2 chronicles 4:6 - He also made ten basins, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them. The things that belonged to the burnt offering were washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 chronicles 4:6" mean?
This verse from 2 Chronicles 4:6 describes part of the equipment Solomon commissioned for the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"He also made ten basins...": This refers to ten large, movable basins or lavers. These weren't small hand-washing bowls; they were likely substantial, perhaps even cart-mounted for easy movement.
"...and put five on the right hand, and five on the left...": This indicates the basins were positioned symmetrically within the Temple courtyard, five on the south side (right from the perspective of someone facing the Temple) and five on the north side (left).
"...to wash in them...": The primary purpose of these basins was for ritual cleansing.
"The things that belonged to the burnt offering were washed in them...": Specifically, these ten basins were for washing parts of the animals offered as burnt offerings. This likely included the entrails and legs, as specified in Levitical law (Leviticus 1:9, 1:13). Blood, offal, and other residue would need to be ritually cleansed before being presented on the altar.
"...but the sea was for the priests to wash in.": The "sea" mentioned here refers to the large bronze basin (also described earlier in 2 Chronicles 4) that held a massive amount of water. This "sea" was specifically for the priests themselves to wash in. This was a necessary part of their ritual purification before performing their duties in the Temple. It was likely that the sea was used for full body washing.
In summary, the verse outlines a division of labor for ritual cleansing within the Temple:
Ten Basins: Used for washing the sacrificial animals. This was a practical measure to maintain cleanliness and adhere to ritual purity laws concerning sacrifices.
The Sea: Reserved for the priests' personal ritual cleansing, highlighting the importance of priestly purity for Temple service.
Significance:
Emphasis on Purity: The entire verse underscores the meticulous nature of the Temple rituals and the importance of cleanliness and purity in approaching God.
Hierarchy: It also highlights a hierarchical distinction, with the "sea" (larger, grander) designated for the priests, reflecting their elevated role.
Practical Considerations: Beyond the symbolic meaning, the division of labor with different basins makes practical sense for managing the scale of sacrifices and the number of priests working in the Temple.
In essence, 2 Chronicles 4:6 illustrates the intricate details implemented to ensure the Temple was a place of holiness and proper worship.
2 chronicles 4:6 - He also made ten basins, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them. The things that belonged to the burnt offering were washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.
What does "2 chronicles 4:6" mean?
This verse from 2 Chronicles 4:6 describes part of the equipment Solomon commissioned for the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"He also made ten basins...": This refers to ten large, movable basins or lavers. These weren't small hand-washing bowls; they were likely substantial, perhaps even cart-mounted for easy movement.
"...and put five on the right hand, and five on the left...": This indicates the basins were positioned symmetrically within the Temple courtyard, five on the south side (right from the perspective of someone facing the Temple) and five on the north side (left).
"...to wash in them...": The primary purpose of these basins was for ritual cleansing.
"The things that belonged to the burnt offering were washed in them...": Specifically, these ten basins were for washing parts of the animals offered as burnt offerings. This likely included the entrails and legs, as specified in Levitical law (Leviticus 1:9, 1:13). Blood, offal, and other residue would need to be ritually cleansed before being presented on the altar.
"...but the sea was for the priests to wash in.": The "sea" mentioned here refers to the large bronze basin (also described earlier in 2 Chronicles 4) that held a massive amount of water. This "sea" was specifically for the priests themselves to wash in. This was a necessary part of their ritual purification before performing their duties in the Temple. It was likely that the sea was used for full body washing.
In summary, the verse outlines a division of labor for ritual cleansing within the Temple:
Ten Basins: Used for washing the sacrificial animals. This was a practical measure to maintain cleanliness and adhere to ritual purity laws concerning sacrifices.
The Sea: Reserved for the priests' personal ritual cleansing, highlighting the importance of priestly purity for Temple service.
Significance:
Emphasis on Purity: The entire verse underscores the meticulous nature of the Temple rituals and the importance of cleanliness and purity in approaching God.
Hierarchy: It also highlights a hierarchical distinction, with the "sea" (larger, grander) designated for the priests, reflecting their elevated role.
Practical Considerations: Beyond the symbolic meaning, the division of labor with different basins makes practical sense for managing the scale of sacrifices and the number of priests working in the Temple.
In essence, 2 Chronicles 4:6 illustrates the intricate details implemented to ensure the Temple was a place of holiness and proper worship.