King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 4:17 Mean?

2 Chronicles 4:17 in the King James Version says “In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah. clay: Heb. thicknesses... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 4:17 · KJV


Context

15

One sea, and twelve oxen under it.

16

The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass. bright: Heb. made bright, or, scoured

17

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

18

Thus Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

19

And Solomon made all the vessels that were for the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables whereon the shewbread was set;


Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Sacred objects for worship reflecting heavenly realities. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Temple Furnishings point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בְּכִכַּ֤ר1 of 10

In the plain

H3603

a circle, i.e., (by implication) a circumjacent tract or region, especially the ghor or valley of the jordan; also a (round) loaf; also a talent (or l

הַיַּרְדֵּן֙2 of 10

of Jordan

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

יְצָקָ֣ם3 of 10

cast

H3332

properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ4 of 10

did the king

H4428

a king

בַּֽעֲבִ֖י5 of 10

them in the clay

H5645

properly, an envelope, i.e., darkness (or density, 2 chronicles 4:17); specifically, a (scud) cloud; also a copse

הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה6 of 10

ground

H127

soil (from its general redness)

בֵּ֥ין7 of 10
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

סֻכּ֖וֹת8 of 10

between Succoth

H5523

succoth, the name of a place in egypt and of three in palestine

וּבֵ֥ין9 of 10
H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

צְרֵדָֽתָה׃10 of 10

and Zeredathah

H6868

tseredah, a place in palestine


Study Guide

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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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