2 Chronicles 4:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 4:6 details a key aspect of the magnificent Temple constructed by King Solomon in Jerusalem: the provision for ritual washing and purification. This verse describes the ten lavers and the great "molten sea," highlighting the meticulous preparations necessary for proper worship in ancient Israel.

Context of 2 Chronicles 4:6

This verse is part of a broader description of the Temple's furnishings, immediately following the account of the massive molten sea (also known as the bronze sea). Solomon's Temple was a permanent structure designed to replace the portable tabernacle, and its scale and grandeur reflected the prosperity and spiritual devotion of the nation under his rule. The construction details, including these washing basins, emphasize the importance of cleanliness and order in the elaborate sacrificial system. These items were crafted by Huram, a skilled craftsman from Tyre, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 2:13-14.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ritual Purity and Sanctification: The primary purpose of the lavers and the sea was for washing. This underscores the fundamental biblical principle that those who approach God, and the offerings brought to Him, must be cleansed and purified. This concept of purification is central to Old Testament worship, preparing the way for the ultimate cleansing through Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 9:14).
  • Order and Abundance in Worship: The provision of ten lavers, strategically placed five on each side, demonstrates the high volume of sacrifices and the need for efficient and orderly worship. It speaks to the abundance of resources dedicated to God's house and the thoughtful design to facilitate the numerous daily rituals.
  • Distinct Roles in Temple Service: The verse clearly differentiates the use of the lavers ("for the burnt offering") from "the sea" ("for the priests to wash in"). This highlights the specialized roles and requirements for different participants in Temple worship. Priests had a unique need for personal purification to perform their sacred duties, while the lavers ensured the offerings themselves met the standards of cleanliness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "lavers" translates the Hebrew word kiyyor (Χ›Φ΄ΦΌΧ™ΦΌΧ•ΦΉΧ¨), which refers to basins or washbasins. These were smaller than the massive "sea." The "sea" itself was a monumental bronze basin, described in 1 Kings 7:23-26, holding an immense volume of water (estimated at 10,000 baths, or roughly 200,000 gallons according to 2 Chronicles 4:5). While the lavers were for washing the sacrificial animals, the sea served for the priests' personal ablutions, ensuring their ritual purity before ministering.

Practical Application and Reflection

While we no longer practice animal sacrifices or ritual washing in a physical temple, the principles of 2 Chronicles 4:6 remain highly relevant. This verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual purity and preparation when we approach God. Just as the priests and offerings needed cleansing, believers today are called to live holy lives and to approach God with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:4). Our cleansing comes not from water, but through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate purification and access to God (John 13:10, 1 John 1:7). This passage encourages us to consider our spiritual readiness and reverence in our worship and daily walk with God, acknowledging His holiness and our need for His grace.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 7:38

    Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: [and] every laver was four cubits: [and] upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

  • Exodus 30:18

    Thou shalt also make a laver [of] brass, and his foot [also of] brass, to wash [withal]: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

  • Exodus 30:21

    So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, [even] to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

  • 1 Kings 7:40

    And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

  • Ezekiel 40:38

    And the chambers and the entries thereof [were] by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.

  • Psalms 51:2

    Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

  • Revelation 1:5

    And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
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