Definition: Also he made a molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 4:2. It's a really fascinating detail that shows God’s incredible power! Here’s what it means in plain language: Basically, the Bible says God created a giant, temporary "sea" of molten rock to contain the Temple's treasures. Let’s unpack it further: “Also he made a molten sea…” – This isn’t just any sea; it was a huge, incredibly hot pool of lava. Think of it like a gigantic, bubbling cauldron of fire. “…of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits the height thereof” - “Cubits” are essentially measuring units – think of them like inches or feet. This tells us: Ten Cubits: The sea was 10 cubits wide (about 36 inches). Round in compass: It was perfectly round, like a ball. Five Cubits the height thereof: It was five cubits high – that’s about 16 inches tall. “And a line of thirty cubits did compass it round about.” - This is the really striking part! The Bible says God created a line (a long, straight path) around the Temple's treasure to make it look like a perfect circle. It was made so the entire Treasure could be perfectly visible and protected. Why did this happen? The reason for this massive sea is that the Jewish people were about to be destroyed by the Babylonians. God, in his judgment, needed to create a protective barrier around the Temple, just like a circle around a tree to keep it safe. This sea was a symbolic representation of the divine protection surrounding the sacred place. Important Note: This is a very dramatic and symbolic description. It wasn't about creating a literal ocean! --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like me to focus on a specific aspect of this verse? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism behind the circular shape? What it tells us about God’s power and control?