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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Chronicles 4:4 The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_chronicles/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/14_2Ch_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Chronicles 4:4 - The Bronze Altar and Molten Sea" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_chronicles/4-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_chronicles/4-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_chronicles/">2 Chronicles</a> > <a href="/2_chronicles/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm" title="2 Chronicles 4:3">◄</a> 2 Chronicles 4:4 <a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm" title="2 Chronicles 4:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_chronicles/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_chronicles/4.htm">New International Version</a> The Sea stood on twelve bulls, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south and three facing east. The Sea rested on top of them, and their hindquarters were toward the center. <a href="/nlt/2_chronicles/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> The Sea was placed on a base of twelve bronze oxen, all facing outward. Three faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east, and the Sea rested on them. <a href="/esv/2_chronicles/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The sea was set on them, and all their rear parts were inward. <a href="/bsb/2_chronicles/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center. <a href="/kjv/2_chronicles/4.htm">King James Bible</a> It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward. <a href="/nkjv/2_chronicles/4.htm">New King James Version</a> It stood on twelve oxen: three looking toward the north, three looking toward the west, three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; the Sea was set upon them, and all their back parts pointed inward. <a href="/nasb_/2_chronicles/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> It was standing on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the Sea was set on top of them and all their hindquarters turned inward. <a href="/nasb/2_chronicles/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> It stood on twelve oxen, three facing the north, three facing west, three facing south and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them and all their hindquarters turned inwards. <a href="/nasb77/2_chronicles/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> It stood on twelve oxen, three facing the north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them, and all their hindquarters turned inwards. <a href="/lsb/2_chronicles/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> It stood on twelve oxen, three facing the north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; and the sea was set on top of them, and all their rear parts turned inward. <a href="/amp/2_chronicles/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, three facing east; and the Sea was set on top of them and all their hindquarters turned inward. <a href="/csb/2_chronicles/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The basin was on top of them and all their hindquarters were toward the center. <a href="/hcsb/2_chronicles/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> It stood on 12 oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The reservoir was on top of them and all their hindquarters were toward the center. <a href="/asv/2_chronicles/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. <a href="/cev/2_chronicles/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The bowl itself sat on top of twelve bronze bulls, with three bulls facing outward in each of four directions. <a href="/erv/2_chronicles/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. <a href="/gwt/2_chronicles/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The pool was set on 12 metal bulls. Three bulls faced north, three faced west, three faced south, and three faced east. The pool was set on them, and their hindquarters were toward the center [of the pool]. <a href="/gnt/2_chronicles/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> The tank rested on the backs of twelve bronze bulls that faced outward, three facing in each direction. <a href="/isv/2_chronicles/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> The sea stood on top of twelve oxen, three of which faced to the north, three of which faced to the west, three of which faced to the south, and three of which faced toward the east. The sea was placed on top of the oxen, with all of their hindquarters turned inwards. <a href="/msb/2_chronicles/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center. <a href="/net/2_chronicles/4.htm">NET Bible</a> "The Sea" stood on top of twelve bulls. Three faced northward, three westward, three southward, and three eastward. "The Sea" was placed on top of them, and they all faced outward. <a href="/nheb/2_chronicles/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set on them above, and all their backs were toward the center. <a href="/wbt/2_chronicles/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking towards the north, and three looking towards the west, and three looking towards the south, and three looking towards the east: and the sea was set above upon them, and all their hinder parts were inward. <a href="/web/2_chronicles/4.htm">World English Bible</a> It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, three looking toward the west, three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set on them above, and all their hindquarters were inward. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_chronicles/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> It is standing on twelve oxen, three facing the north, and three facing the west, and three facing the south, and three facing the east, and the sea [is] on them above, and all their back parts [are] within. <a href="/ylt/2_chronicles/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> It is standing on twelve oxen, three facing the north, and three facing the west, and three facing the south, and three facing the east, and the sea is upon them above, and all their hinder parts are within. <a href="/slt/2_chronicles/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Standing upon twelve oxen, three looking to the north, and three looking to the sea, and three looking to the south, and three looking to the sunrising: and the sea upon them from above, and all their back parts within.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_chronicles/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And 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 in- ward under the sea. <a href="/cpdv/2_chronicles/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the sea itself was placed upon the twelve oxen, three of which were looking toward the north, and another three toward the west, then another three toward the south, and the three that remained toward the east, having the sea imposed upon them. But the posteriors of the oxen were toward the interior, under the sea. <a href="/nabre/2_chronicles/4.htm">New American Bible</a> This rested on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east, with their haunches all toward the center; upon them was set the sea. <a href="/nrsvce/2_chronicles/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east; the sea was set on them. The hindquarters of each were toward the inside.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_chronicles/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the thickness of it was a handbreadth, and its brim was round like the brim of a cup, very beautiful. <a href="/hpbt/2_chronicles/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And it stood on twelve oxen, three facing the north, and three facing to the south, and three facing the west, and three facing to the east, and the sea over them from above and all their hind quarters on the inside.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_chronicles/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> It stood upon twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set upon them above, and all their hinder parts were inward. <a href="/sep/2_chronicles/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> wherein they made them twelve calves, - three looking northwards, and three westwards, and three southwards, and three eastwards: and the sea was upon them above, and their hinder parts were inward. <a href="/parallel/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zGrb4955Tvs?start=643" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_chronicles/4.htm">The Bronze Altar and Molten Sea</a> …3Below the rim, figures of oxen encircled it, ten per cubit all the way around the Sea, cast in two rows as a part of the Sea. 4<a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ō·w·mêḏ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">The Sea stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nêm (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">twelve</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1241.htm" title="1241: bā·qār (N-ms) -- Cattle, herd, an ox. From baqar; beef cattle or an animal of the ox family of either gender; collectively, a herd.">oxen,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šāh (Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: p̄ō·nîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">facing</a> <a href="/hebrew/6828.htm" title="6828: ṣā·p̄ō·w·nāh (N-fs:: 3fs) -- North. Or tsaphon; from tsaphan; properly, hidden, i.e. Dark; used only of the north as a quarter.">north,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: ū·šə·lō·wō·šāh (Conj-w:: Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: p̄ō·nîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">facing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: yām·māh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">west,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: ū·šə·lō·šāh (Conj-w:: Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: pō·nîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">facing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5045.htm" title="5045: neḡ·bāh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- From an unused root meaning to be parched; the south; specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah, occasionally, Egypt.">south,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: ū·šə·lō·šāh (Conj-w:: Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">and three</a> <a href="/hebrew/6437.htm" title="6437: pō·nîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To turn. A primitive root; to turn; by implication, to face, i.e. Appear, look, etc.">facing</a> <a href="/hebrew/4217.htm" title="4217: miz·rā·ḥāh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- Place of sunrise, the east. From zarach; sunrise, i.e. The east.">east.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3220.htm" title="3220: wə·hay·yām (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- A sea or large body of water; specifically, the Mediterranean Sea; sometimes a large river.">The Sea</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">rested on them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4605.htm" title="4605: mil·mā·‘ə·lāh (Prep-m, Prep-l:: Adv:: 3fs) -- From alah; properly, the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">with all</a> <a href="/hebrew/268.htm" title="268: ’ă·ḥō·rê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- The hind side, back part. Or achor; from Achiyra'; the hinder part; hence behind, backward; also the West.">their hindquarters</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bā·yə·ṯāh (N-ms:: 3fs) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">toward the center.</a> 5It was a handbreadth thick, and its rim was fashioned like the brim of a cup, like a lily blossom. It could hold three thousand baths.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_kings/7-25.htm">1 Kings 7:25</a> The Sea stood on twelve oxen, three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east. The Sea rested on them, with all their hindquarters toward the center. <a href="/exodus/25-18.htm">Exodus 25:18-20</a> Make two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, / one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. / And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat. <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Revelation 4:6-7</a> And before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back. / The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. <a href="/ezekiel/1-10.htm">Ezekiel 1:10</a> The form of their faces was that of a man, and each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, the face of an ox on the left side, and also the face of an eagle. <a href="/numbers/7-89.htm">Numbers 7:89</a> When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony. Thus the LORD spoke to him. <a href="/1_kings/6-23.htm">1 Kings 6:23-28</a> In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim, each ten cubits high, out of olive wood. / One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing was five cubits long as well. So the full wingspan was ten cubits. / The second cherub also measured ten cubits; both cherubim had the same size and shape, ... <a href="/revelation/5-6.htm">Revelation 5:6</a> Then I saw a Lamb who appeared to have been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which represent the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. <a href="/exodus/37-7.htm">Exodus 37:7-9</a> He made two cherubim of hammered gold at the ends of the mercy seat, / one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold. / And the cherubim had wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim faced each other, looking toward the mercy seat. <a href="/ezekiel/10-14.htm">Ezekiel 10:14</a> Each of the cherubim had four faces: the first face was that of a cherub, the second that of a man, the third that of a lion, and the fourth that of an eagle. <a href="/revelation/4-8.htm">Revelation 4:8</a> And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” <a href="/1_kings/8-6.htm">1 Kings 8:6-7</a> Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. / For the cherubim spread their wings over the place of the ark and overshadowed the ark and its poles. <a href="/isaiah/6-2.htm">Isaiah 6:2-3</a> Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” <a href="/hebrews/9-5.htm">Hebrews 9:5</a> Above the ark were the cherubim of glory, overshadowing the mercy seat. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. <a href="/exodus/26-1.htm">Exodus 26:1</a> “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. <a href="/ezekiel/41-18.htm">Ezekiel 41:18-19</a> were alternating carved cherubim and palm trees. Each cherub had two faces: / the face of a man was toward the palm tree on one side, and the face of a young lion was toward the palm tree on the other side. They were carved all the way around the temple.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above on them, and all their hinder parts were inward.It stood<a href="/matthew/16-18.htm">Matthew 16:18</a> And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.<a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a> And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;<a href="/revelation/21-14.htm">Revelation 21:14</a> And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.three<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19,20</a> Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: … <a href="/mark/16-15.htm">Mark 16:15</a> And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.<a href="/luke/24-46.htm">Luke 24:46,47</a> And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/26-17.htm">East</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-13.htm">Facing</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-44.htm">Hinder</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-13.htm">Inward</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-17.htm">North</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-9.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-17.htm">South</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/3-13.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/2-18.htm">Three</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-20.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/1-14.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-30.htm">West</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/4-10.htm">East</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-10.htm">Facing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-8.htm">Hinder</a> <a href="/job/16-20.htm">Inward</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-6.htm">North</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-15.htm">Oxen</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-14.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-6.htm">Sea</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-6.htm">South</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/5-12.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm">Three</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/6-3.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-15.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-30.htm">West</a><div class="vheading2">2 Chronicles 4</div>1. <a href="/2_chronicles/4-1.htm">The altar of brass</a> 2. <a href="/2_chronicles/4-2.htm">The molten sea upon twelve oxen</a> 6. <a href="/2_chronicles/4-6.htm">The ten lavers, candlesticks, and tables</a> 9. <a href="/2_chronicles/4-9.htm">The courts, and the instruments of brass</a> 19. <a href="/2_chronicles/4-19.htm">The instruments of gold</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_chronicles/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_chronicles/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_chronicles/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>The Sea stood on twelve oxen The "Sea" refers to the large basin used in Solomon's Temple for ceremonial washing, symbolizing purification. The twelve oxen represent the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating the unity and strength of the nation. Oxen, as symbols of strength and service, reflect the Israelites' role as God's chosen people. This imagery connects to the broader biblical theme of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in <a href="/genesis/49.htm">Genesis 49</a>, where Jacob blesses his sons, the progenitors of the tribes.three facing north, three facing west, three facing south, and three facing east The orientation of the oxen in all four cardinal directions signifies the universality of God's presence and the comprehensive nature of His covenant. This arrangement may also symbolize the spread of God's influence and the call for Israel to be a light to the nations, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a>. The four directions can also be seen as a type of the Gospel's reach to all corners of the earth, as Jesus commands in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19</a>.The Sea rested on them The resting of the Sea on the oxen highlights the stability and support provided by the tribes of Israel in upholding the worship and laws of God. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate foundation and support for the Church, as described in <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20-22</a>. The Sea's position also emphasizes the importance of purity and cleansing in approaching God, a theme fulfilled in the New Testament through the cleansing blood of Christ (1 <a href="/john/1-7.htm">John 1:7</a>).with all their hindquarters toward the center The inward-facing hindquarters suggest a focus on the centrality of God's presence in the Temple. This arrangement ensures that the attention is directed towards the inner sanctum, where God's glory dwells. It reflects the biblical principle of God being at the center of worship and life, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-5</a>. This central focus is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the center of Christian faith and worship, as stated in <a href="/colossians/1-17.htm">Colossians 1:17-18</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_sea.htm">The Sea</a> A large basin used in the temple for ceremonial washing, symbolizing purification and the cleansing power of God. 2. <a href="/topical/t/twelve_oxen.htm">Twelve Oxen</a> Representing the twelve tribes of Israel, these oxen supported the Sea, signifying the strength and unity of God's people. 3. <a href="/topical/t/temple_of_solomon.htm">Temple of Solomon</a> The location where the Sea and oxen were placed, representing God's dwelling place among His people. 4. <a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a> The king of Israel who built the temple, known for his wisdom and dedication to God. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation chosen by God, represented by the twelve tribes, each symbolized by an ox.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_purity_and_cleansing.htm">Symbolism of Purity and Cleansing</a> The Sea represents the need for spiritual cleansing and purity in our lives. Just as the priests washed before serving, we must seek God's cleansing through repentance and faith. <a href="/topical/u/unity_and_strength_in_diversity.htm">Unity and Strength in Diversity</a> The twelve oxen symbolize the unity and strength of the diverse tribes of Israel. In the body of Christ, we are called to unity, each bringing our unique strengths to serve God's purposes. <a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_and_holiness.htm">God's Presence and Holiness</a> The placement of the Sea in the temple underscores the holiness of God's presence. We are reminded to approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and purity. <a href="/topical/s/support_and_foundation.htm">Support and Foundation</a> The oxen supporting the Sea illustrate the importance of a strong foundation. In our spiritual lives, we must be grounded in God's Word and truth to support our faith and witness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_chronicles_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 4</a> <a href="/q/why_does_the_bible_say_pi_is_3.htm">Why does the Bible say pi is 3 instead of 3.14?</a> <a href="/q/how_many_baths_did_solomon_build.htm">Solomon built a facility containing how many baths? Two thousand (1 Kings 7:26) Over three thousand (2 Chronicles 4:5)</a> <a href="/q/why_does_the_bronze_sea's_capacity_differ.htm">How do we reconcile the apparent capacity discrepancy of the bronze sea between 1 Kings 7:26 (2,000 baths) and 2 Chronicles 4:5 (3,000 baths)?</a> <a href="/q/why_doubt_1_chronicles_4_41's_event.htm">In 1 Chronicles 4:41, why is there no clear historical record of the destruction of these inhabitants, raising doubts about the event's authenticity?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_chronicles/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) It stood.--The whole verse coincides verbally with <a href="/1_kings/7-25.htm" title="It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set above on them, and all their hinder parts were inward.">1Kings 7:25</a>, with one slight exception: the common form of the numeral "twelve," shnem '?s?r, is substituted for the rare shne '?s?r.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_chronicles/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - The words of the Hebrew text of this verse and the parallel (<a href="/1_kings/7-25.htm">1 Kings 7:25</a>) are facsimiles. <a href="/commentaries/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>[The Sea] stood עוֹמֵ֞ד (‘ō·w·mêḏ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against twelve שְׁנֵ֧ים (šə·nêm) Number - md <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> Two (a cardinal number) oxen, בָּקָ֗ר (bā·qār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1241.htm">Strong's 1241: </a> Beef cattle, ox, a herd three שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה (šə·lō·šāh) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice facing פֹנִ֣ים ׀ (p̄ō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> To turn, to face, appear, look north, צָפ֡וֹנָה (ṣā·p̄ō·w·nāh) Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6828.htm">Strong's 6828: </a> Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter three וּשְׁלוֹשָׁה֩ (ū·šə·lō·wō·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice facing פֹנִ֨ים ׀ (p̄ō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> To turn, to face, appear, look west, יָ֜מָּה (yām·māh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin three וּשְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה ׀ (ū·šə·lō·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice facing פֹּנִ֣ים (pō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> To turn, to face, appear, look south, נֶ֗גְבָּה (neḡ·bāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5045.htm">Strong's 5045: </a> South country, the Negeb, south and three וּשְׁלֹשָׁה֙ (ū·šə·lō·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice facing פֹּנִ֣ים (pō·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6437.htm">Strong's 6437: </a> To turn, to face, appear, look east. מִזְרָ֔חָה (miz·rā·ḥāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4217.htm">Strong's 4217: </a> Place of sunrise, the east [The Sea] וְהַיָּ֥ם (wə·hay·yām) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3220.htm">Strong's 3220: </a> A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin rested on them עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against with all וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every their hindquarters אֲחֹרֵיהֶ֖ם (’ă·ḥō·rê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_268.htm">Strong's 268: </a> The hinder part, behind, backward, the West toward the center. בָּֽיְתָה׃ (bā·yə·ṯāh) Noun - masculine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">2 Chronicles 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-4.htm">OT History: 2 Chronicles 4:4 It stood on twelve oxen three looking (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Chronicles 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Chronicles 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Chronicles 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Chronicles 4:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>