2 Chronicles 4:1-22
“Then he made a bronze altar, twenty cubits in length, twenty cubits in width, and ten cubits in height. He also made the Sea of cast metal,…” (1 – 2a) So many elements of construction are listed I begin to wonder why all this attention to detail. There were twelve oxen bearing the Sea: three facing north, three facing south, three facing west, and three facing east with “…all their hindquarters turned inward.” (4e). Even the thickness of the Sea and its decor are given. There were other details for the basins for washing and details regarding the ten lampstands. There were details for exterior elements and all the interior tools essential for the worship system. “So Solomon made all these utensils in great quantities, for the wight of the bronze could not be determined.” (18) This was a massive project requiring the generosity of God’s people and assistance of the king of Tyre. Beside the lampstands of gold, there were tables with the bread of Presence. Gold was used in great quantities representing divinity, purity, and great value. “…and the snuffers, the bowls, the spoons, and the firepans of pure gold; and the entrance of the house, its inner doors for the Most Holy Place and the doors of the house, that is, of the main room, of gold.” (22) If our work does not flow from God, we may exalt ourselves rather than glorify God! As we, the church, seek to participate in building God’s kingdom and growing God’s house, we need to give Him and His Word our undivided attention to detail!