2 Kings 25:16
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.
As for the two pillars
The two pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, were significant architectural features of Solomon's Temple, symbolizing strength and stability. These pillars were not only structural but also carried deep spiritual symbolism, representing God's establishment and strength. They are first mentioned in 1 Kings 7:15-22, where their detailed construction is described. The destruction of these pillars by the Babylonians signifies the end of an era and the judgment upon Judah for their disobedience.

the Sea
The "Sea" refers to the large basin or laver used for ceremonial washing by the priests, as described in 1 Kings 7:23-26. It was a massive bronze structure, symbolizing purity and the cleansing necessary to approach God. Its destruction highlights the loss of the means of purification and the interruption of the priestly functions, which were central to the worship in the Temple.

and the movable stands
These stands, or carts, were used to support the basins for washing, as detailed in 1 Kings 7:27-39. They were intricately designed and represented the mobility and accessibility of God's cleansing power. Their destruction signifies the dismantling of the Temple's functional elements, emphasizing the totality of the Babylonian conquest.

that Solomon had made for the house of the LORD
Solomon's construction of the Temple was a fulfillment of God's promise to David and a central event in Israel's history, as seen in 1 Kings 6-7. The Temple was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The mention of Solomon here underscores the loss of the glory and splendor that once marked Israel's relationship with God.

the weight of the bronze from all these articles was beyond measure
The immense quantity of bronze used in the Temple's construction, as described in 1 Kings 7:47, signifies the wealth and resources dedicated to the worship of God. The phrase "beyond measure" indicates the vastness and value of what was lost. This loss serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the resulting judgment that befell Judah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The 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 LORD
Refers 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 Pillars
Named Jachin and Boaz, these were significant architectural features of Solomon's Temple, symbolizing strength and stability.

4. The Sea
A large basin made of bronze used for ceremonial washing by the priests, representing purity and cleansing.

5. The Stands
Movable bronze stands used to support the basins, showcasing the craftsmanship and wealth of Solomon's era.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Earthly Splendor
The 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 Worship
The 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 Judgment
The 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 Worship
The 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 7
Provides a detailed description of the construction and materials used in Solomon's Temple, including the bronze articles mentioned in 2 Kings 25:16.

Jeremiah 52
Offers a parallel account of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, emphasizing the loss of these sacred items.

Exodus 31
Discusses 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.
Captivity of JudahA. E. Kitteridge, D. D.2 Kings 25:1-21
Captivity of JudahS. Matthews.2 Kings 25:1-21
The Captivity of JudahMonday Club Sermons2 Kings 25:1-21
The Last Days of JerusalemC.H. Irwin 2 Kings 25:1-21
The Final DeportationJ. Orr 2 Kings 25:11-21
People
Ahikam, Babylonians, Careah, Elishama, Evilmerodach, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Jaazaniah, Jehoiachin, Johanan, Kareah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan, Nethaniah, Seraiah, Shaphan, Solomon, Tanhumeth, Zedekiah, Zephaniah
Places
Arabah, Babylon, Egypt, Hamath, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mizpah, Riblah
Topics
Bases, Beyond, Brass, Bronze, Lord-the, Movable, Pillars, Solomon, Stands, Temple, Vessels, Water-vessel, Weighed, Weighing, Weight, Wheeled
Dictionary 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 Scripture

The 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

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