2 Chronicles 4:9

KJV

Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

KJV (with Strong's)

Furthermore he made {H6213} the court {H2691} of the priests {H3548}, and the great {H1419} court {H5835}, and doors {H1817} for the court {H5835}, and overlaid {H6823} the doors {H1817} of them with brass {H5178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the courtyard for the cohanim and the great courtyard, also the doors to the courtyard, which he overlaid with bronze.

Berean Standard Bible

He made the courtyard of the priests and the large court with its doors, and he overlaid the doors with bronze.

American Standard Version

Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 4:9 details King Solomon's construction of the outer areas of the Temple complex, specifically "the court of the priests" and "the great court," along with their brass-overlaid doors. This verse is part of a meticulous inventory of the Temple's furnishings and architectural elements, highlighting the functional and symbolic significance of these distinct spaces within the sacred precinct. These courts were essential for the orderly conduct of worship, delineating areas for priestly service and communal assembly, while the durable brass doors underscored the Temple's permanence and value as the dwelling place of God among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles 4, a chapter dedicated to the detailed description of the Temple's furnishings and architectural components, following the construction of the main building itself (2 Chronicles 3). Chapter 4 begins with the bronze altar and the molten sea (2 Chronicles 4:1-6), then moves to the ten lavers, lampstands, and tables (2 Chronicles 4:7-8), before describing the courts in verse 9. This progression from large, central elements to the surrounding structures and then to the smaller vessels (2 Chronicles 4:10-22) demonstrates a comprehensive account of the Temple's completion, setting the stage for its dedication in 2 Chronicles 5. Verse 9 specifically highlights the external yet crucial areas that regulated access and facilitated the various aspects of Israelite worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple by Solomon marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, transitioning from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent, magnificent dwelling place for God in Jerusalem. This grand edifice served as the spiritual and national center for Israel, embodying their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Ancient Near Eastern temples often featured distinct courts to regulate access and signify increasing levels of holiness, a practice mirrored in the Solomonic Temple. The "court of the priests" was reserved for the Levitical priests performing their duties, while "the great court" (also known as the outer court or court of the people) was accessible to all Israelites. The use of brass (bronze) for the doors was not merely aesthetic; bronze was a valuable and durable metal, commonly used in sacred architecture for its strength and resistance to decay, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's presence and covenant.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous construction of these courts underscores several key themes. First, it emphasizes **Order and Structure in Worship**. The distinct courts ensured an organized and hierarchical approach to divine service, maintaining the sanctity of God's presence and the proper execution of rituals, as outlined in the divine blueprint given to David for the Temple's design (e.g., [1 Chronicles 28:11-19](/1-chronicles/28-11 "1 Chronicles 28:11-19 - David's Plans for the Temple")). Second, the courts highlight **Holiness and Access**. They functioned as physical boundaries, delineating spaces of increasing holiness. The inner court, restricted to priests, underscored the need for spiritual purity and authorized mediation to approach God. The outer "great court," accessible to all Israelites, emphasized the communal aspect of worship while still maintaining a necessary separation, foreshadowing the ultimate, direct access provided through Christ (e.g., [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Third, the description of the brass-overlaid doors signifies **Magnificence and Dedication**. The use of precious and durable materials like brass (bronze) underscored the immense importance of the Temple as God's dwelling place on earth and the Israelites' profound dedication to Him. This enduring metal also symbolized the strength and permanence of God's covenant with His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Court (Hebrew, _ḥāṣēr'_):** This term (חָצֵר) refers to an enclosed open space, typically a courtyard. In the context of the Temple, it denotes the distinct precincts surrounding the main sanctuary. The mention of "the court of the priests" (חֲצַר הַכֹּהֲנִים) and "the great court" (הֶחָצֵר הַגְּדוֹלָה) indicates a clear division of space based on function and holiness. The priestly court was the inner area where priests performed their duties, while the great court was the outer, more expansive area accessible to the general Israelite populace for communal worship and sacrifices. These divisions were crucial for maintaining order and reverence in the sacred precinct.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nəḥōšet'_):** The Hebrew word (נְחֹשֶׁת) often translated as "brass" in older versions like the KJV, more accurately refers to "bronze," an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze was a significant metal in ancient Israel, extensively used in both the Tabernacle and Temple construction. Its properties of durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion made it ideal for architectural elements like doors. Theologically, bronze was frequently associated with strength, judgment, and purification in biblical contexts, notably seen in the brazen altar (e.g., [Exodus 27:1-2](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1-2 - The Brazen Altar")), where sacrifices were made for atonement. Its use on the Temple doors thus conveyed not only the structure's permanence but also the solemnity and sacredness of entry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Furthermore he made the court of the priests":** This refers to the inner courtyard of the Temple, directly surrounding the sanctuary building. This area was exclusively designated for the priests to perform their sacred duties, including sacrifices, preparing offerings, and maintaining the Temple's rituals. Its restricted access emphasized the unique mediatorial role of the priesthood and the increasing holiness as one approached the inner sanctuary.
* **"and the great court":** This describes the larger, outer courtyard that encompassed the entire Temple complex, including the priestly court. This area was accessible to all Israelites and served as the primary space for communal worship, prayer, and the presentation of offerings. It was the public face of the Temple, accommodating the vast numbers of pilgrims who came to worship.
* **"and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass":** This specifies that both the priestly court and the great court had doors, and these doors were covered or plated with brass (bronze). The doors served as entry points, controlling access and signifying the boundaries of the sacred space. The overlaying with brass highlighted their importance, durability, and value, contributing to the overall magnificence of the Temple. This material choice also subtly communicated strength and permanence, reflecting the enduring nature of God's presence and covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Architectural Detail** and **Symbolism**. The precise description of the "court of the priests," "the great court," and their "brass-overlaid doors" is a form of **Architectural Detail**, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the Temple's construction and its adherence to a divine blueprint. This detail underscores the importance of order and structure in sacred spaces. **Symbolism** is evident in the choice of materials and the very concept of distinct courts. The brass (bronze) overlay on the doors is symbolic of durability, strength, and value, reflecting the permanence of God's covenant and the solemnity of His dwelling place. Furthermore, bronze in biblical contexts often carries connotations of judgment and purification, subtly hinting at the serious nature of approaching God. The division into distinct "courts" symbolizes the hierarchical nature of Old Testament worship, the concept of increasing holiness, and the regulated access to God's presence, highlighting the need for mediation and proper reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The construction of the Temple courts, with their distinct access levels and durable brass doors, speaks profoundly to the nature of God's holiness and humanity's approach to Him under the Old Covenant. These physical structures were not arbitrary but divinely ordained, serving as tangible representations of spiritual realities. They underscored the truth that God is holy and cannot be approached carelessly; access to His presence required specific conditions, mediation by a consecrated priesthood, and adherence to prescribed rituals. The progression from the "great court" (for all Israelites) to the "court of the priests" (for consecrated Levites) and ultimately to the Holy Place and Most Holy Place (for priests and the High Priest, respectively) illustrates a profound theological principle: God's presence is both accessible and awesome, drawing His people near while simultaneously maintaining His transcendent holiness. The enduring materials like brass also pointed to the steadfastness of God's covenant promises and the permanence of His dwelling among His people.

* [Exodus 27:9-19](/exodus/27-9 "Exodus 27:9-19 - The Tabernacle Court") - Details the design of the Tabernacle's court, a precursor to the Temple, establishing the concept of an enclosed sacred space.
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - Old Covenant Worship and Limited Access") - Describes the Old Covenant Tabernacle/Temple and its limited access, emphasizing the symbolic nature of its barriers and the temporary nature of its rituals.
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Dwelling") - Explains how believers in Christ are no longer outsiders but are built together into a holy temple in the Lord, a dwelling place for God by the Spirit, signifying the abolition of old barriers.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple with its distinct courts no longer stands, the principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 4:9 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. We are reminded that God is inherently holy and worthy of our utmost reverence. The order and structure of the Temple courts teach us the importance of intentionality and discipline in our approach to God, whether in personal devotion or corporate worship. Though the physical barriers have been removed through Christ, the spiritual reality of God's holiness demands a posture of humility and awe. Furthermore, the durability of the brass-overlaid doors can inspire us to cultivate a faith that is strong, resilient, and enduring, capable of withstanding the trials and tests of life, just as God's promises are steadfast and unchanging. We are called to be a people who reflect the permanence of God's covenant in our lives, standing firm in our commitment to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do the distinct courts of the Temple inform our understanding of reverence and order in corporate worship today?**
* **In what ways does Christ's sacrifice transform our access to God, moving beyond the physical barriers of the Old Covenant Temple?**
* **How can the "durability of brass" inspire us to cultivate a resilient and enduring faith in our own lives?**

### FAQ
**Why were there different courts in the Temple?**

Answer: The different courts in the Temple, particularly "the court of the priests" and "the great court," were designed to delineate spaces of increasing holiness and to regulate access based on function and spiritual status. This tiered structure reflected God's order and the need for mediation under the Old Covenant. The priestly court was reserved for the consecrated priests to perform their sacred duties, while the great court was accessible to all Israelites for communal worship and offerings. This arrangement ensured that sacred rituals were performed by authorized individuals in designated areas, maintaining the sanctity of God's presence and teaching the people about His holiness and their need for proper approach (cf. [Numbers 3:5-10](/numbers/3-5 "Numbers 3:5-10 - Duties of the Levites")).

**What is the significance of "brass" (bronze) in the Temple construction?**

Answer: The use of "brass" (more accurately, bronze) in the Temple construction, especially for the doors, held significant meaning beyond its practical durability and value. Bronze was a strong, enduring metal, symbolizing the permanence and steadfastness of God's covenant and His dwelling place among His people. Theologically, bronze in biblical contexts often carried connotations of strength, judgment, and purification. For instance, the brazen altar (e.g., [Exodus 27:1-2](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1-2 - The Brazen Altar")), where sacrifices for sin were made, was also made of bronze, connecting it to the fiery judgment against sin and the means of atonement. Thus, the brass-overlaid doors not only contributed to the Temple's magnificence but also communicated the solemnity and sacredness of entry into God's holy presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical courts of Solomon's Temple, with their divisions and brass-overlaid doors, find their ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The rigid separation between the "court of the priests" and "the great court," and the limited access to God's presence they represented, pointed forward to a time when all barriers would be abolished. Jesus himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of his body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")). He is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. As our Great High Priest, Jesus has entered the true Holy of Holies, not by means of animal blood, but by his own blood, securing an eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). The tearing of the Temple veil at Christ's crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil")) symbolically abolished the physical and spiritual barriers that once separated humanity from God's immediate presence. Now, through faith in Christ, all believers have direct, confident access to the Father's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Access to God's Throne of Grace")). The "brass" of judgment, once symbolized by the altar and the doors, is fulfilled in Christ bearing the full judgment for sin on the cross, providing ultimate purification and making us living stones in a spiritual house, the church, which is now God's dwelling place by the Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1-peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House"); [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")).

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 6:36

And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.

2 Kings 21:5

And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD.

1 Kings 7:12

And the great court round about [was] with three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the LORD, and for the porch of the house.