2 Chronicles 4:1
Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)
وَصَنَعَ سُلَيْمَانُ مَذْبَحًا مِنْ بُرُونْزٍ طُولُهُ عِشرُونَ ذِرَاعًا، وَعَرْضُهُ عِشرُونَ ذِرَاعًا، وَارتِفَاعُهُ عَشرُ أذْرُعٍ.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes the dimensions of a large altar made of brass. It was 20 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 10 cubits high. This was made under the direction of King Solomon for the Temple in Jerusalem.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're building a giant sandbox in your backyard for all your friends. This altar was like that, but much bigger and made of brass. It was as long and wide as four school buses and as tall as a house!
Historical Background
This verse is from the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, written around the 4th century BC by an unknown author. It was meant to remind the returning exiles from Babylon about the glory of Solomon's Temple and God's promises.
Living It Out Today
Just as the brass altar was a focal point for worship and offerings, consider how your own life can be a place where your relationships with others and God are nurtured and brought to the forefront.
Topics
worshiptemplealtarsacrificeconstructionfaith
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the altar made of brass?
Brass was a durable and valuable material that signified the importance of the altar. It was used in the Temple to emphasize its sacred nature and to ensure it could withstand frequent use and exposure.
What does the size of the altar indicate?
The large size of the altar indicates its importance for public worship. It was designed to accommodate many worshippers and various types of sacrifices, reflecting the grandeur of God and the scale of Israel's religious life.
Who was responsible for making the altar?
While not explicitly stated in this verse, the altar was likely commissioned by King Solomon as part of the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem, overseen by skilled craftsmen.
What was the altar used for?
The altar was used for various sacrifices and offerings, including burnt offerings and peace offerings, as part of the religious rituals in the Temple to worship and give thanks to God.