The king had them cast in clay moldsThis phrase refers to King Solomon, who commissioned the casting of the temple furnishings. The use of clay molds for casting bronze items was a common ancient technique, allowing for detailed and intricate designs. This method highlights the advanced metallurgical skills present during Solomon's reign. The casting of these items signifies the importance of the temple as a central place of worship and the dedication to creating a space worthy of God's presence. The use of clay molds also symbolizes the transformation process, akin to how God shapes and molds His people.
in the plain of the Jordan
The plain of the Jordan refers to the area surrounding the Jordan River, a significant geographical feature in Israel's history. This location was chosen likely due to its accessibility and the availability of resources needed for large-scale casting. The Jordan River itself is a symbol of transition and new beginnings, as seen in the Israelites' crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 3). This setting underscores the idea of preparation and sanctification, as the temple furnishings were being prepared for their sacred purpose.
between Succoth and Zeredah
Succoth and Zeredah were towns located near the Jordan River. Succoth is mentioned inGenesis 33:17 as a place where Jacob built shelters for his livestock, indicating its historical significance. Zeredah, also known as Zarethan, is noted in1 Kings 7:46 as a site for casting bronze items for the temple. The mention of these locations provides a specific geographical context, emphasizing the logistical planning involved in the temple's construction. This area was strategically chosen for its resources and proximity to Jerusalem, facilitating the transport of the finished items. The historical and cultural context of these towns highlights the interconnectedness of Israel's history and God's unfolding plan through the establishment of the temple.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
King SolomonThe ruler of Israel who commissioned the construction of the Temple and its furnishings, including the bronze items mentioned in this verse.
2.
The Plain of the JordanA geographical area where the casting of the bronze items took place. This location was chosen for its suitability for large-scale metalwork.
3.
SuccothA town near the Jordan River, significant in Israel's history, and mentioned as a location near where the casting occurred.
4.
ZeredahAnother location near the Jordan River, marking the area where the bronze casting was done.
5.
Bronze CastingThe event of creating the bronze items for the Temple, which included the two pillars, the Sea, and other furnishings.
Teaching Points
God's Provision for His WorkThe choice of location and resources for casting the bronze items shows God's provision and planning in the construction of His Temple. We can trust God to provide for the tasks He calls us to.
Attention to Detail in WorshipThe meticulous process of casting and crafting the Temple items reflects the importance of detail and excellence in our worship and service to God.
Historical ContinuityThe use of locations like Succoth ties the Temple's construction to Israel's broader history, reminding us of God's ongoing work through generations.
Symbolism of BronzeIn biblical symbolism, bronze often represents judgment and strength. The use of bronze in the Temple furnishings can remind us of God's strength and justice.
Community and CollaborationThe large-scale nature of the casting process required collaboration and community effort, illustrating the importance of working together in the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 4:17?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 4:17 demonstrate God's provision in temple construction?
3.What significance does the location of the casting have in 2 Chronicles 4:17?
4.How does this verse connect to God's instructions in Exodus for the tabernacle?
5.How can we apply the dedication seen in 2 Chronicles 4:17 to our work?
6.What does the use of bronze in 2 Chronicles 4:17 symbolize in biblical terms?
7.What does 2 Chronicles 4:17 reveal about the historical accuracy of biblical accounts?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 4:17 reflect the craftsmanship and technology of ancient Israel?
9.What theological significance does the casting of bronze hold in 2 Chronicles 4:17?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 4?
11.How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?
12.In 2 Chronicles 2:4, how can a temple truly contain God if other passages assert He cannot be confined?
13.In 1 Chronicles 18:4, how do we reconcile the figure of 7,000 horsemen with 2 Samuel 8:4, which mentions 1,700 instead?
14.When David defeated the King of Zobah, how many horsemen did he capture? One thousand and seven hundred (2 Samuel 8:4) Seven thousand (I Chronicles 18:4)What Does 2 Chronicles 4:17 Mean
The king– The verse points directly to King Solomon, whose heart was set on honoring the LORD with a house “exceedingly magnificent” (1 Chronicles 22:5).
– Solomon personally directed the temple project (1 Kings 6:1;2 Chronicles 2:1), showing that godly leadership involves hands-on oversight, not distant delegation.
– Other passages repeat that the work was “for the LORD” (2 Chronicles 2:4-6), reminding us that worship, not human grandeur, drove the venture.
had them cast– “Them” refers to the huge bronze articles just listed—two pillars, the Sea, stands, basins, and countless utensils (2 Chronicles 4:11-16; cf.1 Kings 7:40-47).
– Craftsmanship mattered: Solomon enlisted Huram-Abi, “skilled in working with bronze” (2 Chronicles 2:13-14), reflectingExodus 31:1-6 where God filled Bezalel with His Spirit for tabernacle artistry.
– Casting rather than hammering ensured uniformity and strength, mirroring God’s call for excellence in offerings (Malachi 1:8).
in clay molds– Clay molds absorbed the intense heat of molten bronze, enabling massive objects to form without shattering (Jeremiah 18:4 illustrates clay’s pliability).
– Clay also speaks of humble material yielding to the craftsman—an image of believers as vessels shaped by the Potter (Isaiah 64:8;2 Corinthians 4:7).
– The text underscores literal, practical steps: Scripture is not mythic but records verifiable techniques.
in the plain of the Jordan– A broad, level area provided space for large furnaces and easy transport to Jerusalem, about twenty miles uphill (Joshua 3:15;1 Kings 7:46).
– The Jordan plain offered abundant water for quenching and cooling metalwork, reminding us that God provides resources where He assigns tasks (Philippians 4:19).
between Succoth and Zeredah– Succoth lies on the east side of the Jordan, remembered from Jacob building booths there (Genesis 33:17); Zeredah (also called Zarethan,1 Kings 7:46) sat opposite on the west.
– Positioning the foundry between these towns suggests cooperation across tribal boundaries—Gad and Manasseh to the east, Ephraim to the west—echoing the unity sought in1 Chronicles 12:38.
– The precise geographic markers affirm historical reliability; these are real places you can trace on a map (Joshua 13:27).
summary2 Chronicles 4:17 grounds Solomon’s temple furnishings in tangible history: a real king, real craftsmen, real clay molds, and a real location flanking Succoth and Zeredah in the Jordan valley. The verse highlights diligent leadership, skilled labor offered to God, humble yet purposeful materials, divine provision of place and resources, and the literal trustworthiness of God’s Word.
(17)
In the clay ground.--Heb.,
in the thickness of the ground--
i.e., in the stiff or clayey soil. Vulg., "in argillosa terra." For
'?bi, "thickness," see
Job 15:26. Kings has
ma'?beh, which occurs nowhere else.
Zeredathah.--Kings,Z?r?th?n (Joshua 3:16).Z?r?d?th?h meanstowards Z?r?th?h (1Kings 11:26). The two names denote the same place.
Verse 17. -
In the plain... in the clay;
i.e. in the Ciccar (or
round, equivalent to the New Testament "region round about ") of Jordan, a distinctive designation of the Jordan valley (Conder's Handbook to the Bible,' p. 213). The region here intended lies east of the river, in what became the division of Gad.
Succoth lay a little to the north of the river Jabbok, which flows almost east to west into the Jordan.
Zeredathah;i.q. Zarthan of
1 Kings 7:46; and this latter is in the Hebrew also the same in characters and all with the
Zaretan of
Joshua 3:16. Very possibly the place is the same as
Zererath (
Judges 7:22). The exact sites of these places are not known, though the range within which they all lay is clear (see Grove's article in Smith's 'Bible Dictionary,' 3:1817).
The clay ground; that is," the clay of the ground "(Hebrew). The radical idea of the word here translated "clay" is "thickness," which should not be rendered, as in margin, "thicknesses." The word (
עָב) occurs in all thirty-five times, and is rendered a large proportion of these times "clouds" or "thick clouds" (
e.g.Exodus 19:9), clouds being presumably
thicknesses in air; but if the subject-matter in question be in wood, or growing timber, or the ground, the word is rendered conformably "thick planks" (
1 Kings 7:6;
Ezekiel 41:25, 26),
or "thickets" (
Jeremiah 4:29), or "clay" (as here), to distinguish from other lighter or more friable soil.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kinghad them castיְצָקָ֣ם(yə·ṣā·qām)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3332:To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hardin clay moldsהָאֲדָמָ֑ה(hā·’ă·ḏā·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 127:Ground, landin the plainבְּכִכַּ֤ר(bə·ḵik·kar)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3603:A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)of the Jordanהַיַּרְדֵּן֙(hay·yar·dên)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3383:Jordan -- the principal river of Palestinebetweenבֵּ֥ין(bên)Preposition
Strong's 996:An interval, space betweenSuccothסֻכּ֖וֹת(suk·kō·wṯ)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5523:Succoth -- a city East of the Jordan, also a place in Egyptand Zeredah.צְרֵדָֽתָה׃(ṣə·rê·ḏā·ṯāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6868:A city in Ephraim
Links
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 4:17 In the plain of the Jordan did (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
