2 Chronicles 4:6

He also made ten basins for washing and placed five on the south side and five on the north. The parts of the burnt offering were rinsed in them, but the priests used the Sea for washing.

Study Bible

He also made ten basins for washing
The ten basins were part of the temple furnishings Solomon commissioned for the temple in Jerusalem. These basins were used for ceremonial washing, a practice rooted in the Mosaic Law, which emphasized purity and cleanliness before God. The number ten often symbolizes completeness in the Bible, suggesting the thoroughness of the purification process. The basins were likely made of bronze, a common material for temple implements, signifying strength and endurance.

and placed five on the south side and five on the north.
The strategic placement of the basins on both sides of the temple courtyard ensured accessibility for the priests performing their duties. This arrangement reflects the order and symmetry characteristic of Solomon's temple, which was designed to reflect the divine order. The north and south placement may also symbolize the inclusivity of God's covenant, extending to all directions and peoples.

The parts of the burnt offering were rinsed in them,
The burnt offerings were a central aspect of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The rinsing of the parts in the basins highlights the importance of ritual purity and the separation of holy from common. This practice underscores the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and the need for cleansing from sin, a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament.

but the priests used the Sea for washing.
The "Sea" refers to the large bronze basin, also known as the "Molten Sea," which was used by the priests for their own purification. This distinction between the basins and the Sea emphasizes the different levels of sanctity and the specific roles within the temple service. The Sea, being larger and more prominent, signifies the greater need for the priests to be pure as they ministered before God. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who provides the ultimate cleansing for believers, as referenced in the New Testament with the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple, including its furnishings.

2. The Temple
The holy place in Jerusalem where the Israelites worshiped God, built by Solomon.

3. The Basins
Ten large containers used for washing the items used in burnt offerings.

4. The Sea
A large basin used by the priests for ceremonial washing.

5. The Priests
The Levitical priests who performed the temple rituals and sacrifices.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Cleansing
The basins and the Sea symbolize the need for purification before approaching God. This reflects the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man.

Role of the Priests
The priests' use of the Sea for washing highlights their role as mediators between God and the people, foreshadowing Christ as our ultimate High Priest.

Preparation for Worship
The meticulous preparation and cleansing rituals underscore the importance of preparing our hearts before worshiping God.

Old Covenant and New Covenant
The physical washings of the Old Covenant point to the spiritual cleansing available through Jesus Christ in the New Covenant.

Holiness in Daily Life
Just as the priests needed to be clean to serve, believers are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of the basins and the Sea in the temple reflect the holiness of God and the need for purification?

2. In what ways does the role of the priests in the Old Testament foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

3. How can we apply the principle of preparation for worship in our personal and communal worship practices today?

4. What are some New Testament scriptures that discuss spiritual cleansing, and how do they relate to the physical washings in the Old Testament?

5. How can the concept of holiness, as demonstrated by the temple rituals, be applied to our daily lives as Christians?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 30:17-21
This passage describes the bronze basin Moses made for the tabernacle, which served a similar purpose for washing.

1 Kings 7:23-26
Provides a parallel account of the construction of the Sea and basins, emphasizing their importance in temple worship.

Hebrews 9:10
Discusses the ceremonial washings and regulations of the Old Covenant, pointing to their fulfillment in Christ.