King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 4:8 Mean?

2 Chronicles 4:8 in the King James Version says “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 hun...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 4:8 · KJV

Context

6

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

7

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.

8

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

9

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.

10

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 13 words
וַיַּ֛עַשׂ1 of 13

“And he made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שֻׁלְחָנוֹת֮2 of 13

“tables”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

עֲשָׂרָה֒3 of 13

“also ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

וַיַּנַּח֙4 of 13

“and placed”

H3240

to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay

בַּֽהֵיכָ֔ל5 of 13

“them in the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה6 of 13

“and five”

H2568

five

מִיָּמִ֖ין7 of 13

“on the right side”

H3225

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וַֽחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה8 of 13

“and five”

H2568

five

מִשְּׂמֹ֑אול9 of 13

“on the left”

H8040

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

וַיַּ֛עַשׂ10 of 13

“And he made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִזְרְקֵ֥י11 of 13

“basons”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

זָהָ֖ב12 of 13

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

מֵאָֽה׃13 of 13

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 7:48Isaiah 25:6Zechariah 14:201 Corinthians 10:21Ezekiel 44:16Exodus 25:23-30

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