Tim Collinson Supporter Tim Collinson

The Molten Sea or Brazen Sea was a large basin in the Temple in Jerusalem made by Solomon for ablution of the priests. It is found in 1 Kings 7 and as you quoted from 2 Chronicles 4.

It stood in the south-eastern corner of the inner court. According to the Bible it was five cubits high, ten cubits in diameter from brim to brim, and thirty cubits in circumference. It was placed on the backs of twelve oxen or bulls (depending on which translation you use), standing with their faces outward. It was capable of containing two or three thousand baths of water.

March 25 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

This is an interesting question, Mark Marcotte. I have wondered in awe at such a structure, myself. 

The Old Testament sea, according to the dictionary is, "A great brazen laver in the temple at Jerusalem; -- so called from its size." [1913 Webster]

"He made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof." [1913 Webster

Biblically, the "Sea" or "Molten Sea" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 4:4 was a massive bronze basin built by Solomon for the priests' use in the temple. It replaced the smaller laver from the tabernacle days. To explain:

The Molten Sea was a huge circular water basin made of bronze, used by the temple priests for ceremonial washing. It stood in the inner court of Solomon’s temple, near the altar, on the southeast side. It measured about 7.5 feet high, 15 feet across, and 45 feet around. It rested on twelve bronze oxen, arranged in groups of three, facing outward in each cardinal direction (north, south, east, and west).

It could hold 2,000 to 3,000 baths of water (several thousand gallons), used for the priests' ritual cleansing. Originally, water came from the Gibeonites, but later it was supplied via a conduit from the pools near Bethlehem.

The bronze used to make it came from David’s conquest of Hadadezer, king of Zobah (1 Chr. 18:8). Later, King Ahaz removed the Sea from the oxen and set it directly on stone pavement. Eventually, the Babylonians broke it apart and took it, along with the oxen, when they destroyed Jerusalem (2 Kings 25:13-16).

July 21 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the "Sea" mentioned in 2 Chronicles 4:4?

2 Chronicles 4:2-4 ESV: "Also he made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass; and the height thereof was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about. 3 And under it was the likeness of oxen, which did compass it round about, for ten cubits, compassing the sea round about. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast. 4 It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward."

The "Sea" in 2 Chronicles 4:4 refers to the enormous basin constructed for Solomon's temple, a fixed replacement for the smaller, portable laver used in the tabernacle. It was cast in bronze and designed to hold an exceptional volume of water, which is why Scripture calls it a "sea." Its size and permanence marked a significant development in Israel's worship, reflecting the grandeur and stability of the temple compared to the earlier tent structure.

This basin stood on twelve bronze oxen, arranged in groups of three facing the four cardinal directions. The oxen symbolised strength and service, fitting images for an object connected with purification. The basin's placement and design emphasised the importance of cleansing in approaching God. Priests used the water for ritual washing before performing their duties, ensuring that those who served in the sanctuary did so in a state of ceremonial purity.

The "Sea" also demonstrated the skill and resources devoted to the temple. Hiram, the craftsman from Tyre, produced it using advanced metalworking techniques. Its construction required immense quantities of bronze and careful engineering to support its weight. The basin's scale reflected the temple's role as the centre of Israel's worship, where everything was arranged to honour God's holiness.

Beyond its practical use, the "Sea" carried symbolic meaning. Its vast capacity suggested abundance and completeness, fitting themes for a structure representing God's dwelling among His people. The water it held pointed to the cleansing God provides, a reminder that access to Him requires purification. 

By placing this great basin at the forefront of temple service, the narrative highlights the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and purity.

In summary, 

The "Sea" was a monumental bronze basin created for Solomon's temple, serving both functional and symbolic purposes.

It replaced the tabernacle's laver, provided water for priestly cleansing, displayed remarkable craftsmanship, and stood as a visible reminder of the purity required in worship.

When the temple was constructed during Solomon's reign, a "molten [that is, cast or poured] sea" replaced the portable copper basin used with the earlier tabernacle. (Ex 30:17-21; 1Ki 7:23, 40, 44)

Built by Hiram, a Hebrew-Phoenician, it was evidently called a "sea" because it could hold a large quantity of water.

11 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report