2 Chronicles Chapter 4 to 6 : Easy-to-Read Version  | SearchSearch | Next Version | Previous Page | Next Page |

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Furniture for the Temple

4 Solomon used bronze to make an altar.* That bronze altar was 20 cubits* long, 20 cubits wide, and 10 cubits* tall. 2Then Solomon used melted bronze to make a large tank.* The large tank was round and it measured 10 cubits* across from edge to edge. And it measured 5 cubits* tall and 30 cubits* around. 3There were images of bulls under the lip of the large bronze tank.* They were in two rows that went 10 cubits around the tank. The bulls were molded in place when the tank was shaped. 4The large bronze tank was on top of twelve large statues of bulls. Three bulls looked toward the north. Three bulls looked toward the west. Three bulls looked toward the south. Three bulls looked toward the east. The large bronze tank was on top of these bulls. All the bulls stood with their rear ends to each other and to the center. 5The large bronze tank was 3 inches* thick. The edge of the large tank was like the edge of a cup. The edge looked like a lily blossom. It could hold about 17,500 gallons.* 6Solomon made ten basins. He put five basins on the right side of the large bronze tank. And Solomon put five basins on the left side of the large bronze tank. These ten basins were to be used to wash the things offered for the burnt offerings.* But the large bronze tank was to be used by the priests for washing before they offered sacrifices.* 7Solomon made ten lampstands of gold. He followed the plans made for these lampstands. He put the lampstands in the temple.* There were five lampstands on the right side and five lampstands on the left side. 8Solomon made ten tables and put them in the temple.* Five tables were on the right side and five tables were put on the left side in the temple. And Solomon used gold to make 100 basins. 9Solomon also made the Priests’ yard,* the Great yard, and the doors for the yards. He used bronze to cover the doors that opened to the yard. 10Then he put the large bronze tank* on the right side of the temple on the southeast side. 11Huram made the pots, shovels, and basins. Then Huram finished his work for King Solomon on God’s temple.* 12Huram had made the two columns and the large bowls on the top parts of the two columns. Huram also made the two net decorations to cover the two large bowls on the top parts of the two columns. 13Huram made 400 pomegranates* for the two net decorations. There were two rows of pomegranates for each net. The nets covered the large bowls on the top parts on the two columns. 14Huram also made the stands and the bowls on the stands. 15Huram made the one large bronze tank* and twelve bulls under the tank. 16Huram made the pots, shovels, forks, and all the things for King Solomon for the Lord’s temple. These things were made of polished bronze. 17King Solomon first poured these things in clay molds. The molds were made in the Jordan Valley between the towns of Succoth and Zeredah. 18Solomon made so many of these things that no person tried to weigh the bronze used. 19Solomon also made the things for God’s temple.* Solomon made the golden altar.* He made the tables where the bread of the Presence was put. 20Solomon made the lampstands and their lamps of pure gold. The lamps were to burn in the way planned for them in front of the Holy Place* inside. 21Solomon used pure gold to make the flowers, lamps, and tongs.* 22Solomon used pure gold to make the trimmers, bowls, pans, and the censers.* Solomon used pure gold to make the doors for the temple, the inside doors for the Most Holy Place* and the doors for the main hall.

altar(s) A stone table or a stand for offering sacrifices. 20 cubits 34’ 5 3/8” (10.5m). 10 cubits 17’ 2 11/16” (5.25m). large tank Literally, “Sea.” 5 cubits 8’ 7 5/16” (2.625m). 30 cubits 51’ 8 1/16” (15.75m). large bronze tank Literally, “Sea.” 3 inches Or, “8cm.” Literally, “1 handbreadth.” 17,500 gallons Or, “66,000 l.” Literally, “3,000 baths.” burnt offerings Gifts to God. Usually these were animals that were killed and completely burned on the altar. sacrifice(s) A gift to God. Usually, it was a special animal that was killed and burned on an altar. temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship. yard A special area outside the temple.  Holy Place The room in the Holy Tent and in the temple that was used by the priests to do their daily service to God. tongs Something looking like scissors, used to hold hot coals. censers Bowls used to carry fire. Most Holy Place The inside room where the Box of the Lord’s Agreement sat. It is also named the “Holy of Holies.” It is the spiritual place where God lives and is worshiped.


5 Then all the work Solomon had done for the Lord’s temple* was finished. Solomon brought in all the things that his father David had given for the temple. Solomon brought all the things in that were made of silver and gold and all the furniture. Solomon put all those things in the treasury rooms of God’s temple.

The Holy Box Carried Into the Temple

2Solomon commanded the elders of Israel and all the leaders of the family groups to meet together in Jerusalem. (These men were the leaders of the heads of the families of Israel.) Solomon did this so {the Levites} could bring the Box of the Lord’s Agreement* up {to the temple} from the City of David, that is, Zion. 3All the men of Israel met together before King Solomon at the time of the Feast {of Shelters}. This feast was held in the seventh month (September). 4When all the elders of Israel arrived, the Levites picked up the Box of the Agreement.* 5Then the priests and the Levites* carried the Box of the Agreement to Jerusalem. They also brought the Meeting Tent* and all the holy things that were in it to Jerusalem. 6King Solomon and all the people of Israel met in front of the Box of the Agreement. King Solomon and all the people of Israel sacrificed* sheep and bulls. There were so many sheep and bulls no person could count them. 7Then the priests brought the Box of the Lord’s Agreement to the place that was made ready for it. That place was the Most Holy Place* inside the temple.* The Box of the Agreement was put under the wings of the Cherub angels.* 8The Cherub angels spread their wings over the place where the Box of the Agreement was. The Cherub angels stood over the Box of the Agreement and the poles used to carry the Box. 9The poles were long enough that their ends could be seen from the front of the Most Holy Place. But no person could see the poles from the outside of the temple. The poles are still there even today. 10There was nothing in the Box of the Agreement except the two tablets.* Moses had put those two tablets in the Box of the Agreement at Mount Horeb. Horeb was the place where the Lord made an Agreement with the people of Israel. That happened after the people of Israel came out of Egypt. 11All the priests that were there did the ceremony to make themselves holy. Then, as the priests came out of the Holy Place,* they stood together, but not in their special groups. 12The Levite singers stood at the east side of the altar.* All of the singing groups of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun were there. And their sons and relatives were there also. Those Levite singers were dressed in white linen.* They had cymbals,* lyres,* and harps. There were 120 priests there with those Levite singers. Those 120 priests blew trumpets. 13The people who blew the trumpets and the people who sang were like one person. They made one sound when they praised and thanked the Lord. They made a loud noise with the trumpets, cymbals,* and instruments of music. They sang the song,* Praise the Lord Because He is Good. His True Love Continues Forever. Then the Lord’s temple* was filled with a cloud. 14The priests could not continue to serve because of the cloud. This was because the Glory of the Lord* filled God’s temple.

temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship. Box of the Agreement The box containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them and the other things that proved God was with the people of Israel during their time in the Sinai Desert. Also called “The Ark of the Covenant.” the priests and the Levites Or, “the priests, that is, the Levites.” Meeting Tent The Holy Tent (Tabernacle) where the people of Israel went to meet with God. sacrifice(d) To kill a special animal and burn it on an altar as a gift to God. Most Holy Place The inside room where the Box of the Lord’s Agreement sat. It is also named the “Holy of Holies.” It is the spiritual place where God lives and is worshiped. Cherub angels Special angels from God. Statues of these angels were on top of the Box of the Agreement. two tablets They were the two tablets on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. Holy Place The room in the Holy Tent and in the temple that was used by the priests to do their daily service to God.  altar(s) A stone table or a stand for offering sacrifices.  linen A type of cloth. cymbals A pair of metal platters that are hit against each other to make a loud sound. lyre(s) An instrument with several strings, like a harp. They sang … song Or, “They sang the Hallel and …” This would be Psalms 111– 118 and Psalm 136. Glory of the Lord One of the forms God used when he appeared to people. It was like a bright shining light.


6 Then Solomon said, “The Lord said he would live in the dark cloud. 2I have built a house for you to live in, Lord. It is a high house, a place for you to live in forever!”

Solomon’s Speech

3King Solomon turned around and blessed all the people of Israel gathered in front of him. 4Solomon said, “Give praise to the Lord God of Israel! The Lord has done what he promised to do when he talked to David my father. This is what the Lord God said: 5‘I led Israel out of Egypt long ago. And in all that time, I have not chosen a city from any family group of Israel for a place to build a house for my name. I have not chosen a man to lead my people, the people of Israel. 6But now I have chosen Jerusalem as a place for my name. And I have chosen David to lead my people Israel.’ 7“My father David wanted to build a temple* for the name of the Lord God of Israel. 8But the Lord said to my father, ‘David, when you wanted to build a temple for my name, you did well. 9But, you cannot build the temple. But your own son will build the temple for my name.’ 10Now, the Lord has done what he said he would do. I am the new king in my father’s place. David was my father. Now I am Israel’s king. That is what the Lord promised. And I have built the temple for the name of the Lord God of Israel. 11I have put the Box of the Agreement* in the temple. The Box of the Agreement is where the Lord’s Agreement is kept. The Lord made this Agreement with the people of Israel.”

Solomon’s Prayer

12Solomon stood in front of the Lord’s altar.* He was standing in front of all the people of Israel who were gathered together. Then Solomon spread his hands and arms out. 13Solomon had made a bronze platform* 5 cubits* long, 5 cubits* wide and 3 cubits* and placed it in the middle of the outside yard.* Then he stood on the platform and kneeled in front of all the people of Israel who were gathered together. Solomon spread his hands out toward the sky. 14Solomon said: “Lord God of Israel, there is no god like you in heaven or on earth. You keep your agreement of love and kindness. You keep your agreement with your servants if they live right with all their hearts and obey you. 15You kept your promise to your servant David. David was my father. You made a promise with your mouth. And today you have made that promise come true with your hands. 16Now, Lord God of Israel, keep your promise to your servant David. This is what you promised: You said, ‘David, you will not fail to have a man from your family sit on Israel’s throne in front of me. This will happen only if your sons are careful in what they do. They must obey my law the same as you have obeyed my law.’ 17Now, Lord God of Israel, let your promise come true. You gave this promise to your servant David. 18“But we know that you, God, will not really live on the earth with people. Heaven and the highest of heavens cannot hold you! And we know that this temple* I built cannot hold you! 19But pay attention to my prayer and the times I beg for mercy. Lord my God, listen to me calling out to you! Listen to the prayer that I am praying to you. I am your servant. 20I pray that your eyes will be open to look at this temple day and night. You said you would put your name in this place. May you hear my prayers when I pray while I look at this temple. 21Hear my prayers, and the prayers your people Israel pray. Hear our prayers while we pray looking at this temple. Hear from where you live in heaven. And when you hear our prayers, forgive us. 22“A person might be accused of doing something wrong against another person. When that happens, the accused person will have to use your name to promise {that he is innocent}. When he comes to make the promise in front of your altar* in the temple, 23then hear from heaven. Act, and judge your servants. Punish the bad person and make him suffer the same things he made other people suffer. Prove that the person that has done right is innocent. 24“An enemy might defeat your people Israel because your people have sinned against you. And then if the people of Israel come back to you and confess your name and pray and beg to you in this temple,* 25then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel. Bring them back into the land you gave to them and to their ancestors.* 26“The sky might close up so that there is no rain. This will happen if the people of Israel sin against you. And if the people of Israel are sorry and pray as they look at this temple,* and confess your name, and stop doing their sin because you are punishing them, 27then hear from heaven. Hear and forgive their sins. The people of Israel are your servants. Then teach them the right way that they should live. And send rain on your land. That is the land you gave to your people. 28“There might be a famine* in the land, or terrible sicknesses, or disease in the crops, or mildew, or locusts, or grasshoppers. Or if enemies attack the people of Israel in their cities, or if there is any kind of sickness in Israel, 29and then a prayer or begging is made by any of your people of Israel—each person knowing his own trouble and pain—and if that person spreads his hands and arms out while looking at this temple,* 30then hear from heaven. Heaven is where you live. Hear and forgive. Give to each person what he should get, because you know what is in each person’s heart. Only you know what is in a person’s heart. 31Then the people will fear and obey you as long as they live in the land you gave our ancestors.* 32“There might be a stranger who is not one of your people of Israel, but who comes here from a country far away. That stranger might come here because he heard of your great name, your great power and your ability to punish people. When that person comes and prays while looking at this temple,* 33then in heaven where you live, listen to the stranger and answer his prayer. Then all the people of the earth will know your name and respect you, the same as your people Israel respects you. And all the people of the earth will know that this temple I built is called by your name. 34“You will send your people to some place to fight against their enemies. They will pray to you as they look toward this city you chose and toward the temple* I built for your name. 35Please hear their prayer in heaven. Hear them when they beg for help. And help them. 36“People will sin against you—there is not a person that does not sin—and you will become angry with them. You will let an enemy defeat them, and be captured and forced to go to a land far away or near. 37But then they will change their minds and beg you while they are in the land where they are prisoners. They will say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong and we have acted wickedly.’ 38And then they will come back to you with all their heart and all their soul in the land where they are prisoners. And they will pray as they look toward their land, the land you gave their ancestors,* and toward the city that you chose. And they will pray as they look toward the temple* I built for your name. 39When this happens, hear in heaven. Heaven is your home. Accept their prayers when they beg for help. And help them. Forgive your people who have sinned against you. 40Now, my God, I ask you, open your eyes and your ears. Listen and pay attention to the prayers we are praying in this place. 41“Now, Lord God, get up, and come to your special place, the Box of the Agreement* that shows your strength. May your priests be dressed with salvation. May your true followers be happy about these good things. 42Lord God, accept your anointed* king. Remember your loyal servant David!”

temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship. Box of the Agreement The box containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them and the other things that proved God was with the people of Israel during their time in the Sinai Desert. Also called “The Ark of the Covenant.” altar(s) A stone table or a stand for offering sacrifices. platform Something like a table where a person stood so all the people could see the person speaking. 5 cubits 8’ 7 5/16” (2.625m). 3 cubits 5’ 2” or (1.575m). yard A special area outside the temple. altar(s) A stone table or a stand for offering sacrifices. ancestors Literally, “fathers,” meaning a person’s parents, grandparents, and all the people they are descended from. famine A time when there is not enough rain for crops to grow. People and animals die without enough food or water.  anoint(ed) To pour olive oil on things or people to show that they were chosen by God for a special work or purpose.

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