King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 4:8 Mean?

“He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold. basons: or, bowls”

Context

He made also ten lavers, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them: such things as they offered for the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in. such: Heb. the work of burnt offering

And he made ten candlesticks of gold according to their form, and set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

He made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold. basons: or, bowls

Furthermore he made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **He made also ten tables.**—Perhaps the golden candelabra stood upon them. (Comp. 1Chronicles 28:16; and 2Chronicles 4:19, *infra.*) **Side.**—Not in the Hebrew. **An hundred basons.**—*Bowls* for pouring libations (Amos 6:6; same word, *mizrāqîm*)*.* The Syriac and Arabic make the number of these vessels a hundred and twenty. The ten tables are not mentioned in the parallel narrative, which speaks of one table only, viz., the table of shewbread (1Kings 7:48). “Basons,” or *bowls,* are spoken of in 1Kings 7:45; 1Kings 7:50 (*mizrâqôth*)*,* but their number is not given.

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 4:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.