2 Chronicles – Chapter 4

Old Testament22 Verses

Chapter Summary

"He made also an altar of brass twenty cubits long, and twenty cubits broad, and ten cubits high." — so begins 2 Chronicles 4. Solomon stands at the center of this chapter. Across its 22 verses, two threads run through the text: holiness and worship and praise. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1He made also an altar of brass twenty cubits long, and twenty cubits broad, and ten cubits high.

2Also a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass: it was five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about.

3And under it there was the likeness of oxen, and certain engravings on the outside of ten cubits compassed the belly of the sea, as it were with two rows.

4And the oxen were cast: and the sea itself was set upon the twelve oxen, three of which looked toward the north, and other three toward the west: and other three toward the south, and the other three that remained toward the east, and the sea stood upon them: and the hinder parts of the oxen were inward under the sea.

5Now the thickness of it was a handbreadth, and the brim of it was like the brim of a cup, or of a crisped lily: and it held three thousand measures.

6He made also ten lavers: and he set five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them all such things as they were to offer for holocausts: but the sea was for the priests to wash in.

7And he made ten golden candlesticks, according to the form which they were commanded to be made by: and he set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

8Moreover also ten tables: and he set them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. Also a hundred bowls of gold.

9He made also the court of the priests, and a great hall, and doors in the hall, which he covered with brass.

10And he set the sea on the right side over against the east toward the south.

11And Hiram made caldrons, and fleshhooks, and bowls: and finished all the king's work the house of God:

12That is to say, the two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters, and the network, to cover the chapiters over the pommels.

13And four hundred pomegranates, and two wreaths of network, so that two rows of pomegranates were joined to each wreath, to cover the pommels, and the chapiters of the pillars.

14He made also bases, and lavers, which he set upon the bases:

15One sea, and twelve oxen under the sea;

16And the caldrons, and fleshhooks, and bowls. All the vessels did Hiram his father make for Solomon in the house of the Lord of the finest brass.

17In the country near the Jordan did the king cast them, in a clay ground between Sochot and Saredatha.

18And the multitude of vessels was innumerable, so that the weight of the brass was not known.

19And Solomon made all the vessels for the house of God, and the golden altar, and the tables, upon which were the loaves of proposition,

20The candlesticks also of most pure gold with their lamps to give light before the oracle, according to the manner.

21And certain flowers, and lamps, and golden tongs: all were made of the finest gold.

22The vessels also for the perfumes, and the censers, and the bowls, and the mortars, of pure gold. And he graved the doors of the inner temple, that is, for the holy of holies: and the doors of the temple without were of gold. And thus all the work was finished which Solomon made in the house of the Lord.

Important Verses in 2 Chronicles 4

He made also an altar of brass twenty cubits long, and twenty cubits broad, and ten cubits high.

2 Chronicles 4:1

And Hiram made caldrons, and fleshhooks, and bowls: and finished all the king's work the house of God:

2 Chronicles 4:11

And the caldrons, and fleshhooks, and bowls. All the vessels did Hiram his father make for Solomon in the house of the Lord of the finest brass.

2 Chronicles 4:16

And Solomon made all the vessels for the house of God, and the golden altar, and the tables, upon which were the loaves of proposition,

2 Chronicles 4:19

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, 2 Chronicles was written with the restored community, urged to keep worship pure and hearts humble in view. Chapter 4 of 36 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Solomon, the principal figures named in this chapter. The chapter begins: "He made also an altar of brass twenty cubits long, and twenty cubits broad, and ten cubits high." The chapter ends with: "The vessels also for the perfumes, and the censers, and the bowls, and the mortars, of pure gold. And he graved the…" In terms of historical background, Second Chronicles spans from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler')

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within Temple worship and Judah's kings. A pivotal line is verse 1: "He made also an altar of brass twenty cubits long, and twenty cubits broad, and ten cubits high." The passage repeatedly touches on holiness before God.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Temple worship and Judah's kings. the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2215).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that True worship requires a pure heart. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 2 Chronicles 4 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Solomon3 mentions

Reflection for Today

2 Chronicles Chapter 4, containing 22 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 2772). Here the emphasis falls on hope in the resurrection, which shapes how the Church understands Temple worship and Judah's kings.

As you continue through 2 Chronicles, carry this chapter's lesson into your family, parish, and work. Catholic faith is always ecclesial—God speaks to us as members of Christ's Body, not as isolated individuals.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Chronicles Chapter 4 about?

2 Chronicles 4 contains 22 verses. It opens with "He made also an altar of brass twenty cubits long, and twenty cubits broad, and ten cubits high." and closes with "The vessels also for the perfumes, and the censers, and the bowls, and the mortars, of pure gold. And he graved the…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "He made also an altar of brass twenty cubits long, and twenty cubits broad, and ten cubits high." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Chronicles Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions Solomon.

Who wrote 2 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler'). After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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