This verse briefly highlights God’s provision for cleansing and reminds us that God graciously grants His people a means to maintain their fellowship with Him.
In 2 Chronicles 4, Solomon finishes examining the details of the furnishings for the temple he built in Jerusalem. In verse 15, the Scripture says, “Also the one sea and the twelve oxen under it.” (v.15). The phrase “one sea” in this context refers to the large bronze basin, often called the “molten sea,” which Solomon crafted to serve as a ceremonial washing station for the priests. Jerusalem, built on the ancient hills of Moriah and Zion, became Israel’s capital under King David, and Solomon (David’s son) reigned from about 971 BC to 931 BC. His divine calling was to construct the temple, and this basin symbolized God’s provision for spiritual purity, standing as a focal point in the temple courts.
The molten sea was supported by twelve bronze oxen, arranged in four groups of three. These oxen represented the twelve tribes of Israel, reinforcing the idea that each tribe was to look to the LORD for cleansing and unity. The size of this basin, along with the artistry of the bronze work, testified to Solomon’s commitment to honor God with excellence and reflect the greatness of the Suzerain (Ruler) God who had graciously established His covenant with Israel. In practical use, the priests would wash before either performing sacrifices or entering areas that required ceremonial cleanliness, abiding by the instructions that the LORD earlier prescribed through Moses (Exodus 30:17-21). Though it was physically set in Solomon’s temple, it also pointed forward, painting a picture of how God’s people continually need His cleansing and grace.
From a wider biblical perspective, the “sea” can foreshadow spiritual truths in the New Testament, where Christ Himself is the source of “living water” that cleanses (John 7:37). Solomon’s bronze sea, therefore, underscores both the holiness of God and His merciful intent to provide a path of atonement and purity for anyone who approaches Him in faith.
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2 Chronicles 4:15 meaning
In 2 Chronicles 4, Solomon finishes examining the details of the furnishings for the temple he built in Jerusalem. In verse 15, the Scripture says, “Also the one sea and the twelve oxen under it.” (v.15). The phrase “one sea” in this context refers to the large bronze basin, often called the “molten sea,” which Solomon crafted to serve as a ceremonial washing station for the priests. Jerusalem, built on the ancient hills of Moriah and Zion, became Israel’s capital under King David, and Solomon (David’s son) reigned from about 971 BC to 931 BC. His divine calling was to construct the temple, and this basin symbolized God’s provision for spiritual purity, standing as a focal point in the temple courts.
The molten sea was supported by twelve bronze oxen, arranged in four groups of three. These oxen represented the twelve tribes of Israel, reinforcing the idea that each tribe was to look to the LORD for cleansing and unity. The size of this basin, along with the artistry of the bronze work, testified to Solomon’s commitment to honor God with excellence and reflect the greatness of the Suzerain (Ruler) God who had graciously established His covenant with Israel. In practical use, the priests would wash before either performing sacrifices or entering areas that required ceremonial cleanliness, abiding by the instructions that the LORD earlier prescribed through Moses (Exodus 30:17-21). Though it was physically set in Solomon’s temple, it also pointed forward, painting a picture of how God’s people continually need His cleansing and grace.
From a wider biblical perspective, the “sea” can foreshadow spiritual truths in the New Testament, where Christ Himself is the source of “living water” that cleanses (John 7:37). Solomon’s bronze sea, therefore, underscores both the holiness of God and His merciful intent to provide a path of atonement and purity for anyone who approaches Him in faith.