Jeremiah 52:20

KJV

The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

KJV (with Strong's)

The two {H8147} pillars {H5982}, one {H259} sea {H3220}, and twelve {H8147}{H6240} brasen {H5178} bulls {H1241} that were under the bases {H4350}, which king {H4428} Solomon {H8010} had made {H6213} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}: the brass {H5178} of all these vessels {H3627} was without weight {H4948}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The bronze in the two columns, the one Sea, and the twelve bronze bulls under the bases, all of which Shlomo had made for the house of ADONAI, was more than could be weighed.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the two pillars, the Sea, the twelve bronze bulls under it, and the movable stands that King Solomon had made for the house of the LORD, the weight of the bronze from all these articles was beyond measure.

American Standard Version

The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve brazen bulls that were under the bases, which king Solomon had made for the house of Jehovah—the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 52:20 provides a meticulous inventory of significant and immensely valuable brass furnishings from King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem that were plundered by the invading Babylonian forces. This verse, part of a comprehensive record of the spoils, vividly illustrates the colossal scale of the Temple's wealth and the devastating completeness of its destruction, underscoring the immense loss suffered by Judah as a consequence of divine judgment and persistent unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jeremiah 52 functions as a historical appendix to the prophetic book, largely mirroring and expanding upon the account found in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). It offers a somber, detailed narrative of Jerusalem's final siege, the capture and blinding of King Zedekiah, the systematic destruction of the city and its sacred Temple, and the subsequent deportations to Babylon. Verses 17-23 of this chapter specifically enumerate the valuable Temple furnishings, particularly those made of brass, that were broken apart and carried away. This meticulous accounting underscores the thoroughness of the desolation and the immense loss suffered by Judah, serving as tangible evidence of the fulfillment of prophecies concerning judgment against their persistent unfaithfulness. The inclusion of this historical summary at the book's conclusion firmly grounds Jeremiah's warnings in historical reality.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Jeremiah 52:20 transpired during the climactic stages of the Babylonian conquest of Judah, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in 586 BC. The Temple, originally built by King Solomon, was far more than a mere place of worship; it was the very heart of Israelite national identity, their perceived security, and the physical dwelling place of God's presence among them. Its destruction represented the ultimate national catastrophe and the shattering of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Culturally, the plundering of sacred objects and royal treasures was a common and significant practice among ancient Near Eastern conquerors, symbolizing the complete subjugation of the defeated nation and the triumph of the conquering deity or empire over the vanquished one. The detailed inventory here emphasizes both the sheer scale of the wealth accumulated in the Temple and the extent of the Babylonians' meticulous dismantling of this sacred structure.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 52:20 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book of Jeremiah and the broader Deuteronomistic history. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's righteous judgment** against Judah's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The destruction of the Temple, despite its sacred status, vividly demonstrates that God's presence is not confined to a physical structure and that His judgment is absolute when His people persistently rebel. This act also signifies the **fulfillment of prophecy**, as Jeremiah and other prophets had repeatedly warned of Jerusalem's fall and the Temple's desolation (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:1-15](/jeremiah/7-1-15 "Jeremiah 7:1-15 - The Temple Sermon") and [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9-11 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Exile")). The verse further highlights the **transience of earthly glory and material security**, contrasting the magnificent, immeasurable wealth of Solomon's Temple with its ultimate vulnerability to destruction. Finally, the meticulous accounting reflects the **thoroughness of divine judgment**, leaving no doubt as to the completeness of the desolation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to build," generally signifies a dwelling place or structure. In this specific context, it refers to the "house of the LORD" (YHWH), which is the Temple in Jerusalem. It encapsulates the sacred space where God's presence was believed to reside, serving as the central hub of Israelite worship and national identity. The plundering of the "house" therefore signifies not merely material loss but the desecration and destruction of the very symbol of God's covenant with His people.
* **Sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** While commonly meaning a large body of water, in this specific context, "sea" refers to the "Molten Sea" or "Brazen Sea," a colossal bronze basin within the Temple courtyard. This massive vessel was used by the priests for ritual purification, symbolizing cleansing and readiness for divine service. Its inclusion in the inventory of plundered items underscores the loss of essential cultic implements and the cessation of Temple worship, which was central to Israel's religious life.
* **Weight (Hebrew, _mishqâl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to weigh," this term refers to a numerical estimation of mass. The phrase "without weight" (Hebrew: _ein mishqal_) is a powerful expression indicating an immeasurable quantity. It suggests that the sheer volume of brass from these magnificent items was so immense that it defied conventional weighing methods, or that its value was simply incalculable. This emphasizes the extraordinary scale of the Temple's wealth and the devastating extent of the plundering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases":** This clause precisely identifies specific, prominent brass furnishings from the Temple. "The two pillars" refers to Jachin and Boaz, massive, ornate bronze pillars that stood at the Temple's porch, symbolic of strength and divine establishment rather than structural support. "One sea" is the Molten Sea, a colossal bronze basin used for priestly ablutions. The "twelve brasen bulls" were the decorative and functional supports for this immense basin, arranged in groups of three facing the cardinal directions, symbolizing strength and service.
* **"which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD":** This phrase attributes the creation of these magnificent items to King Solomon, emphasizing their original grandeur and the immense resources and skilled craftsmanship invested in the construction of the First Temple. It connects the plundering directly to the zenith of Israelite power and wealth, highlighting the stark contrast with their current state of desolation. The "house of the LORD" explicitly identifies the Temple as the source of these valuable items, underscoring their sacred origin.
* **"the brass of all these vessels was without weight.":** This concluding statement powerfully underscores the extraordinary quantity and value of the brass. The phrase "without weight" (Hebrew: _ein mishqal_) is a hyperbolic expression signifying an immeasurable amount, implying that the sheer volume of metal was too vast to be accurately weighed or calculated. It conveys the immense wealth and grandeur of Solomon's Temple and, by devastating contrast, the overwhelming scale of the Babylonian plundering, emphasizing the complete stripping of its precious materials.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 52:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message and underscore the magnitude of the loss. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, evident in the phrase "the brass of all these vessels was without weight." This is not a literal claim that the brass had no mass, but rather a deliberate exaggeration to emphasize the extraordinary, immeasurable quantity and value of the metal plundered from the Temple. It serves to impress upon the reader the sheer scale of the loss and the immense wealth that once adorned God's house. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Inventory/Cataloging**, providing a precise and detailed list of specific items (pillars, sea, bulls, bases, vessels). This meticulous enumeration lends a sense of historical accuracy and tangible reality to the destruction, making the loss more concrete and impactful for the audience. Finally, there is underlying **Symbolism** in the items themselves; the pillars Jachin and Boaz symbolized divine establishment and strength, and the Molten Sea represented purification. Their destruction and removal signify not just material loss but the shattering of these spiritual realities for the people of Judah, and the cessation of the Temple's sacred function.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 52:20 vividly illustrates the profound theological truth that even the most magnificent human achievements and sacred structures are ultimately subject to God's sovereign judgment and are impermanent. The destruction of the Temple, with its priceless, immeasurable brass furnishings, serves as a stark reminder that God's presence is not bound to physical buildings, nor can material wealth or religious rituals provide ultimate security when covenant faithfulness is abandoned. This event powerfully demonstrates the severe consequences of persistent disobedience and idolatry, showing that God's patience has limits and that His justice will ultimately prevail. The plundering of these items, once glorious symbols of God's presence and Israel's unique status, underscores the complete reversal of fortune and the depth of their spiritual fall.

* [1 Kings 7:23](/1_kings/7-23 "1 Kings 7:23 - Description of the Molten Sea")
* [2 Kings 25:17](/2_kings/25-17 "2 Kings 25:17 - Parallel Account of Temple Spoil")
* [Jeremiah 7:4](/jeremiah/7-4 "Jeremiah 7:4 - False Security in the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 52:20 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that our ultimate security and hope should never be placed in physical structures, material possessions, or even religious institutions, no matter how grand or sacred they may seem. The immense wealth and artistic skill poured into Solomon's Temple could not save it from destruction when God's righteous judgment fell upon a disobedient people. This passage challenges us to critically examine where we place our trust and derive our sense of security. Do we rely on our accomplishments, our possessions, our societal standing, or even the outward forms and traditions of our faith? The impermanence of these earthly things stands in stark contrast to the eternal nature of God and His unchanging word. Our faith must ultimately rest in God Himself, whose kingdom is eternal and whose promises endure forever, even when earthly kingdoms and their most magnificent temples crumble. This passage calls us to a deeper, more profound reliance on the unchanging character of God, rather than on the fleeting glories and securities of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "temples" or sources of security do we, individually or communally, tend to place our ultimate trust in today, apart from God?**
* **How does the detailed description of loss in this verse help us to understand the severity and thoroughness of God's judgment on sin?**
* **In what ways can we ensure that our faith is rooted in the eternal God and His unfailing promises, rather than in the transient things of this world?**

### FAQ

**What were the "pillars, sea, and bulls" used for in the Temple?**

Answer: These were significant furnishings within Solomon's Temple, each serving a distinct purpose. The "two pillars" (named Jachin and Boaz) were massive, ornate bronze columns that stood at the entrance to the Temple's porch. They were primarily symbolic, representing God's establishment and strength, rather than structural supports for the building itself. The "one sea" refers to the "Molten Sea" or "Brazen Sea," a colossal bronze basin used by the priests for ceremonial washing and purification before ministering in the Temple. It held a vast amount of water, symbolizing the need for cleansing. The "twelve brasen bulls" were the decorative and functional supports for this immense Molten Sea, arranged in groups of three facing the cardinal directions. They symbolized strength and service, literally holding up the basin. These items collectively represented the grandeur and sacred purpose of the Temple in Israelite worship, central to their covenant relationship with God.

**Why is the phrase "without weight" significant?**

Answer: The phrase "without weight" (Hebrew: _ein mishqal_) is a **hyperbolic** expression, meaning the quantity of brass was so immense that it was immeasurable or incalculable. It is not meant to be taken literally as having no mass at all. Instead, it emphasizes the extraordinary value and sheer volume of the metal that King Solomon had used to construct these Temple furnishings. This hyperbole powerfully underscores the immense wealth and grandeur of the original Temple and, by stark contrast, highlights the devastating scale of the plunder and destruction carried out by the Babylonians. It conveys the complete and overwhelming nature of the loss, signifying that nothing of value was left behind.

**How does this verse relate to the overall message of Jeremiah?**

Answer: Jeremiah 52:20 serves as a tangible, detailed illustration of the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies regarding God's judgment on Judah. Throughout the book, Jeremiah consistently warned the people of Jerusalem and Judah that their persistent idolatry, injustice, and disobedience to God's covenant would inevitably lead to divine punishment, specifically through invasion and exile by Babylon (e.g., [Jeremiah 25:9-11](/jeremiah/25-9-11 "Jeremiah 25:9-11 - Seventy Years of Exile")). This verse, part of the final historical appendix, provides concrete evidence that these warnings came to pass. The destruction and plundering of the Temple, the very symbol of their security and God's presence, demonstrated that God's word, spoken through His prophet, was true and that even sacred structures could not protect a disobedient people from His righteous wrath. It underscores the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant, whether in blessing or judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed account of the Temple's destruction and the plundering of its magnificent brass furnishings in Jeremiah 52:20, while a poignant testament to God's judgment on Old Covenant unfaithfulness, ultimately points to the superior and eternal reality found in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple, with its pillars, sea, and vessels, was a shadow of greater spiritual realities. Its destruction signifies the end of an era where God's presence was primarily localized in a physical structure and mediated through a priestly system. In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment: He declared Himself to be the true Temple, stating, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection as the Temple")), referring to the temple of His own body. The "Molten Sea" for purification finds its ultimate antitype in Christ's atoning blood, which truly cleanses from all sin, making us pure before God (e.g., [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The very idea of an immeasurable quantity of brass in the Temple foreshadows the immeasurable riches of God's grace and glory found in Christ, who is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ as the Image of God")). Furthermore, through Christ, believers themselves become "living stones" built into a spiritual house, a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")), transcending the need for a physical temple or its material furnishings. The true and enduring glory is no longer in brass and stone, but in the resurrected Christ and His indwelling Spirit within His people, a reality secured by His finished work on the cross and His triumphant resurrection (e.g., [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the High Priest of a Greater Tabernacle")).

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 7:47

And Solomon left all the vessels [unweighed], because they were exceeding many: neither was the weight of the brass found out.

2 Kings 25:16

The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the LORD; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

1 Chronicles 22:14

Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.

2 Chronicles 4:18

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.