Matthew Poole
2 Chronicles 4

Introduction

The altar of brass, 2 Chronicles 4:1. The molten sea upon twelve oxen, 2 Chronicles 4:2-5. The ten lavers, candlesticks, and tables, 2 Chronicles 4:6-8. The courts, and the instruments of brass, 2 Chronicles 4:9-18. The instruments of gold, 2 Chronicles 4:19-22.

Verse 1

Question: How could this be, when God had said, Thou shalt not go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon, Exodus 20:26, and steps were necessary for so high an altar as this was?

Answer:

1. These steps were so made that there was no fear of this inconvenience.
2. That law was useful and fit when it was made; but afterwards, when the priests were commanded to wear linen breeches in their holy ministrations to cover their nakedness, Exodus 28:42, it was not necessary.
3. Howsoever God could undoubtedly dispense with his own law, as here he did; for he it was that gave these dimensions for the altar.

Verse 2

A molten sea: of this and 2 Chronicles 4:3-5, &c., see the notes on 1 Kings 7:23, &c.

Verse 3-6

Ten lavers; of which see 1 Kings 7:38, &c.

Verse 7

According to their form; either,

1. The form which was appointed for them by God, who signified it to David. Or rather,
2. The old form which God prescribed to Moses, Exodus 25:31, &c., for so these were made. And this clause seems to be added here, because in many things there was a great variation from the old form, as in the posture of the cherubims, the height of the altar, and divers other things.

Verse 8

Ten tables; of which see 1 Kings 7:48.

Verse 9-11

Of these and the following verses see the notes on 1 Kings 7:40, &c.

Verse 12-16

His father, i.e. Solomon's father; the relative being put before the antecedent, which is not unusual in the Hebrew tongue. And he is so called here, because Solomon usually called him by that name, out of that great respect which he bore to him for his excellent art and service which he did for him; it being usual to call great artists and inventors of things by this name; of which see Genesis 4:20, 21. Or, Huram Abiu, or Abif, a man so called, or Huram Abi, as 2 Chronicles 2:18.

Verse 17-19

Which were of gold; and so are distinguished from those ten tables mentioned 2 Chronicles 4:8, which seems to have been made of silver. Compare 1 Chronicles 28:16.

Verse 20

After the manner; according to the prescription of God to and by Moses.

Verse 21, 22

To wit, in part; they were made of wood, 1 Kings 6:30; 2 Kings 18:16, but covered with golden plates.