2 Chronicles 4:4

It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea [was set] above upon them, and all their hinder parts [were] inward.

It stood {H5975} upon twelve {H8147}{H6240} oxen {H1241}, three {H7969} looking {H6437} toward the north {H6828}, and three {H7969} looking {H6437} toward the west {H3220}, and three {H7969} looking {H6437} toward the south {H5045}, and three {H7969} looking {H6437} toward the east {H4217}: and the sea {H3220} was set above {H4605} upon them, and all their hinder parts {H268} were inward {H1004}.

It rested on twelve oxen, three looking north, three looking west, three looking south and three looking east, all with their hindquarters toward the center. The Sea was set on top of them.

The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center.

It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a detailed description of the construction and furnishings of King Solomon's magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 4 focuses on the bronze and gold articles made for the Temple, including the "molten sea" (also known as the bronze laver). This large basin was not for offerings but for the priests to wash themselves for purification before ministering, as commanded in the Mosaic Law concerning the Tabernacle. Verse 4 elaborates on the unique and symbolic support structure for this massive vessel.

Key Themes

  • Architectural Detail and Grandeur: The meticulous description highlights the immense effort, skill, and resources invested in building the Temple. The molten sea was an impressive feat of bronze casting, and its elaborate base underscored the Temple's grandeur and sacred purpose.
  • Symbolism of Twelve: The twelve oxen supporting the molten sea are widely understood to symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. This arrangement signified that the entire nation, through its priestly representatives, was connected to and supported the sacred acts performed in the Temple. The oxen faced outward in the four cardinal directions (north, west, south, east), representing the comprehensive presence or outreach of God's people.
  • Purpose of Purification: While the verse focuses on the structure, the molten sea itself served a vital function: the ritual washing of the priests. This emphasized the necessity of purity and consecration for those who served God, a principle central to Israelite worship.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "all their hinder parts [were] inward" simply means the rear or posterior of the oxen faced towards the center, beneath the molten sea, away from the viewer. This detail emphasizes the aesthetic and reverent presentation of the oxen from all angles, ensuring that only their foreparts were prominently visible to those approaching the Temple. This careful attention to detail speaks to the high standard of craftsmanship and design for all elements of the Solomon's Temple furnishings.

Practical Application

While we no longer have a physical Temple with a bronze laver for ritual washing, the principles endure. The elaborate design and symbolic elements remind us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and a desire for purity. Just as the priests needed to be cleansed to serve, believers today are called to live holy lives, made possible through the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice. This verse also subtly points to the unity of God's people, represented by the twelve tribes, all contributing to and upholding His work. It prompts us to consider our own readiness and consecration as a "royal priesthood" in serving God.

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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

  • Mark 16:15

    And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

  • Matthew 28:19

    Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

  • Matthew 28:20

    Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Ephesians 2:20

    And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

  • Matthew 16:18

    And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

  • Revelation 21:14

    And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
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