2 Chronicles 4:16 kjv
The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.
2 Chronicles 4:16 nkjv
also the pots, the shovels, the forks?and all their articles Huram his master craftsman made of burnished bronze for King Solomon for the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 4:16 niv
the pots, shovels, meat forks and all related articles. All the objects that Huram-Abi made for King Solomon for the temple of the LORD were of polished bronze.
2 Chronicles 4:16 esv
The pots, the shovels, the forks, and all the equipment for these Huram-abi made of burnished bronze for King Solomon for the house of the LORD.
2 Chronicles 4:16 nlt
the ash buckets, the shovels, the meat hooks, and all the related articles.
Huram-abi made all these things of burnished bronze for the Temple of the LORD, just as King Solomon had directed.
2 Chronicles 4 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 7:40-45 | Hiram also made the pots, the shovels, and the basins... all of bronze... | Parallel passage describing Huram's work for Temple |
| 2 Chr 4:11 | Huram also made the pots and the shovels and the basins... of bronze... | Earlier list of Huram's bronze works for Temple |
| Exod 27:3 | You shall make pots for it to receive its ashes... for the altar. | Tabernacle altar implements including pots and shovels |
| Exod 38:3 | He made all the utensils of the altar... for the altar... | Specific bronze utensils for the Tabernacle altar |
| Lev 1:16 | The priest shall remove its contents... and cast it beside the altar. | Implied need for utensils to manage sacrifice byproducts |
| 1 Sam 2:13-14 | when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came... and took it. | Implied use of forks/hooks for priestly portions |
| 1 Chr 28:17 | and for the forks, and for the basins... the weight was given for each. | David's plans and specifications for temple utensils |
| Ezr 1:7-11 | King Cyrus brought out the vessels of the house of the LORD... | Return of Temple articles from exile, highlighting their value |
| Hag 2:8 | The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the LORD of hosts. | God's ownership of all materials dedicated to Him |
| Exod 31:1-6 | ...I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill... | God equips skilled artisans for His service |
| 1 Kgs 5:7-12 | King Solomon sent to Hiram saying, "You know my father David... | Alliance between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre for Temple |
| 1 Kgs 7:13-14 | King Solomon sent and brought Hiram from Tyre... filled with skill... | Huram as a master craftsman in bronze work |
| Deut 12:5-6 | you shall seek the place that the LORD your God will choose... | Importance of proper, prescribed worship at chosen site |
| Ps 29:2 | Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to his name; worship the LORD... | Importance of worshipping God with excellence and reverence |
| Prov 16:3 | Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. | Dedicating all endeavors, including craftsmanship, to God |
| Isa 54:16 | "Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of charcoal... | God as the ultimate source of all skill and craft |
| Rom 12:1 | present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God... | NT application of presenting our best for God's service |
| 1 Cor 10:31 | So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. | Do everything with the ultimate purpose of glorifying God |
| Eph 2:19-22 | ...you are fellow citizens with the saints... built on the foundation... | The church as God's spiritual temple, where service is due |
| Heb 9:1-2 | Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and earthly sanctuary. | Reinforces the meticulous nature of Tabernacle/Temple regulations |
2 Chronicles 4 verses
2 Chronicles 4 16 Meaning
This verse details the specific implements made for King Solomon's Temple by Huram (Hiram) of Tyre. It lists "pots," "shovels," and "hooks," emphasizing that these were "all their instruments," crafted from "bright brass" (burnished bronze) for use in the house of the LORD. The verse highlights the comprehensive and high-quality provision of liturgical utensils essential for the daily sacrifices and maintenance within God's sanctuary.
2 Chronicles 4 16 Context
This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles chapter 4, which details the elaborate bronze furnishings made for Solomon's Temple, a continuation of the description of the Temple's construction. Chapter 3 outlines the main structure and interior decorations, including the cherubim and the veil. Chapter 4 then focuses on the large bronze items: the great altar, the "sea" (a large laver), the ten lavers, and the specific smaller instruments like pots, shovels, and hooks mentioned here. This attention to detail highlights the thoroughness of the Temple's outfitting and its readiness for the sacrificial worship that was central to Israelite religion. Historically, this period marks the zenith of the united monarchy of Israel under Solomon, with the Temple symbolizing God's dwelling presence among His people and the stability of the kingdom.
2 Chronicles 4 16 Word analysis
- The pots (סִירָה, sirah): Utensils likely used for various purposes in the sacrificial system, such as carrying away ashes from the altar, collecting blood, or perhaps for preparing portions of the sacrifices for the priests or for holy meals. They speak to the practical and ritual necessity of managing sacrificial byproducts and consecrated food.
- also, and the shovels (וְהַיָּעִים, ve'ha'ya'im): Specific implements designed for scooping or clearing ashes from the bronze altar of burnt offering (cf. Exod 27:3). Their presence emphasizes the need for meticulous cleanliness and order in God's holy space, signifying the ongoing purification required in worship.
- and the hooks (וְהַמִּזְלָגוֹת, ve'ha'mizlagot, translated as "forks" in some versions): Three-pronged or multiple-pronged instruments used for handling the sacrificial meat, especially for arranging portions on the altar or extracting the priests' prescribed share from the boiling pots (cf. 1 Sam 2:13-14). They point to the precise, ritually pure handling of holy items.
- and all their instruments (וְכָל־כֵּלֵיהֶם, ve'chol-keleihem): This phrase emphasizes comprehensiveness. Beyond the specifically named items, a full complement of tools was prepared, leaving no detail overlooked. It underscores the complete dedication to equipping the Temple for every aspect of its sacred service, reflecting a God who demands excellence and completeness in worship.
- did Huram his father make (עָשָׂה חוּרָם אָבִיו, asah Churam 'aviv):
- Huram (also Hiram in 1 Kings): A skilled master craftsman from Tyre, mentioned previously for his unparalleled ability in bronze work. His involvement signifies the highest level of craftsmanship and materials dedicated to God.
- his father ('אָבִיו, 'aviv): This is not a biological reference but a title of profound respect and honor for a master artisan, chief consultant, or spiritual mentor. It signifies Huram's supreme expertise and esteemed position in Solomon's estimation, similar to how Joseph was "a father to Pharaoh" (Gen 45:8).
- make ('עָשָׂה, 'asah): Implies not merely manufacturing but expertly crafting with skill and precision, aligning with God's design for the Temple.
- to king Solomon (לַמֶּלֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹה, lammelekh Shelomoh): Solomon is the king who commissioned and oversaw this massive project, embodying the vision and resources dedicated to building the House of the LORD.
- for the house of the LORD (לְבֵית יְהוָה, le'vet YHVH): The ultimate purpose and sacred destination of all these meticulously crafted items. They were not for royal palace use or private collections but exclusively for the worship and service of Yahweh, God of Israel, in His dwelling place. This highlights the holiness and specific use of the objects.
- of bright brass (נְחֹשֶׁת מְרֻקָּה, nechoshet meruqah, translated as "burnished bronze" in many versions):
- Brass/Bronze (nechoshet): A durable and versatile metal, often alloyed from copper and tin. In the biblical context, bronze was frequently used for altars, lavers, and various Temple utensils (Exod 27; 38).
- Bright/Burnished (meruqah): Signifies that the metal was highly polished and gleaming, reflective, and shining. This indicates a dedication to aesthetic excellence and purity, making the items visually magnificent and symbolically fitting for divine service. It elevates the material from mere utility to beauty in worship.
2 Chronicles 4 16 Bonus section
The Chronicler’s detailed cataloging of these various Temple furnishings (along with other elaborate descriptions of the Temple) served a specific theological and pastoral purpose for his post-exilic audience. It validated the continuity of Israel's worship, emphasized the significance of the Temple cult, and instilled confidence in God’s continued faithfulness through the restored community. The precise specification of even small items like "pots, shovels, and hooks" reinforces the idea that the entirety of Temple service was divinely ordained and held immense sacred importance. Furthermore, the selection of Huram, a non-Israelite, highlights God's ability to draw on and gift diverse individuals with skill for His sacred work, illustrating that divine enablement can transcend ethnic boundaries for the purposes of His kingdom.
2 Chronicles 4 16 Commentary
This verse offers a crucial insight into the detailed, practical, and highly aesthetic nature of the furnishings required for worship in Solomon's Temple. It shows that God's house demanded not only grand structures but also every minute implement, from the majestic bronze sea to the mundane "pots and shovels." The mention of Huram, the master craftsman, and the use of "burnished bronze" emphasize the principle of dedicating the absolute best—in material, skill, and effort—to the service of the Lord. These implements, though small in comparison to the Temple itself, were indispensable for maintaining purity and order within the sacrificial system. The verse thus underscores the comprehensive preparation for holy worship, where no detail was deemed too insignificant for God's glory. This meticulousness reflects the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him, setting a standard for integrity and excellence in all forms of service to God.