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2 Chronicles 4:1

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¶ Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

Moreover he made {H6213} an altar {H4196} of brass {H5178}, twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} the length {H753} thereof, and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} the breadth {H7341} thereof, and ten {H6235} cubits {H520} the height {H6967} thereof.

He made an altar of bronze thirty-five feet long, thirty-five feet wide and seventeen-and-a-half feet high.

He made a bronze altar twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and ten cubits high.

Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the height thereof.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 4:1 introduces one of the most prominent features of Solomon's newly constructed Temple: the great altar of brass. This verse details its imposing dimensions: twenty cubits in length, twenty cubits in breadth, and ten cubits in height. This colossal structure served as the primary place for sacrifices and offerings in the Temple courtyard.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed architectural and furnishing description of Solomon's Temple, following the account of the two massive pillars, Jachin and Boaz (2 Chronicles 3:15-17). The construction of this large bronze altar signifies a critical component of the Temple's function as a center for Israelite worship and atonement. It stands in stark contrast to the much smaller bronze altar of the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 27:1, emphasizing the increased scale and grandeur of Solomon's permanent sanctuary in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The altar's primary purpose was for burnt offerings and other sacrifices, which were central to Israelite worship and the means of atonement for sin. It was where the people could approach God with their offerings.
  • Divine Grandeur and Scale: The immense size of the altar (approximately 30 feet by 30 feet and 15 feet high, given a cubit of about 18 inches) reflected the majesty of God and the significance of the worship taking place in His dwelling place.
  • Obedience to Divine Instruction: Solomon's meticulous construction of the Temple and its furnishings, including the altar, underscores the importance of adhering to God's prescribed patterns for worship, as seen in the Tabernacle's earlier design.

Linguistic Insights

The term "brass" (Hebrew: nechoshet) often refers to bronze in ancient texts, an alloy of copper and tin. Bronze was a practical and durable metal, suitable for an altar that would endure intense heat from continuous fires. The "cubit" was a standard ancient measurement, roughly the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, varying slightly but generally around 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The dimensions given here indicate a substantial structure, far larger than any previous altar, capable of handling the vast number of sacrifices offered during major festivals, such as the dedication of the Temple mentioned in 1 Kings 8:64.

Practical Application

While the physical altar is no longer central to Christian worship, this verse reminds us of the profound significance of sacrifice in drawing near to God. For believers today, the concept of sacrifice is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sins on the cross (Hebrews 9:26). The altar's magnitude can also symbolize the vastness of God's provision for salvation and the seriousness of sin that required such a costly atonement. It calls us to consider the reverence and intentionality with which we approach God in worship, recognizing the immense spiritual reality behind our prayers and offerings of praise (Hebrews 13:15).

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 8:64 (4 votes)

    The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court that [was] before the house of the LORD: for there he offered burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings: because the brasen altar that [was] before the LORD [was] too little to receive the burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings.

  • Ezekiel 43:13 (3 votes)

    ¶ And these [are] the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit [is] a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom [shall be] a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about [shall be] a span: and this [shall be] the higher place of the altar.

  • Ezekiel 43:17 (3 votes)

    And the settle [shall be] fourteen [cubits] long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it [shall be] half a cubit; and the bottom thereof [shall be] a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east.

  • 1 Kings 8:22 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

  • 2 Chronicles 1:5 (2 votes)

    Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

  • 1 Kings 9:25 (2 votes)

    And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that [was] before the LORD. So he finished the house.

  • Exodus 27:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.