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2 Chronicles 4:5

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And the thickness of it [was] an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; [and] it received and held three thousand baths.

And the thickness {H5672} of it was an handbreadth {H2947}, and the brim {H8193} of it like the work {H4639} of the brim {H8193} of a cup {H3563}, with flowers {H6525} of lilies {H7799}; and it received {H2388} and held {H3557} three {H7969} thousand {H505} baths {H1324}.

It was a handbreadth thick, its rim was made like the rim of a cup, like the flower of a lily; and its capacity was 16,500 gallons.

It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold three thousand baths.

And it was a handbreadth thick; and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily: it received and held three thousand baths.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 4:5

This verse provides intricate details about the "molten sea," a colossal bronze basin crafted for King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. It highlights both the immense scale and the meticulous artistry involved in the construction of this sacred edifice, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

Context of the Molten Sea

The molten sea, described in 2 Chronicles 4:2-5 and 1 Kings 7:23-26, was a prominent feature in the temple courtyard. It was mounted on twelve bronze oxen and served as a large reservoir of water primarily for the priests to wash themselves for ritual purification before ministering in the temple. This immense vessel underscored the importance of cleanliness and holiness in approaching God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Grandeur and Meticulous Design: The specific measurements and artistic descriptions ("thickness... an handbreadth," "brim... like a cup, with flowers of lilies") reveal God's desire for excellence and beauty in His dwelling place. Every detail, no matter how small, was significant in the overall design of the sacred space.
  • Abundance and Provision: The capacity to hold "three thousand baths" (an immense volume of water, approximately 18,000 gallons or 66,000 liters) signifies the ample provision for the priests' purification needs. This abundance points to God's limitless resources and His generous provision for those who serve Him.
  • Purity and Holiness: The primary function of the molten sea was for ceremonial washing. Its very presence reinforced the theme of holiness required for worship and service to God, a concept central to Old Testament worship.

Linguistic Insights

The verse uses specific ancient measurements:

  • Handbreadth: An ancient unit of length, roughly equivalent to four fingers' width or about 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm). This detail emphasizes the substantial and durable construction of the molten sea.
  • Bath: A liquid measure, approximating 6 gallons (22 liters). The stated capacity of "three thousand baths" highlights the extraordinary volume of the basin, far exceeding the capacity mentioned in the parallel account in 1 Kings 7:26 (2,000 baths). Scholars often reconcile this by suggesting 2,000 baths was the working capacity, while 3,000 baths was its total maximum capacity, or that the Chronicler emphasizes the full potential or total water supplied.

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds us that God is a God of both grand vision and intricate detail. Just as He specified the minute aspects of the molten sea, He cares about every part of our lives. The massive capacity for purification water can be seen as a foreshadowing of the abundant spiritual cleansing available through Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Through His sacrifice, we have access to boundless grace and forgiveness, allowing us to approach God with clean hands and a pure heart, not through ritual washings, but through faith in Him. The beauty of the lily decorations also suggests that our worship and service should be offered with beauty and sincerity, reflecting God's own character.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 7:26 (5 votes)

    And it [was] an hand breadth thick, and the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies: it contained two thousand baths.