What does 1 Chronicles 28:17 mean?
Also pure gold for the fleshhooks, and the bowls, and the cups: and for the golden basons he gave gold by weight for every bason; and likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver: 1 Chronicles 28:17
Explanation
This verse from 1 Chronicles 28:17 is part of David’s preparations for the building of the Temple in Jerusalem, which his son Solomon would later carry out. The verse describes the meticulous detail with which David planned the Temple’s furnishings. Gold and silver were allocated for a variety of sacred implements, including fleshhooks (used in handling sacrificial meat), bowls, cups, and basins. The reference to “gold by weight for every bason” and “likewise silver by weight for every bason of silver” indicates that specific quantities of precious metals were designated for each object, emphasizing the care and precision in their creation.
Historical Context
The verse is set during the reign of King David, who ruled Israel from approximately 1010 to 970 BCE. Although David wished to build a temple for God himself, God decreed that this task would fall to his son, Solomon. Nevertheless, David took on the responsibility of gathering materials and drafting plans for the Temple, which would become a central place of worship for the Israelite people. The cultural significance of the Temple was immense, as it not only represented religious dedication but also national identity.
Theological Insights
From a theological perspective, the verse highlights themes of obedience, reverence, and sanctity. By providing such lavish furnishings for the Temple, David was obeying divine instructions and showing deep reverence for the holiness of God’s future dwelling place. It also indicates the importance of the Temple as a microcosm of the heavenly realm on earth, with each material representing different aspects of divine glory.
Practical Applications
The dedication shown by David in preparing for the Temple’s construction serves as an example of meticulous care for places of worship and reverence for sacred practices. Modern believers could interpret this as an encouragement to contribute resources—their time, finances, or skills—to the upkeep and beautification of their own places of worship. It serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing and honoring spiritual traditions and observances.
Cross-References
- Exodus 25:38-39: “And the tongs thereof, and the snuffdishes thereof, shall be of pure gold. Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, with all these vessels.”
- 1 Kings 7:48-50: “And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the Lord: the altar of gold, and the table of gold, whereupon the shewbread was, And the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs of gold, And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold: and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple.”
- Exodus 37:16: “And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.”
Language Study
In the original Hebrew text, the term for “pure gold” is “zahav tahor,” signifying not merely the material gold but its refined and purified state, clear of impurities. The “fleshhooks” referred to are “mazleg,” which stem from the root word for “to draw out” or “to lift up,” indicating their use in handling sacrificial meats. “Basons” (basins) in Hebrew is “kiyyôr,” which again emphasizes their function in ritualistic purification.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In neighboring ancient cultures, such as in Egypt and Mesopotamia, temples were also adorned with riches, and specific items were made for their deities. The level of detail and dedication to temple furnishings found in 1 Chronicles 28:17 reflects a broader trend in the ancient Near East where religious piety was often expressed through the lavish adornment of sacred spaces.
Scientific Perspectives
From a scientific or archaeological perspective, the precise allocation of resources for each object mentioned in this verse demonstrates an advanced understanding of metallurgy and wealth management in ancient Israel. It could also point to a structured economy capable of supporting such elaborate projects. The role of gold and silver as measures of value is a concept that is still relevant in modern economies.
Commentaries
Biblical scholars and theologians have various thoughts on this verse:
- Some see David’s efforts as an act of piety, ensuring that the worship in the Temple would meet the highest standards of honor and beauty for God.
- Others highlight the role of the Temple as a unifying symbol for Israel, with the investment of such precious materials demonstrating its importance.
- Contemporary commentators might also discuss the implications of religious practices needing material resources and how such texts can be understood in light of modern concerns about wealth and resources within religious institutions.