2 Chronicles 1:5 – “But the bronze altar that Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made was in Gibeon in front of the tabernacle of the Lord; so Solomon and the assembly inquired of him there.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse tells us that Solomon and the leaders of Israel went to Gibeon to seek God. The verse mentions the bronze altar, which had been crafted by Bezalel during Moses’ time, as a focal point of their worship. The altar was positioned in front of the tabernacle of the Lord, the place where the Israelites would meet with God during the wilderness journey. Although Solomon had already established Jerusalem as his capital and the Ark of the Covenant was there, the altar in Gibeon still held religious significance. Solomon and the leaders went there to inquire of the Lord, seeking His guidance at the beginning of Solomon’s reign.
Historical Context
The bronze altar mentioned here had a rich history. It was crafted by Bezalel, a skilled craftsman chosen by God to build the tabernacle and its furnishings (Exodus 31:2). The altar was used for burnt offerings and sacrifices, which were central to Israel’s worship practices during the time of Moses and throughout the period of the judges and early kings. By the time of Solomon, the tabernacle was still located in Gibeon, while the Ark had been moved to Jerusalem by David. Gibeon remained an important worship site until Solomon built the temple. This verse highlights a transitional moment in Israel’s worship, where both Gibeon and Jerusalem had significance.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse points to the importance of worship and seeking God’s guidance. Even though Solomon was already king, he didn’t rely solely on his own wisdom or authority. Instead, he went to Gibeon to inquire of God, demonstrating humility and dependence on the Lord. The bronze altar symbolizes a place of sacrifice and communication with God, reminding us that approaching God requires reverence, repentance, and the acknowledgment of His holiness. The act of inquiring of the Lord shows the biblical principle that leaders, no matter how powerful, must seek God’s will in order to lead well.
Literary Analysis
The verse creates a link between the past and present by mentioning Bezalel, the craftsman who made the altar during Moses’ time. This detail serves to remind readers that Israel’s worship traditions were deeply rooted in their history and relationship with God. The mention of the bronze altar and the tabernacle positions Gibeon as a place where the people could meet with God, reinforcing the significance of proper worship and sacrificial offerings. The phrase “Solomon and the assembly inquired of him” underscores the collective nature of seeking God’s will, involving both the king and the people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 38:1-2: Describes Bezalel’s work in constructing the bronze altar, which became central to Israel’s worship practices.
- 1 Kings 3:4: This verse also mentions Solomon offering sacrifices at the high place in Gibeon, where the bronze altar was located.
- Leviticus 6:12-13: Outlines the continual burnt offerings that were to be made on the bronze altar, emphasizing the ongoing nature of Israel’s worship and sacrifices.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all areas of life. Just as Solomon went to inquire of the Lord at the altar, we are called to approach God in prayer and seek His direction, especially in moments of decision or responsibility. The bronze altar also reminds us that approaching God requires an attitude of humility and reverence. While Christians no longer offer physical sacrifices, we are called to offer our lives as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), seeking to align our will with God’s purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love by showing how He invites His people to seek Him. The bronze altar was a place where God made His presence known and where the Israelites could communicate with Him through offerings. God’s love is demonstrated in His willingness to be approached by Solomon and the assembly, showing that He desires to guide and bless His people. God’s love is further reflected in the fact that He provided a way for His people to draw near to Him, even before the temple was built.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The bronze altar, where sacrifices were made for the atonement of sins, points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice. Just as the altar was central to Israel’s worship, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is central to the Christian faith. Hebrews 9:13-14 explains that while the blood of bulls and goats offered temporary cleansing under the old covenant, Christ’s sacrifice provides eternal redemption. Solomon’s act of inquiring of the Lord at the altar reminds us of our own need to approach God through Jesus, who made a way for us to be reconciled to God once and for all (Hebrews 10:10).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life do you need to seek God’s guidance more intentionally, like Solomon did at the bronze altar?
- How does the history of the bronze altar remind us of the importance of worship and sacrifice in our relationship with God?
- What can we learn from Solomon’s humility in seeking God’s will, even as a king?
- How does the bronze altar foreshadow Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, and what does that mean for how we approach God today?
- How can we offer our lives as living sacrifices to God in response to His love and grace?
This verse encourages us to follow Solomon’s example of seeking God’s will in humility and reverence, while also reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus, through whom we now have access to God.