces: the first face [was] the face of a cherub, and the second face [was] the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.
Revelation 4:7

And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [was] like a flying eagle.
Ezekiel 1:10

As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.
1 Kings 7:24

And under the brim of it round about [there were] knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, compassing the sea round about: the knops [were] cast in two rows, when it was cast.
1 Kings 7:26

And it [was] an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.
1 Corinthians 9:9

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
1 Corinthians 9:10

Or saith he [it] altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, [this] is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

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