2 Chronicles 4 17

2 Chronicles 4:17 kjv

In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah.

2 Chronicles 4:17 nkjv

In the plain of Jordan the king had them cast in clay molds, between Succoth and Zeredah.

2 Chronicles 4:17 niv

The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Sukkoth and Zarethan.

2 Chronicles 4:17 esv

In the plain of the Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah.

2 Chronicles 4:17 nlt

The king had them cast in clay molds in the Jordan Valley between Succoth and Zarethan.

2 Chronicles 4 verses

2 Chronicles 4 17 Meaning

The verse specifies the exact location where the immense bronze furnishings for Solomon’s Temple, crafted by Hiram, were cast. This was in the lower Jordan valley, in the thick, firm ground between the ancient sites of Succoth and Zeredathah (also known as Zarethan). This precise detail highlights the significant engineering feat of producing such massive metalworks, indicating a location ideal for such heavy industry.

2 Chronicles 4 17 Context

This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles Chapter 4, which primarily describes the detailed construction of the bronze furnishings for Solomon's Temple, immediately following the general overview of the Temple's interior and exterior (Chapter 3). After specifying the making of the large bronze altar, the great Molten Sea, and the ten bronze lavers, the chronicler provides this precise geographical detail concerning where these massive items were actually cast. This follows the listing of all the finished work by Hiram (v. 11-16), a skilled artisan brought from Tyre by Solomon to execute the complex metalwork. The historical context is Solomon’s monumental project of building the First Temple in Jerusalem, requiring vast quantities of materials and immense logistical planning. The strategic choice of a casting location was crucial for such a large-scale metallurgical operation.

2 Chronicles 4 17 Word analysis

• In the plain of Jordan (בְּכִכַּר הַיַּרְדֵּן - b-kikkar ha-yarden):

  • Plain (כִּכַּר - kikkar): Literally means "a circle," "disc," or "talent (of weight)." In geographical terms, it denotes a flat, round, often fertile region, particularly in the lower Jordan valley, south of the Sea of Galilee, characterized by a semi-tropical climate.
  • Jordan (הַיַּרְדֵּן - ha-yarden): The principal river of the land. The "plain of Jordan" was known for its deep, rich, alluvial clay deposits and accessibility to water and potentially timber, crucial resources for founding large bronze objects. Its low-lying nature provided ease of access for transporting materials.

• did the king cast them (יָצַק הַמֶּלֶךְ - yatsaq ha-melek):

  • Cast (יָצַק - yatsaq): Refers to the pouring of molten metal into a mold. This verb indicates a substantial, large-scale industrial process rather than simple hammering. It signifies precision and an advanced level of metalworking technology.
  • The King: Though Hiram was the craftsman, Solomon is credited as initiating and directing the monumental enterprise. This highlights royal oversight and ultimate responsibility for the Temple's construction.

• in the clay ground (בְּאַדְמַת הַמַּסְכָא - b-admat ha-masveh):

  • Clay ground (אַדְמַת הַמַּסְכָא - admat ha-masveh): "Admat" is "ground" or "earth." "Masveh" (often "mascheh") refers to a thick or solid consistency suitable for molding. It denotes the ideal quality of soil for creating casting molds – firm enough to hold the immense weight of molten metal without cracking or deforming, yet workable for shaping. The specific nature of this ground, rich in natural clays, was essential for constructing the colossal molds.

• between Succoth (בֵּין סֻכּוֹת - bein Sukkot):

  • Succoth (סֻכּוֹת - Sukkot): An ancient town in the Jordan valley, east of the Jordan River (Gen 33:17; Judg 8:5). Its name means "booths" or "shelters," suggesting a temporary encampment or early settlement.

• and Zeredathah (וּבֵין צְרֵדָתָה - u-bein Zeredataha):

  • Zeredathah (צְרֵדָתָה - Zeredataha): Identified as Zarethan (1 Ki 7:46) or Zartanah. This site was also in the Jordan valley, likely west of the Jordan River. It appears to have been known for its metallurgical resources or activity. The pairing of Succoth and Zeredathah defines a precise area in the plain, suggesting a geographical corridor especially suited for industrial activities due to specific soil compositions and proximity to water and fuel.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground": This phrase details the logistical brilliance of the project. Choosing a low-lying, well-watered, clay-rich area provided direct access to raw materials (clay for molds, water for processing, potentially timber for fuel from nearby wadis or river banks). The sheer scale of bronze work necessitated a dedicated, purpose-built industrial site away from Jerusalem, where such a colossal operation would be impractical. This reveals a pragmatic approach to the massive undertaking.
  • "between Succoth and Zeredathah": The specificity of these two locations acts as precise geographical markers. This level of detail in the text confirms the historical accuracy and importance of the operation. It speaks to a designated foundry district in the Jordan Rift Valley known for its geological suitability for large-scale metal casting, indicative of advanced planning and resource management by Solomon’s administration and Hiram’s expertise.

2 Chronicles 4 17 Bonus section

The chronicler's inclusion of this seemingly mundane geographical and logistical detail underscores several important points:

• Scale of the Project: Casting items as large as the Bronze Sea and the Pillars (Jachin and Boaz) was an industrial undertaking on an unprecedented scale for ancient Israel. Such a task would necessitate specialized foundries and immense quantities of raw materials and fuel, which could only be handled in an open, resource-rich area.
• Hiram's Expertise: While Solomon is the "king" who "cast them," the immediate preceding verses (2 Ch 4:11-16) give full credit to Hiram for his technical skill. The selection of a suitable casting site and the successful execution of the process speak volumes about the metallurgical knowledge and engineering prowess of Hiram and his team from Tyre.
• Divine Provision (Indirectly): The Bible consistently highlights God's hand in empowering skills (Ex 31:3-5 for Bezazel). While not explicitly stated, the presence of suitable geological resources in Israel's land, essential for such grand divine projects, can be seen as part of God's provision for His Temple.
• Precision in Detail: The exact geographical naming (Succoth and Zeredathah) confirms the historicity and meticulous nature of the record, emphasizing that the Chronicler sought to convey a precise and reliable account of the Temple's construction for future generations. This detail is not for embellishment but to solidify the historical and practical reality of the construction.

2 Chronicles 4 17 Commentary

2 Chronicles 4:17 offers a concise yet vital detail about the engineering behind Solomon's Temple. It identifies the Jordan Valley, specifically the fertile, clay-rich region between Succoth and Zeredathah, as the chosen location for casting the immense bronze objects. This was not an arbitrary choice; the "clay ground" (or "firm earth" suitable for molding) of the Jordan plain provided the necessary material for robust molds capable of holding tons of molten metal without collapsing or cracking. The strategic selection of this remote location away from Jerusalem likely considered factors such as proximity to natural resources (water, clay, potential timber for fuel), ample space for such large-scale operations, and isolation from population centers due to the intense heat and fumes of a foundry. It underscores the practical realities and the sheer scale of the Temple construction project, requiring not only skilled craftsmen like Hiram but also meticulous logistical planning. The verse implicitly credits King Solomon's effective management and highlights the colossal effort invested in preparing the furnishings for God's dwelling.