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Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 4 - Verse 10

4:10
And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south.

Meaning

The verse "And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south" is from the book of 1 Kings in the Old Testament. In this verse, it describes the positioning of a large basin, called the "sea," in the temple that King Solomon built. The sea was a large basin filled with water that was used for purification rituals by the priests. The direction in which the sea was placed, on the right side of the east end and facing the south, was significant in Jewish tradition. The east was considered the most holy direction, symbolizing the presence of God, and the south was associated with blessing and prosperity. By placing the sea in this specific location, it emphasized the importance of purification and cleansing before entering the temple. The details given in this verse show the meticulous planning and attention to detail that went into the construction of the temple, highlighting the importance of holiness and reverence in religious practices.

Theological Overview

One possible theological interpretation of the verse 'And he set the sea on the right side of the east end, over against the south.' from 2 Chronicles 4:10 revolves around the symbolism of directions and cardinal points. In biblical times, each direction held significance and symbolism. The east was often associated with the rising sun and new beginnings, symbolizing God's presence and light. The south was linked with warmth and fertility, representing blessing and abundance. By placing the sea on the right side of the east end, facing south, it could be seen as a symbolic act of aligning the sea with God's provision and favor. The positioning of the sea in this specific direction could signify the abundance and blessings that come from God when His presence is acknowledged and honored. This interpretation highlights the attention to detail and intentionality often found in the design of sacred spaces in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of symbolism in conveying deeper spiritual truths.

American Standard Version

And he set the sea on the right side [of the house] eastward, toward the south.
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