2 Chronicles 4 15

2 Chronicles 4:15 kjv

One sea, and twelve oxen under it.

2 Chronicles 4:15 nkjv

one Sea and twelve oxen under it;

2 Chronicles 4:15 niv

the Sea and the twelve bulls under it;

2 Chronicles 4:15 esv

and the one sea, and the twelve oxen underneath it.

2 Chronicles 4:15 nlt

the Sea and the twelve oxen under it;

2 Chronicles 4 verses

2 Chronicles 4 15 Meaning

This verse describes two significant elements of the furnishings for Solomon's Temple: "the one sea," referring to the massive Bronze Laver, often called the Molten Sea, and "the twelve oxen under it," referring to the twelve cast bronze oxen upon which this huge basin rested. This detailed description highlights the grandeur, functional purpose for priestly purification, and the deep symbolic representation of the Temple's sacred vessels.

2 Chronicles 4 15 Context

Chapter 4 of 2 Chronicles provides a detailed inventory and description of the bronze articles crafted by Huram-Abi for King Solomon's Temple. Following the construction of the large bronze altar (verse 1), the text moves on to the grand "Molten Sea" (verses 2-5). This verse (2 Chr 4:15) serves as a concise summary and reinforcement of its structure, emphasizing the colossal single basin supported by the twelve symbolic oxen. The broader historical context is Solomon's magnificent construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, designed to be the central place of worship for the unified kingdom of Israel, reflecting the divine pattern given to Moses for the Tabernacle, but on an unprecedented scale and grandeur. This temple was a permanent dwelling place for God's manifest presence among His people, serving as the spiritual heart of the nation. The inclusion of the Molten Sea and its supports signifies the essential role of purification for priests to minister in the Holy place, demonstrating the high standards of ceremonial holiness required for drawing near to God.

2 Chronicles 4 15 Word analysis

• the one sea (הַיָּם הָאֶחָד, hay·yām hā·’eḥāḏ):

  • the one: The definite article points to a specific, unique "sea" or laver. The term "one" emphasizes its singular importance and possibly its uniqueness in form or function compared to the ten smaller lavers mentioned in 2 Chronicles 4:6. This was the principal source of water for priestly purification, especially for the "bathing" of the priests themselves, distinct from the washing of sacrificial elements.
  • sea: yam (יָם) in Hebrew can literally mean "sea" (like the Red Sea or Mediterranean Sea), or a large basin of water. Here, it refers to the immense "Molten Sea" or "Brazen Laver," a colossal bronze vessel measuring about 15 feet in diameter and 7.5 feet deep, holding a vast amount of water. Its immense size indicates the great provision for purification needed for the large priestly order and the whole nation it represented. The term "sea" may also carry echoes of primeval waters, now ordered and contained for divine service, in contrast to pagan beliefs that often deified chaotic waters.

• and the twelve oxen (וּשְׁנֵים עָשָׂר בָּקָר, ūš·nêm ‘āśār bā·qār):

  • and the twelve: The number twelve is highly symbolic throughout the Bible, universally representing completeness, divine order, and God's people (e.g., twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles, twelve gates of the New Jerusalem).
  • oxen: baqar (בָּקָר) refers to cattle or oxen. These were cast bronze figures arranged in groups of three facing the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west, as noted in 1 Kgs 7:25). Oxen were symbols of strength, labor, and agricultural bounty. In a sacrificial context, oxen were often offered, symbolizing dedication and provision. Their presence here, not as objects of worship, but as foundational supports for the laver, indicates their role in upholding the structure that facilitates spiritual cleansing for all Israel. It portrays a unified Israel supporting the means of approaching God in holiness.

• under it: This phrase clearly describes the supportive function of the oxen. They were the base upon which the massive Molten Sea rested, physically upholding its weight and symbolically representing the foundations of the nation supporting its worship and means of purification. This also highlights that the Molten Sea was elevated, suggesting its prominence and availability for the priests.

• Grouped Analysis:

  • the one sea, and the twelve oxen under it: This pairing encapsulates both the monumental purification facility and its symbolic support structure. The singular "sea" highlights the single, unifying means of purification for the entire priesthood, while the "twelve oxen" demonstrate that this purification rests on, and serves, the unified twelve tribes of Israel. It portrays a covenant community approaching God in a unified way, necessitating comprehensive cleansing. The precision in counting these elements underscores the intentionality of their design, pointing to divine instruction rather than mere human ingenuity.

2 Chronicles 4 15 Bonus section

• Engineering Marvel: The casting of such a massive bronze basin (approx. 75,000 lbs) in the 10th century BCE was a significant feat of ancient metallurgy and engineering, as indicated by Huram-Abi's skill mentioned in 2 Chr 4:11-18. This demonstrates the immense resources and skilled labor dedicated to God's worship, surpassing contemporary achievements.
• Dimensions & Capacity: 1 Kings 7:23-26 provides more specific details, noting the Sea was 10 cubits across, 5 cubits high, and could hold "2,000 baths" of water. 2 Chronicles 4:5, however, states it held "3,000 baths." This discrepancy has been debated among scholars, possibly indicating different measurements, usage vs. full capacity, or a textual variation. Regardless, both accounts emphasize its vastness, ensuring abundant water for the priestly requirements.
• Contrast with Chaos: In ancient Near Eastern myths, "the deep" or "sea" often symbolized chaotic, untamed forces. Here, "the Sea" is contained, controlled, and repurposed for sacred, orderly worship by God. This subtly underlines the Lord's absolute sovereignty over creation, transforming what might be seen as chaos into an instrument of holiness and order within His house.

2 Chronicles 4 15 Commentary

2 Chronicles 4:15, though brief, provides a vital description of the Molten Sea and its ox-supports, central components of Solomon's Temple courtyard. The "Molten Sea" was an extraordinarily large bronze basin, dwarfing the lavatories of other ancient Near Eastern temples. Its sheer capacity was designed for the purification needs of the multitude of priests who ministered daily. This ritual cleansing was paramount, as proximity to God's holy presence demanded ritual purity; a profound lesson anticipating the perfect purity required by the One who is truly Holy. The symbolism extends beyond mere hygiene to spiritual cleansing.

The twelve bronze oxen supporting this great sea are rich in meaning. The number twelve invariably points to Israel's twelve tribes, signifying a unified nation sustained by God's strength and serving as the foundation for their collective worship. Each group of three oxen faced a cardinal direction, suggesting that the purification available from this laver was for all corners of the unified Israelite kingdom. They underscore that the Temple, its services, and the blessings derived from it were for all God's people, sustained by their foundational unity and dedication.

Together, the Molten Sea and its oxen convey an image of immense divine provision for cleansing and worship, firmly rooted in the identity and unity of God's chosen people. It prefigured the ultimate spiritual cleansing provided by Christ's sacrifice, by which believers are sanctified and enabled to approach a holy God (Heb 10:19-22), drawing from a limitless "fountain" for sin and uncleanness.