2 Chronicles 4:6

KJV

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea [was] for the priests to wash in.

KJV (with Strong's)

He made {H6213} also ten {H6235} lavers {H3595}, and put {H5414} five {H2568} on the right hand {H3225}, and five {H2568} on the left {H8040}, to wash {H7364} in them: such things as they offered {H4639} for the burnt offering {H5930} they washed {H1740} in them; but the sea {H3220} was for the priests {H3548} to wash in {H7364}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also made ten basins for washing and put five on the right and five on the left. Items needed for the burnt offerings would be cleansed in these, but the Sea was for the cohanim to wash in.

Berean Standard Bible

He also made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. The parts of the burnt offering were rinsed in them, but the priests used the Sea for washing.

American Standard Version

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as belonged to the burnt-offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 4:6 provides a precise description of the washing implements within Solomon's Temple: ten lavers for cleansing the animals designated for burnt offerings, and the immense "molten sea" reserved specifically for the ritual purification of the priests. This verse underscores the meticulous attention to detail in the Temple's design, reflecting the paramount importance of ritual purity and order in ancient Israelite worship, and highlighting the distinct roles of those who ministered before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader description of the furnishings and implements of Solomon's magnificent Temple, detailed in 2 Chronicles 3-5. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 4 focuses on the bronze articles, immediately following the description of the monumental "molten sea" (2 Chronicles 4:2-5). The passage systematically lists the various components, from the pillars and the sea to the lavers, lampstands, and tables, emphasizing the grandeur and functional design of the sacred space. This meticulous inventory serves to highlight the fulfillment of God's instructions for worship and the lavish resources dedicated to His house, setting the stage for the dedication ceremony in [2 Chronicles 5](/2-chronicles/5 "2 Chronicles 5 - Dedication of the Temple").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's Temple, constructed in the 10th century BCE, was the permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, replacing the portable tabernacle. Its construction marked a zenith of Israelite power and prosperity. The design and materials, including the bronze work crafted by Huram-Abi from Tyre (mentioned in [2 Chronicles 2:13-14](/2-chronicles/2-13 "2 Chronicles 2:13-14 - Huram-Abi, the Skilled Craftsman")), reflect the advanced craftsmanship of the era and the international connections of Solomon's kingdom. Ritual purity was a cornerstone of ancient Near Eastern religions, but in Israel, it was uniquely tied to the holiness of Yahweh and the covenant relationship. The elaborate washing facilities were not merely practical but deeply symbolic, emphasizing the absolute necessity of ceremonial cleanliness for all who approached the holy God, whether priests or offerings.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evident in 2 Chronicles 4:6 and its immediate context include **Ritual Purity and Sanctification**, underscoring that access to God and the efficacy of worship required meticulous cleansing. The provision of multiple lavers and a dedicated sea also speaks to the **Order and Abundance in Worship**, demonstrating the scale of sacrificial activity and the thoughtful design to facilitate it efficiently. Furthermore, the clear distinction between the lavers' use for offerings and the sea's use for priests highlights the **Distinct Roles in Temple Service**, emphasizing the unique and elevated requirements for those consecrated to minister before the Lord, a theme consistently found in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of the Priests")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lavers (Hebrew, _kiyyor_):** This term refers to basins or washbasins, typically made of bronze. In the context of the Temple, these were not merely utilitarian but sacred vessels. The ten lavers, five on the right and five on the left, indicate a symmetrical and efficient arrangement for the high volume of sacrificial activity. Their specific purpose—washing "such things as they offered for the burnt offering"—underscores the critical role of purity in the sacrificial system, ensuring that the animals presented to God were ritually clean before being offered on the altar.
* **Sea (Hebrew, _yam_):** This refers to the massive "molten sea" or "bronze sea," a colossal bronze basin described in detail in [2 Chronicles 4:2-5](/2-chronicles/4-2 "2 Chronicles 4:2-5 - Description of the Molten Sea"). Its immense size and capacity (estimated at 10,000 baths or 2,000 baths in 1 Kings 7:26, with 2 Chronicles 4:5 giving the larger figure, perhaps indicating total capacity or a different measurement) made it a central feature of the Temple courtyard. Unlike the lavers, its exclusive purpose was "for the priests to wash in," signifying their unique and heightened need for personal ritual purification before performing their sacred duties in the holy place.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _‘olah_):** This was one of the most significant and frequent sacrifices in Israelite worship, signifying complete dedication and atonement. The entire animal (except for the skin) was consumed by fire on the altar, ascending as a "sweet aroma" to God (e.g., [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering")). The washing of the animals for the burnt offering in the lavers ensured their ritual acceptability, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for perfection in what was offered to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He made also ten lavers":** This clause introduces the creation of ten distinct washing basins, smaller than the "sea" but equally vital for the Temple's operations. The number ten suggests a systematic and abundant provision, indicating the scale of worship and the need for multiple stations for purification.
* **"and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them":** This specifies the symmetrical and strategic placement of the lavers within the Temple courtyard. This arrangement ensured efficiency and accessibility, allowing for simultaneous washing operations for the numerous sacrifices offered daily. The phrase "to wash in them" explicitly states their primary function.
* **"such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them":** This clarifies the specific purpose of the ten lavers. They were used for cleansing the sacrificial animals, particularly those designated for the burnt offering. This act of washing was a crucial step in the ritual, symbolizing the purification of the offering before it was presented to a holy God.
* **"but the sea [was] for the priests to wash in":** This final clause draws a clear distinction between the use of the lavers and the "molten sea." The sea, a much larger and more prominent fixture, was reserved exclusively for the priests' personal ablutions. This highlights the elevated standard of purity required for the priestly class, who directly mediated between God and the people. Their personal cleanliness was paramount for their sacred service.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 4:6 employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Merism** is evident in the phrase "five on the right hand, and five on the left," which uses two opposing parts to describe a complete, symmetrical arrangement, emphasizing the comprehensive and orderly design of the Temple's washing facilities. **Contrast** is a prominent feature, as the verse explicitly differentiates the purpose of the lavers ("for the burnt offering") from that of the sea ("for the priests to wash in"). This contrast underscores the distinct levels and types of ritual purity required for different aspects of Temple service. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the very act of washing and the water itself. Water consistently symbolizes cleansing, purification, and renewal throughout scripture, and its prominent role in the Temple rituals points to the spiritual necessity of holiness when approaching the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous provision for washing in 2 Chronicles 4:6 speaks profoundly to the biblical emphasis on purity and holiness in approaching God. In the Old Testament, physical and ritual cleanliness served as a tangible representation of the spiritual purity required to stand before a holy God. The distinction between the washing of offerings and the washing of priests underscores the graded levels of holiness and the specific requirements for those who mediate worship. This system, while outwardly focused on ceremonial acts, pointed to a deeper spiritual reality: that sin defiles, and access to God necessitates atonement and cleansing. The very existence of these washing implements served as a constant reminder of humanity's impurity and God's absolute holiness, preparing the way for a more perfect and ultimate purification.

* [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Bronze Laver in the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple and its intricate sacrificial system no longer exist, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 4:6 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The verse challenges us to consider our own spiritual readiness and reverence when we approach God. Just as the priests and the offerings required meticulous cleansing, so too are we, as a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to live lives of holiness and purity. Our cleansing, however, does not come from physical water or animal sacrifices, but from the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate purification and our access to God. This passage encourages us to cultivate a heart that desires purity, acknowledging God's holiness and our ongoing need for His grace and transformative power in our daily lives, ensuring that our worship is not merely external but flows from a cleansed and consecrated heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Old Testament emphasis on ritual purity in the Temple inform our understanding of God's holiness today?**
* **In what ways do we, as New Testament believers, "wash" ourselves before approaching God in worship or service?**
* **What does the distinction between washing offerings and washing priests teach us about the nature of spiritual preparation for different roles in God's kingdom?**
* **How can the concept of "order and abundance" in Temple worship inspire us to be more intentional and generous in our own spiritual disciplines and church life?**

### FAQ
**What was the "molten sea" and why was it so large?**

Answer: The "molten sea" was a colossal bronze basin, approximately 15 feet in diameter and 7.5 feet high, holding an immense volume of water (estimates vary, but 2 Chronicles 4:5 suggests 10,000 baths, or roughly 200,000 gallons). It was the largest single vessel in the Temple courtyard. Its immense size was primarily practical, serving as the main reservoir for the priests' ritual ablutions. Priests needed to wash their hands and feet frequently before performing their sacred duties, and the sea provided a constant, abundant supply of water for this purpose. Symbolically, its grandeur and capacity also underscored the vastness of God's provision and the boundless need for purification in His holy presence. It was a visual testament to the importance of cleanliness for those who ministered before the Lord, a theme consistent with the tabernacle's bronze laver, though on a far grander scale (cf. [Exodus 30:18](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18 - The Bronze Laver")).

**Why were there ten lavers for the burnt offering, and why were they placed symmetrically?**

Answer: The provision of ten lavers, strategically placed five on the right and five on the left, speaks to both the volume and the order of worship in Solomon's Temple. Burnt offerings were frequent and numerous, often involving multiple animals simultaneously. Having ten separate lavers allowed for the efficient washing of these animals, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring that the sacrificial process could proceed smoothly and without delay. The symmetrical placement would have facilitated ease of access from various points in the courtyard, reflecting a thoughtful design for a high-traffic, sacred space. This arrangement underscores the importance of order and efficiency in the service of God, ensuring that the elaborate rituals could be performed with reverence and precision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The washing rituals described in 2 Chronicles 4:6, with their emphasis on physical purity for both offerings and priests, find their ultimate fulfillment and spiritual transformation in Jesus Christ. The ten lavers, used to cleanse sacrificial animals, foreshadow the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus, who offered Himself as the final and complete sacrifice for sin (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). He was the "thing offered" that was perfectly pure, needing no washing, because He was without sin. Similarly, the "molten sea" for the priests' cleansing points to Christ as our great High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, needed no purification for Himself, being holy, innocent, and undefiled (cf. [Hebrews 7:26-27](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26-27 - Christ, Our Perfect High Priest")). His sacrifice provides a once-for-all spiritual cleansing, not of hands and feet, but of our consciences from dead works to serve the living God (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through His shed blood, believers are made perfectly clean and are granted direct access to God, becoming a "royal priesthood" themselves (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), able to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (cf. [Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near to God")). The physical washings of the Old Covenant were but shadows, pointing to the glorious reality of spiritual purification and perfect access found in Christ alone.

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.