King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 1:5 Mean?
“Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it. he put: or, was there”
Context
3
So Solomon, and all the congregation with him, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tabernacle of the congregation of God, which Moses the servant of the LORD had made in the wilderness.
4
But the ark of God had David brought up from Kirjathjearim to the place which David had prepared for it: for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.
5
Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it. he put: or, was there
6
And Solomon went up thither to the brasen altar before the LORD, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
7
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Moreover the brasen altar . . . he put before the tabernacle of the Lord.**—Rather, *And the brasen altar . . .* *was there before the dwelling of Jehovah.* In Hebrew, *shām* is “there”; and *sām,* “he put.” Some MSS., supported by the LXX. and Vulg., read the former; most of the MSS. and the Syr., Arab., and Targ., the latter. The former reading is preferable, as it is not likely that David found the brazen altar separated from the Mosaic sanctuary, and restored it to its place. The sentence further explains why Solomon resorted to Gibeon. The presence of the old brazen altar constituted it the legitimate place of sacrifice. With perfect consistency, the chronicler accounted for David’s *not* going to Gibeon (1Chronicles 21:28-30).
**That Bezaleel the son of Uri . . . had made**—See Exodus 31:2; Exodus 31:9; Exodus 38:1-8; Exodus 27:1-8.
**And Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.**—Rather, *And Solomon and the assembly sought Him*—*i.e.,* the Lord. (Comp. 1Chronicles 13:3; 1Chronicles 15:13; 1Chronicles 21:30.) The old versions translate as A. V.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Chronicles 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Chronicles 1:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge