As for the two pillars, the Sea, and the movable stands that Solomon had made for the house of the LORD, the weight of the bronze from all these articles was beyond measure. The weight of the bronzeThe mention of "the weight of the bronze" underscores the immense value and significance of the materials used in the construction of the Temple. In the ancient Near East, bronze was a symbol of strength and durability. The Hebrew word for bronze, "nechosheth," often signifies not just physical strength but also the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. The sheer weight of the bronze indicates the grandeur and the glory of Solomon's Temple, reflecting the majesty of God Himself. from the two pillars
The "two pillars" refer to Jachin and Boaz, the massive bronze pillars that stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. These pillars were not merely structural but carried deep symbolic meaning. Jachin means "He will establish," and Boaz means "In Him is strength." Together, they represent God's promise to establish His people and provide them with strength. Archaeological findings have shown that such pillars were common in ancient temples, serving as a reminder of divine presence and support. the one sea
The "one sea" refers to the large bronze basin, also known as the "molten sea," used for ceremonial washing by the priests. This sea was a symbol of purification and cleansing, essential for the priests to perform their duties. The Hebrew word "yam" for sea often denotes chaos and disorder, yet here it is transformed into a vessel of purity, illustrating God's power to bring order and sanctity. and the stands
The "stands" were ten bronze bases that supported the lavers used for washing. These stands were intricately designed, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship dedicated to the service of the LORD. Each stand was a testament to the care and devotion that went into the Temple's construction, reflecting the importance of approaching God with reverence and excellence. which Solomon had made
The phrase "which Solomon had made" highlights King Solomon's role in building the Temple, a task divinely appointed to him. Solomon's wisdom and wealth were gifts from God, enabling him to construct a house worthy of the LORD. This construction was a fulfillment of God's promise to David, Solomon's father, and a physical manifestation of God's dwelling among His people. for the house of the LORD
The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites. It was more than just a building; it was the dwelling place of God's presence on earth. The Temple served as a focal point for Israel's religious life, symbolizing God's covenant and His desire to be with His people. was beyond measure
The phrase "was beyond measure" emphasizes the immeasurable value and abundance of the materials used. It signifies the limitless nature of God's glory and the boundless devotion that His people are called to offer. The Temple, in its splendor, was a reflection of the infinite majesty of God, reminding the Israelites of His eternal and unchanging nature. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonThe son of King David, Solomon was the king of Israel who built the first temple in Jerusalem, known for its grandeur and the use of precious materials, including bronze. 2. The House of the LORDRefers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites and a symbol of God's presence among His people. 3. The Two PillarsNamed Jachin and Boaz, these were significant architectural features of Solomon's Temple, symbolizing strength and stability. 4. The SeaA large basin made of bronze used for ceremonial washing by the priests, representing purity and cleansing. 5. The StandsMovable bronze stands used to support the basins, showcasing the craftsmanship and wealth of Solomon's era. Teaching Points The Transience of Earthly SplendorThe grandeur of Solomon's Temple, with its immeasurable bronze, serves as a reminder that earthly wealth and beauty are temporary. Believers are encouraged to focus on eternal treasures in heaven. The Importance of WorshipThe temple was central to Israel's worship, symbolizing God's presence. Today, believers are called to be living temples, offering their lives as worship to God. God's Sovereignty in JudgmentThe destruction of the temple and the loss of its treasures illustrate God's sovereignty and the consequences of Israel's disobedience. It serves as a warning to remain faithful to God's commands. The Role of Craftsmanship in WorshipThe detailed work in the temple highlights the value of using one's skills and talents for God's glory. Believers are encouraged to dedicate their abilities to serve the Lord. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the temple's bronze articles in 2 Kings 25:16 reflect the priorities of Solomon's reign, and what can we learn about our own priorities? 2. In what ways does the destruction of the temple serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of turning away from God? 3. How can we apply the concept of being a "living temple" in our daily lives, and what does this mean for our personal worship? 4. What skills or talents has God given you, and how can you use them to contribute to the worship and work of the church? 5. How do the themes of judgment and restoration in 2 Kings 25 relate to the broader account of redemption found in the New Testament? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 7Provides a detailed description of the construction and materials used in Solomon's Temple, including the bronze articles mentioned in 2 Kings 25:16. Jeremiah 52Offers a parallel account of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, emphasizing the loss of these sacred items. Exodus 31Discusses the craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to create the tabernacle, drawing a parallel to the skilled work in Solomon's Temple. People Ahikam, Babylonians, Careah, Elishama, Evilmerodach, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Jaazaniah, Jehoiachin, Johanan, Kareah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, Seraiah, Shaphan, Solomon, Tanhumeth, Zedekiah, ZephaniahPlaces Arabah, Babylon, Egypt, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mizpah, RiblahTopics Bases, Beyond, Brass, Bronze, Lord-the, Movable, Pillars, Solomon, Stands, Temple, Vessels, Water-vessel, Weighed, Weighing, Weight, WheeledDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 25:1-21 4215 Babylon
7217 exile, in Babylon 2 Kings 25:13-17 4312 bronze 2 Kings 25:16-17 4450 fruit Library The End
'1. And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. 2. And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. 3. And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. 4. And the city was broken up, and all the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Last Agony
'In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it. 2. And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up. 3. And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, even Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sarse-chim, Rab-saris, Nergal-sharezer, Rab-mag, with all the residue of the princes of the king of Babylon. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 'As Sodom'
'Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2. And he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 3. For through the anger of the Lord it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, till he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4. And it came to pass, in the ninth year of his reign, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City.
Here we will borrow Josephus' pencil, "Jericho is seated in a plain, yet a certain barren mountain hangs over it, narrow, indeed, but long; for it runs out northward to the country of Scythopolis,--and southward, to the country of Sodom, and the utmost coast of the Asphaltites." Of this mountain mention is made, Joshua 2:22, where the two spies, sent by Joshua, and received by Rahab, are said to "conceal themselves." "Opposite against this, lies a mountain on the other side Jordan, beginning from …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica How those who Use Food Intemperately and those who Use it Sparingly are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 20.) Differently to be admonished are the gluttonous and the abstinent. For superfluity of speech, levity of conduct, and lechery accompany the former; but the latter often the sin of impatience, and often that of pride. For were it not the case that immoderate loquacity carries away the gluttonous, that rich man who is said to have fared sumptuously every day would not burn more sorely than elsewhere in his tongue, saying, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Backsliding.
"I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away."--Hosea xiv. 4. There are two kinds of backsliders. Some have never been converted: they have gone through the form of joining a Christian community and claim to be backsliders; but they never have, if I may use the expression, "slid forward." They may talk of backsliding; but they have never really been born again. They need to be treated differently from real back-sliders--those who have been born of the incorruptible …
Dwight L. Moody—The Way to God and How to Find It The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Kings 25:16 NIV2 Kings 25:16 NLT2 Kings 25:16 ESV2 Kings 25:16 NASB2 Kings 25:16 KJV
2 Kings 25:16 Commentaries
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