What does 2 Chronicles 4:14 mean?

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He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases; 2 Chronicles 4:14

Explanation

2 Chronicles 4:14 describes part of the furnishings in the temple that King Solomon built for the Lord in Jerusalem. The verse specifically mentions “bases,” which were stands or supports for “lavers.” Lavers were large basins used for holding water. The priests used the water in the lavers for ceremonial washing and purification rites as part of their sacred duties. The mention of the bases implies that these were not just utilitarian objects but were also crafted with significance and care, befitting their use in the temple.

Historical Context

The construction of Solomon’s Temple, also known as the First Temple, occurred in the 10th century BCE and is detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. This grand project was undertaken by Solomon after his father, King David, had unified Israel and desired to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. However, it was Solomon who actually built the temple. These scriptures outline the meticulous and lavish construction that underscores the importance of the temple as the central place of worship for the Israelites where God’s presence would dwell. The temple’s construction took place in a context where surrounding cultures also built elaborate structures for religious purposes.

Theological Insights

From a Jewish perspective, the temple and its furnishings are physical symbols of the divine presence and the centrality of worship in the life of Israel. In Christian theology, especially from an evangelical perspective, the temple can also be seen symbolically, prefiguring Christ as the ultimate point of contact between God and humanity. Furthermore, the purification rituals that utilized the lavers can be seen as a foreshadowing of the Christian sacrament of baptism, representing internal purification.

Practical Applications

For believers today, the verse may not have a direct application to physical objects of worship but rather serve as a metaphor for personal purity and preparedness. Just as the priests would clean themselves before performing their duties, individuals may see the value in preparing their hearts and minds before engaging in acts of service, worship, or daily tasks.

Cross-References

1 Kings 7:27-39 – Gives more detailed descriptions of the bases and lavers, as well as the other furnishings in Solomon’s Temple.
Exodus 30:18-21 – Describes the instructions for making the laver for washing in the tabernacle which was the precursor to the temple.
Psalm 26:6 – This Psalm of David speaks of washing hands in innocence and thus celebrates the idea of purification which is echoed in the temple’s lavers.

Language Study

The word “bases” comes from the Hebrew “מכנות” (m’kono’th), which might be better translated as ‘stands’ or ‘pedestals’. The “lavers” are translated from the Hebrew “כירות” (kiyorot) indicating large bowls or basins used for washing. The Hebrew terms emphasize utility but also a grandeur fitting of their sacred purpose.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of ritual washing before entering a sacred space is common in many ancient religions. For instance, in ancient Egypt, priests underwent purification rituals before serving in the temples. Similarly, in ancient Greece, there were basins called “louterion” for purification purposes. The focus on cleanliness and purification signifies a universal notion among various cultures of the need to prepare oneself before engaging with the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

While there may not be a direct scientific correlation to the creation of bases and lavers, science does acknowledge the benefits of cleanliness and purification for preventing the spread of germs. In a broader sense, the concept of purification has parallels in the process of sterilization and preparation for surgery in the medical field – preparing a space to be free of contaminants.

Commentaries

Various biblical commentaries offer context and interpretations of this verse. The Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament suggests the practicality and symbolic significance of the lavers – being necessary for purification but also as reminders of the need for inner cleanliness. Matthew Henry’s commentary expands on the skill and craftsmanship required for the temple’s furnishings, suggesting that the care taken in their creation reflects the honor and reverence accorded to the worship space. Additionally, commentaries often discuss the logistic aspects of temple service, with the bases and lavers playing roles in the daily routines of the Levitical priests.