2 Chronicles 4:8

KJV

He made also ten tables, and placed [them] in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.

KJV (with Strong's)

He made {H6213} also ten {H6235} tables {H7979}, and placed {H3240} them in the temple {H1964}, five {H2568} on the right side {H3225}, and five {H2568} on the left {H8040}. And he made {H6213} an hundred {H3967} basons {H4219} of gold {H2091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He also made ten tables and put them in the temple, five on the right and five on the left. And he made a hundred basins of gold.

Berean Standard Bible

Additionally, he made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north. He also made a hundred gold bowls.

American Standard Version

He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made a hundred basins of gold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 4:8 meticulously details two significant sets of furnishings commissioned by King Solomon for the First Temple: ten tables and one hundred basins of pure gold. This verse underscores the unparalleled magnificence, functional abundance, and precise order of the sacred space, highlighting the lavish provision for divine worship and the meticulous attention to detail in preparing a dwelling worthy of God's presence, far exceeding the scale of the earlier Tabernacle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a larger, highly detailed account of the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, spanning [2 Chronicles chapters 3 and 4](/2_chronicles/3-4 "2 Chronicles 3-4 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"). Following descriptions of the Temple's foundational structure, the immense bronze altar, the "molten sea" for priestly purification, and the ten movable lavers, verse 8 shifts focus to the internal fixtures. It continues the meticulous inventory, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Solomon's undertaking and the divine blueprint that guided every aspect of the Temple's design, emphasizing its grandeur and functional capacity for the elaborate sacrificial and worship rituals of Israel. This narrative parallels the account found in [1 Kings 7:48-50](/1_kings/7-48 "1 Kings 7:48-50 - Solomon's Temple Furnishings").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) marked a golden age for Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence. The construction of the Temple was the crowning achievement of his reign, fulfilling the desire of his father, King David, to build a permanent dwelling for the Lord in Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 7:1-17](/2_samuel/7-1 "2 Samuel 7:1-17 - God's Covenant with David")). The scale of the Temple's furnishings, including the ten tables and one hundred gold basins, far surpassed those of the portable Tabernacle ([Exodus 25:23-30](/exodus/25-23 "Exodus 25:23-30 - The Table for Showbread")). This reflected not only Solomon's immense wealth and access to the finest materials and craftsmen but also the nation's profound devotion and the elevated status of the centralized worship in Jerusalem. The items were not merely decorative but were essential for the daily operation of the sacrificial system and the presentation of offerings before God.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous description in [2 Chronicles 4](/2_chronicles/4 "2 Chronicles 4 - Temple Furnishings") highlights several key themes. First, **Magnificence and Abundance** are evident in the sheer quantity and precious materials used, particularly the "hundred basons of gold" and the multiplication of tables from one in the Tabernacle to ten. This signifies God's overflowing provision and the desire to offer the absolute best in His service. Second, **Order and Symmetry** are emphasized by the precise placement of the tables—"five on the right side, and five on the left"—reflecting the structured and orderly nature of divine worship and the cosmos itself. Third, **Preparation for Worship** is a central theme, as these items were highly functional. The tables likely held the [showbread](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5 - The Showbread"), a perpetual offering, while the basins were crucial for collecting sacrificial blood, for purification rites, or for holding other liquid offerings, underscoring the extensive nature of the Old Testament sacrificial system as a means of atonement and communion with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tables (Hebrew, _shulchân'_):** The Hebrew word שֻׁלְחָן (_shulchân_), meaning "table," is used here in its plural form to denote the multiple tables. In biblical contexts, tables were often used for meals, but in the Tabernacle and Temple, they specifically served for the "bread of the Presence" or "showbread" ([Exodus 25:23-30](/exodus/25-23 "Exodus 25:23-30 - Instructions for the Table of Showbread")). The multiplication to ten tables in Solomon's Temple, compared to the single table in the Tabernacle, signifies an unprecedented scale of worship and an abundance of provision, perhaps indicating that each table served a specific purpose or facilitated the handling of a larger volume of offerings.
* **Basons (Hebrew, _mizrâq'_):** The Hebrew word מִזְרָק (_mizrâq_), referring to a bowl or basin, is used here in its plural form. These vessels were typically used for sprinkling or pouring. In the context of the Temple, these were essential for the sacrificial system, primarily for collecting the blood of sacrifices ([Exodus 24:6](/exodus/24-6 "Exodus 24:6 - Moses Sprinkles Blood")) or for holding other liquids used in ceremonial purification or offerings. The "hundred basons of gold" emphasize the vast number of sacrifices and rituals performed, requiring numerous vessels of the highest quality for sacred use.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** This precious metal (זָהָב, _zâhâb_) is consistently associated with divinity, purity, and ultimate value throughout the biblical narrative. Its extensive use in the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings ([Exodus 25:10-40](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10-40 - Ark, Table, Lampstand")) signifies that only the most valuable and unblemished materials were deemed worthy for items dedicated to the worship of God. The mention of "gold" for the basins, in particular, elevates their status beyond mere functional implements to sacred vessels imbued with the glory and holiness of the divine presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He made also ten tables, and placed [them] in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left."**: This clause details the construction and precise arrangement of the tables. The number "ten" signifies a tenfold increase from the single table in the wilderness Tabernacle, indicating the vastly expanded scale of worship in Solomon's permanent Temple. The careful placement—"five on the right side, and five on the left"—demonstrates a meticulous attention to order, symmetry, and functional accessibility within the sacred space, reflecting the structured nature of the divine worship prescribed by God. These tables were likely used for the presentation of the showbread, a perpetual offering before the Lord.
* **"And he made an hundred basons of gold."**: This second clause describes the creation of a large quantity of highly valuable vessels. "An hundred basons" further emphasizes the immense scale of the Temple's operation and the extensive nature of the sacrificial system. The material, "gold," highlights the preciousness, purity, and sacredness of these vessels, which were essential for collecting blood from sacrifices, for purification rituals, or for other ceremonial purposes, underscoring the deep reverence and lavish provision for God's service.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of grandeur and meticulousness. **Repetition** of the verb "made" (implied through "He made also... And he made...") underscores Solomon's active role in commissioning these numerous items. The sheer quantities mentioned—"ten tables" and "an hundred basons"—function as a form of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration**, not necessarily in the sense of falsehood, but to emphasize the extraordinary scale and opulence of the Temple furnishings, far surpassing anything seen before. **Symbolism** is also at play: the "gold" symbolizes divine glory, purity, and the immense value placed on God's worship, while the "tables" symbolize God's provision and communion (through the showbread), and the "basons" symbolize purification and atonement (through their use in sacrificial rituals). The balanced arrangement of the tables ("five on the right side, and five on the left") creates a sense of **symmetry** and **order**, reflecting the divine attributes of harmony and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, describing the lavish furnishings of Solomon's Temple, speaks volumes about the nature of worship and God's relationship with His people. The abundance and preciousness of the materials reflect a theological principle that God is worthy of our absolute best and that His provision for His people is exceedingly generous. The meticulous order and symmetry in the placement of the tables underscore God's character as a God of order, not chaos, and the importance of intentionality and reverence in approaching Him. Furthermore, the functional nature of these items—tables for showbread and basins for sacrificial blood—points to the centrality of covenant, communion, and atonement in Israel's relationship with Yahweh. The Temple, with its rich adornments, was a tangible representation of God's dwelling among His people, a place where heaven and earth met, and where the sacred rituals facilitated fellowship and reconciliation.

* [Exodus 25:23-30](/exodus/25-23 "Exodus 25:23-30 - The Table for Showbread in the Tabernacle")
* [Hebrews 9:23-24](/hebrews/9-23 "Hebrews 9:23-24 - Heavenly Patterns and Christ's Superior Sacrifice")
* [Revelation 21:21](/revelation/21-21 "Revelation 21:21 - The New Jerusalem's Golden Streets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Temple's furnishings in 2 Chronicles 4:8, though describing ancient artifacts, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the quality of our offering to God, not just in material terms, but in the excellence of our worship, the generosity of our giving, and the devotion of our hearts. Just as Solomon spared no expense in creating a magnificent dwelling for God, we are called to give our best in all aspects of our lives dedicated to Him, recognizing His supreme worthiness. The intentional design and functional purpose of each item remind us that our spiritual practices and communal gatherings should be thoughtfully structured to facilitate genuine encounter with God and to effectively serve His purposes. Furthermore, the sheer abundance of the Temple's provisions points to God's boundless grace and His desire to provide richly for His people, not just physically, but spiritually, offering an overflowing life in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to offer God my "best," rather than merely what is convenient or leftover?**
* **How does the meticulous order of the Temple furnishings inspire me to cultivate greater intentionality and reverence in my personal worship and communal spiritual practices?**
* **How can I recognize and appreciate God's abundant provision for my spiritual needs, even when circumstances seem limited?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the ten tables in the Temple?**

Answer: The ten tables in Solomon's Temple, a significant increase from the single table in the Tabernacle, were primarily used for the "bread of the Presence" or "showbread." This bread was a perpetual offering, symbolizing God's ongoing covenant and provision for His people, continually set before the Lord ([Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Instructions for the Bread of the Presence")). The multiplication of tables suggests an expanded capacity for this offering, possibly to accommodate various types of offerings or to facilitate the handling of the showbread for the numerous priests and Levites serving in the larger Temple complex.

**Why were there so many gold basons, and what were they used for?**

Answer: The "hundred basons of gold" were essential vessels for the extensive sacrificial system and purification rituals conducted in the Temple. Their large number indicates the frequent and numerous sacrifices offered daily and on special occasions. These basins were primarily used to collect the blood of sacrificial animals, which was then sprinkled on the altar or used in other atonement rites ([Leviticus 1:5](/leviticus/1-5 "Leviticus 1:5 - Blood of the Burnt Offering")). They might also have been used for holding water for purification or other liquid offerings. The use of "gold" for these basins underscores their sacredness and the immense value placed on the rituals of atonement and worship performed in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lavish furnishings of Solomon's Temple, including the ten tables and one hundred gold basins, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The tables, which held the showbread, prefigure Christ as the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), who came down from heaven to give life to the world. Unlike the physical bread that sustained temporarily, Jesus offers eternal spiritual nourishment to all who believe in Him ([John 6:51](/john/6-51 "John 6:51 - Jesus Gives His Flesh for the Life of the World")). Similarly, the numerous gold basins, used for collecting sacrificial blood for atonement and purification, point directly to the singular, perfect, and eternal sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His blood, shed on the cross, is the ultimate and sufficient means of cleansing from sin, making the Old Testament sacrificial system obsolete ([Hebrews 9:12-14](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12-14 - Christ's Blood Purifies Conscience")). The Temple itself, with its unparalleled glory and abundance, foreshadowed Christ as the embodiment of God's presence among humanity, the true Temple not made with hands ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). The abundance of gold and precious materials in the Temple points to the immeasurable spiritual riches and divine glory found in Christ, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God Dwells in Christ")). Thus, the physical grandeur of Solomon's Temple serves as a magnificent shadow, revealing the infinitely greater reality and spiritual abundance found in Jesus, our High Priest, our sacrifice, and our perpetual provision.

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.

Cross-References

1 Kings 7:48

¶ And Solomon made all the vessels that [pertained] unto the house of the LORD: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread [was],

1 Corinthians 10:21

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.

Malachi 1:12

But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD [is] polluted; and the fruit thereof, [even] his meat, [is] contemptible.

Zechariah 14:20

In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

Exodus 25:23

¶ Thou shalt also make a table [of] shittim wood: two cubits [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

Exodus 25:30

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

Isaiah 25:6

¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.