Verses 1-22

A.M. 2992. — B.C. 1012.

The brazen altar, sea, and lavers, 2 Chronicles 4:1-6. The golden candlesticks and tables, 2 Chronicles 4:7, 2 Chronicles 4:8. The doors overlaid with brass, the vessels of the altar, and other brass work, 2 Chronicles 4:9-18. The golden altar of incense, with its appurtenances, 2 Chronicles 4:19-22.

NOTES ON CHAPTER 4.

2 Chronicles 4:1-2. Ten cubits the height thereof — This was too high for the priests to lay the victims on it, without going up some kind of ascent; but as it was expressly commanded (Exodus 20:26) that they should not go up by steps unto God’s altar; they doubtless ascended in some other way. Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits — This and the following verses are explained 1 Kings 7:23, &c.

2 Chronicles 4:7. According to their form — The old form which God proscribed to Moses, Exodus 25:31, &c. And this seems to be mentioned here, because in many other things there was a great variation from the old form; as in the posture of the cherubim, the height of the altar, and divers other things.

2 Chronicles 4:8. He made also ten tables — Whereon the show-bread was set, 2 Chronicles 4:19. Perhaps each of these had twelve loaves on it. As the house was enlarged, so was the provision.

2 Chronicles 4:16. Huram his father — He is so called, because Solomon, it seems, usually called him by that name, out of that great respect which he bare to him for his excellent art, and the service which he did for him; it being usual to call great artists and inventors of things by this name. See Genesis 4:20-21.

2 Chronicles 4:20-22. That they should burn after the manner — According to the prescription of God to them by Moses. The doors of the house were of gold — To wit, in part. For they were not entirely of massy gold, but wood covered with plates of gold, 1 Kings 6:31-35, and 2 Kings 18:16.