Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Jeremiah 52:17
Also the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brazen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.
17. This description of the fate of the Temple furniture is much fuller than that in the Kings passage, and has no parallel in ch. 39. For the vessels mentioned in this v., see on ch. Jer 27:19 with note. They were too large to be conveniently carried as they were, and so were broken and taken to Babylon for the sake of the material. For “brass” and “brasen” read bronze in this and the following vv.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 17. Also the pillars] See Clarke on Jer 27:19.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
The particular enumeration of the parts and utensils of the temple, mentioned in this and in the following verses, may be conceived to have been to justify the prophecy of Jeremiah, Jer 27:19, where there is a particular mention made of the pillars, the bases, and the sea, that they should all, with the residue of the vessels of the temple, be carried into Babylon. Of these pillars we read 1Ki 7:15; they were of brass, eighteen cubits high, they were in the porch of the temple, Jer 52:21; of the bases we read there also largely, 1Ki 7:27-37; they also were all of brass: and of the sea, Jer 52:23-26. These being all made of brass, were, for conveniency of carriage, broken by the Chaldeans.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
17. brakethat they might bemore portable. Fulfilling the prophecy (Jer27:19). See 1Ki 7:15; 1Ki 7:23;1Ki 7:27; 1Ki 7:50.Nothing is so particularly related here as the carrying away of thearticles in the temple. The remembrance of their beauty andpreciousness heightens the bitterness of their loss and the evil ofsin which caused it.
brass . . . brazenrather”copper . . . of copper.”
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Also the pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the Lord,…. The two pillars in the temple, called Jachin and Boaz, which were made of cast brass, 1Ki 7:15;
and the bases; which were in number ten, and which were also made of cast brass, and were all of one measure and size; and on which the ten lavers of brass were set, five on the right side and five on the left side of the house, 1Ki 7:37;
and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the Lord; called the molten sea; a sea, because of the large quantity of water it held; and brasen and molten, because made of molten brass, 1Ki 7:23;
the Chaldeans broke, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon: they broke them to pieces, that they might carry them the more easily. This account is given, and which is continued in some following verses, partly to show the accomplishment of the prophecy of Jeremiah,
Jer 27:19; and partly to show that what was left in the temple, at the former captivities of Jehoiakim and Jeconiah, were now carried clear off.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The carrying away of the vessels of the temple is more fully stated than in 2Ki 25:13-17. The large brazen articles, the two pillars at the porch (cf. 1Ki 7:15.), the bases (1Ki 7:27.), and the brazen sea (1Ki 7:23.), which were too vast in their proportions to be easily carried away to Babylon, were broken to pieces by the Chaldeans, who carried off the brass of which they were made. is more correct than (Kings), and “all their brass” is more precise than simply “their brass” (Kings). In the enumeration of the smaller brazen vessels used for the temple service, Jer 52:18, there is omitted, in 2 Kings, , “and the bowls” (used in sacrifice); this omission is perhaps due merely to an error in transcription. The enumeration of the gold and silver vessels in Jer 52:19 has been much more abbreviated in 2Ki 25:15, where only “the fire-pans and the bowls” are mentioned, while in the text here, besides these there are named “the basons,” then “the pots (Eng. vers. caldrons), and the candlesticks, and the pans (Eng. vers. spoons), and the cups.” For particulars regarding these different vessels, see on 1Ki 7:40, 1Ki 7:45, 1Ki 7:50. In Jer 52:20, reference is made to the fact that the mass of metal in the vessels that were carried away was without weight. The same is stated in 2Ki 25:16, where, however, there is no mention of the twelve brazen bulls; while in the text of Jeremiah, is faulty, and we must read instead, . The assertion of Graf, in his commentary on this verse, and of Thenius on 2Ki 25:16, – that the notice regarding the twelve brazen bulls is incorrect, because these were then no longer in Jerusalem (27:19), but had previously been removed by Ahaz from under the brazen sea for Tiglath-pileser, – we have already, under 2Ki 16:17, shown to be erroneous. The apposition of to explains the reference of the suffix. In Jer 52:21-23, the narrator, in order to call attention to the amount of art exhibited on the vessels destroyed by the Chaldeans, gives a brief description of the brazen pillars with their capitals. This description is much shortened in 2Ki 25:17, and contains notices completing that which is given of these works of art in 1 Kings 7. For details, see the passage referred to.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
Vs. 17-23: THE LOOTING OF THE TEMPLE
This passage describes the looting of the temple in Jerusalem before it was burned, and tells of its sacred vessels being taken to Babylon as a booty of the victor. Some of these vessels (of brass, silver and gold) were so large that it was necessary to break them in pieces for easier transportation.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
C. The Plunder of the Temple Jer. 52:17-23
TRANSLATION
(17) As for the bronze pillars which belonged to the house of the LORD, the bases, the bronze sea which was in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans smashed them and carried away all the bronze to Babylon. (18) They also took with them the pots, shovels, snuffers, sprinkling bowls, forks and all the bronze utensils used in the service. (19) The captain of the guard took away the small bowls, the firepans, basins, the pots, lampstands, the incense bowls, the libation bowlsboth the ones that were of gold and the ones of silver. (20) As for the two pillars, the one sea, the twelve oxen of bronze which were under the bases, which king Solomon had made for the house of the LORDthe bronze of all these vessels could not be measured. (21) As for the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, twelve cubits in circumference, and their thickness was four fingers (it was hollow). (22) Upon it was a bronze capital five cubits high; and all around the capital was a latticework with pomegranates, all of bronze. The second pillar also had similar decorations and pomegranates. (23) And there were ninety-six promeranates on the sides. In all there were a hundred pomegranates upon the latticework.
COMMENTS
The description of the fate of the Temple furniture is much fuller here than in the parallel passage in 2Ki. 25:13-17. In order to facilitate transportation, the larger items of Temple furniturethe brazen pillars, the bases and the seawere broken up (Jer. 52:17). The two eighteen cubit bronze pillars stood immediately in front of the Temple proper. When they were set in place back in the days of Solomon they were given names. One was called Jachin (He shall establish); the other Boaz (In it is strength). See 1Ki. 7:13-22. Just what purpose these pillars served is still debated. The bases were the supports of the ten portable lavers at which animals about to be offered as burnt-offerings were washed (1Ki. 7:27-37), The brazen sea was a huge laver at which the priests washed their hands and feet before offering sacrifice (1Ki. 7:23-26).
The smaller Temple vessels of brass, gold and silver were transported to Babylon where they became trophies of victory in the temples of the gods. In Jer. 52:18 the objects of brass are enumerated. The pots and the shovels were used in the Temple for carrying away the ashes after sacrifice. The basins were probably used in the sprinkling of the sacrificial blood (cf. Exo. 27:3; Exo. 38:3; Num. 4:14). The spoons were incense-cups (cf. Num. 7:14). The word translated snuffers is of uncertain meaning. In Jer. 52:19 the vessels of gold and silver are enumerated. The pots, basins and spoons (incense cups) are mentioned a second time in this verse simply because such utensils were made of gold and silver as well as brass. Of the new items mentioned in Jer. 52:19 the function of the cup is unknown. The firepan was used for transporting hot coals. Ten candlesticks or lampstands illuminated the interior of the Temple (1Ki. 7:49). The bowls of Jer. 52:19 were connected with the table of showbread and were probably used for libations (Exo. 25:29; Exo. 37:16; Num. 4:7). Now a problem arises with regard to the golden vessels. According to 2Ki. 24:13 all the vessels of gold were carried off to Babylon in 597 B.C. How then can it be said that the golden vessels were carried away by Nebuzaradan some ten years later? It is possible, of course, that the golden vessels were replaced after the deportation of 597 B.C. More likely, however, only the most valuable vessels were removed in 597 B.C. The golden vessels of less value were left in the Temple along with the silver utensils to await the plunder of 587 B.C.
The total amount of the brass carried away by the Chaldeans was so great that it seemed to merit the special emphasis given to it in Jer. 52:20. The mention of the twelve brazen bulls that were under the bases presents a two-fold difficulty for the Bible student. In the Book of Kings the bases were under the lavers, while the bulls supported the molten sea (1Ki. 7:25; 1Ki. 7:43). Furthermore, it is stated in 2Ki. 16:17 that Ahaz had already taken away the twelve bulls and sent them as tribute to Assyria more than a century earlier (2Ki. 16:17). The second difficulty is easier to cope with than the first. It is entirely possible and even likely that the twelve bulls had been replaced since the days of wicked king Ahaz, perhaps during the reforms of king Hezekiah. As for the first difficulty it is perhaps best to follow the reading of the Septuagint which reads: the twelve bulls which were under the sea. In other words, one Hebrew word may have dropped out of the standard Hebrew text during the course of its transmission.
Jer. 52:21-23 are in the nature of a supplement to the foregoing description of the loot taken by the Chaldean soldiers. The focus here is on the two pillars of brass already mentioned in Jer. 52:17. Each pillar was eighteen cubits (twenty-seven feet) high with a circumference of twelve cubits (eighteen feet). The pillars were hollow with the metal being about four inches (fingers) thick (Jer. 52:21). These pillars were crowned with capitals of brass which were an additional five cubits high (Jer. 52:22). A lattice work (network) surrounded the capital upon which were surmounted one hundred ornamental pomegranates, twenty-four on each side and one at each corner (Jer. 52:23). The account in 1Ki. 7:20 states that each pillar had two hundred pomegranates arranged in two rows. Either the account here ignores one of the rows of the pomegranates or else one row had been removed before this time.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
3. THE CARRYING AWAY OF THE SACRED VESSELS
Jer 52:17-23
17Also the pillars of brass that were in [belonged to]11 the house of the Lord, and the bases, and the brazen sea that was in the house of the Lord [Jehovah] the 18Chaldeans brake, and carried all12 the brass of them to Babylon. The caldrons [pots] also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the bowls, and the spoons, and 19all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away. And the basins,13 and the firepans,14 and the bowls, and the caldrons [pots], and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups;15 that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver [which were entirely of gold or silver]16 took the captain of 20the guard [halberdiers] away. The17 two pillars, one18 sea, and twelve brazen bulls that were under19 the bases, which king Solomon had made to [for] the house 21of the Lord [Jehovah]; the brass20 of all these vessels was without weight. And concerning the pillars, the height21 of one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers; it was 22hollow.22 And a chapiter of brass was upon it; and the height of one chapiter was five cubits, with network23 and pomegranates upon the chapiter, round about, all 23of brass. The second pillar also and the pomegranates24 were like unto these. And there were ninety and six pomegranates on a side; and all the pomegranates upon the network were a hundred round about [round about were a hundred].
EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL
Jer 52:17-20. Also the pillars weight. Concerning the brazen pillars of Solomons temple comp. 1Ki 7:15-22; 2Ch 3:15 sqq.; Winer, R.-W.-B., s. v. Jachin und Boas;Herzog, R.-Enc. VI. S. 366, 7. [ Wordsworth, ad loc., and SmithsDict. s. v.].The , bases (comp. 1Ki 7:27 sqq.), were pedestals or stands, four cubits long, four broad and three high, to serve as supports for the ten basins required in washing the flesh of the sacrifices (2Ch 4:6). Comp. Keil on the Books of Kings.The brazen sea (comp. 1Ki 7:23-26; 1Ch 18:8; 2Ch 4:2-6) served for the priests washing (comp. Exo 30:18 sqq.). Winer, R.-W.-B. s. v.Herz., R.-Enc. IX. S. 236 sqq. [Comp. Wordsworth and SmithsDict.]Of the smaller vessels are mentioned . pots for carrying away the ashes from the altar; shovels for removing the ashes; , not to be confounded with , a vine-dressers knife, occurring in three places only besides this: 1Ki 7:50; 2Ki 12:14; 2Ch 4:22, and always with , of uncertain meaning: Vulg., etc., psalteria; Luther, etc., knife; Gesenius, etc., scissors, lamp-scissors, at any rate an instrument so-called a carpendo;, which is wanting in 2 Ki., probably that it might not occur twice, from , sparsit, therefore vas unde spargitur, bowls, mentioned in Exo 27:3; Exo 38:3; Num 4:14 among the altar-utensils, therefore used for sprinkling the blood of the sacrifices, but comp. also Amos 6 : likewise of uncertain meaning, LXX. , flesh-fork, flesh-hook, the modernsspoons, pans, bowls, on account of their resemblance to the bent hand. Comp. Keil on Kings. In Exo 25:29 these appear among the utensils of the table of shew-bread, comp. Num 7:14; Num 7:20; Num 7:26, etc.Winer, R.-W.-B. and Herz., Real-Enc. s. v. Schaubrodtisch. All these vessels were of brass [Henderson, copper]. In the following verse the golden and silver vessels are also enumerated, which the Chaldeans carried away. Hitzig has unjustly attacked Jer 52:19 as spurious, for it does not interrupt the connection, since evidently in Jer 52:18-19 all the smaller vessels are to be enumerated, the larger ones having been mentioned in Jer 52:17. These latter could, of course, be only of brass, but the total amount of the brass plundered was so great that it seemed to merit the special emphasis given to it in Jer 52:20. The golden and silver vessels are not there mentioned, because it was only the brazen ones which were of such immense weight. The pots, sprinkling cups and spoons are mentioned a second time in Jer 52:19, simply because there were such utensils both of brass and of gold and silver. Hitzigsopinion that all the golden and silver vessels had already been carried away at Jehoiachins deportation, certainly finds some support in 2Ki 24:13 (all the vessels of gold). From the circumstance, however, that only golden vessels are spoken of, we may conclude that the cream only was then removed, i.e. the most valuable. The golden vessels of low value as well as all the silver remained for the thorough evacuation made by Nebuzar-adan.The words and twelve brazen bulls which were under are rightly wanting in 2Ki 25:16. For they contain a double error: 1. the twelve bulls were not under the bases, but under the sea, according to 1Ki 7:25; 2Ki 16:17. 2. In 2Ki 16:17 it is expressly related that Ahaz had already taken away the twelve bulls and replaced them by a substructure of stone. Whither they went is not indeed stated, but no more is it recorded that they were restored to their original position. I therefore, in opposition to Keil (Comm. on Kings), agree with those who regard the words in question as the arbitrary addition of some one, whose mind was not clear about the bases, and who had forgotten the passage in 2Ki 16:17. [Comp. Wordsworth].
Jer 52:21-23. And the pillars a hundred. Supplementary and more particular description of the pillars.And the pillars is wanting in 2 Ki. The height is also stated at eighteen cubits in 1Ki 7:15. The description there given is in general the basis of this.And a fillet, etc., to the end of the verse, is also wanting in 2 Ki.If the pillars were twelve cubits in circumference, the diameter (comp. Winer, R.-W.-B. s. v. Jachin und Boas) was about four cubits, which gives a perfectly correct proportion. The thickness of the brass was four fingers. Thus the pillars were hollow, as indeed is remarked.A chapiter. This is the capital, coronamentum of the pillar. Comp. 1Ki 7:16; 2Ch 4:12-13.Instead of five cubits 2Ki 25:17 has three. The number five in the correct one according to 1Ki 7:16.Of one is unnecessary, but not incorrect, since of course it is understood not of a second capital, but the capital of the second pillar. It is evidently based on 1Ki 7:16.The pomegranates were also an ornamentation on the hem of the priests ephod, or surplice (Exo 28:33-34). A figure of it may be seen in Thenius, Comm. on Kings, Taf. III. Fig. 2 bb.
Jer 52:23 is entirely wanting in 2 Kings. Ninety-six pomegranates on each pillar were placed i.e. towards the wind, towards the four winds or sides [Henderson after Hitzig, towards the air, the outside of the capitals]. The expression is found here only. Comp. Eze 37:9. It is clear that this is the meaning from the statement that the entire number of the pomegranates attached to the network was a hundred. There must then have been also a pomegranate at each corner.
DOCTRINAL AND ETHICAL
1. Docemur hoc capite, quod comminationes divin rum sint de pelvi fulgura, quodque Deus pro misericordia sua infinita calamitates a se immissas mitigare plerumque soleat, si seria interveniat pnitentia. Frster.
2. On Jer 52:1-3. From this we see why God sometimes places ungodly rulers over a country, who cast it to destruction. It is done on account of the rulers and the peoples sins, that they may draw down the well merited punishment, as Sirach says. On account of violence, injustice and avarice, a kingdom passes from one nation to another (Jer 10:8). So also says king Solomon. Because of the sins of a nation occur many changes of rulers, but for the sake of the people who are intelligent and reasonable, the State is prolonged (Pro 28:2). Wurtemb. Summarien.
3. On Jer 52:4. God allows many slight and mild punishments to come as warnings, till at last comes the finishing stroke. This is a witness to the divine long-suffering (Rom 2:4). Cramer.
4. On Jer 52:6. The fact that in this siege compassionate women had to kill and eat their own children (Lam 4:10) is a reminder that by bodily hunger God would punish; 1. satiation and disgust towards His holy word and soul-food; 2. the terrible offering up of children to Moloch; 3. the loose discipline of children. Cramer.
5. On Jer 52:7. No fortress can protect the ungodly, even though they had their nest in the clouds. Cramer.
6. On Jer 52:8. An example of faithless, perjured men of war. But as Zedekiah broke his oath to the king at Babylon, he was paid back in the same coin. Cramer. His people forsook the poor king Zedekiah on his flight and he was captured, from which we see that great men cannot depend on their body-guard; these flee in time of need, and leave their masters in the lurch. The surest and best protection is when we have the holy angels for our guard This angelic protection is, however, to be obtained and preserved by faith and godliness, but is lost by unbelief and ungodly conduct. Wurtemb. Summ.
7. On Jer 52:9-11. The punishment of perjury. Ubi monemur, quod fides hosti, etiam barbaro, qualis hodie Turca, a Christianis data, mimine violanda. Frster.
8. On Jer 52:9. sqq. God had shown Zedekiah by Jeremiah a way in which he could escape the calamity. But because he forsook the Lord and would not follow it, the others were only leaky cisterns (Jer 2:13). For woe to the rebellious who take counsel without the Lord (Isa 30:1). This is useful for an instance against the holy by works, who reject Gods way of escaping the Devil; when they devise other ways for themselves they are caught by the Chaldeans of hell. Cramer.
9. On Jer 52:12 sqq. Holy places, external ceremonies and opus operatum do not avail for hypocrites If God punished His own institution so severely, how shall human institutions remain unpunished? Cramer.
10. On Jer 52:12. Quale fatum, ne et nostris obtingat templis caveamus, ne profanemus templa ulterius tum externa vel materialia, tum interna vel spiritualia in cordibus nostris, de quibus 1Co 3:16 sqq.; Jer 6:19 sqq. Frster.
11. On Jer 52:15. It is another work of mercy that some of Judah were preserved. For Gods grace is always to be found in His punishments. Cramer.
12. On Jer 52:15. He who will not serve God and his neighbor at home and in quiet, must learn to do it in a strange land in affliction and distress. Cramer.
13. On Jer 52:24 sqq. As teachers are often to blame for their behaviour that sin gets the upper hand in a community, it is exceedingly just when God brings such for an example into great punitive judgment (1Sa 2:27-34). Starke.
14. On Jer 52:24. The priests are caught and slain; 1. because they could not believe the truth for themselves; 2. because they led others astray; 3. because they appealed to the temple of the Lord; 4. because they persecuted the true prophets; 5. because they troubled the whole church of God. But he who troubleth shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be (Gal 5:10). Cramer.
15. On Jer 52:31 sqq. Sane omnino verisimile videtur judicio Philippi Melanchthonis in Chron. part, I fol. 33 Evilmerodachum amplexum esse doctrinam Danielis de Vero Deo, quam et pater publico edic professus est, eamque ob causam clementiam exercuisse erga regem Jechoniam. Frster.Narrant Hebri hujusmodi fabulam: Evilmerodach, qui patre suo Nabuchodonosor vivente per septem annos inter bestias, ante regnaverat, postquam ille restitutus in regno est, usque ad mortem patris cum Joakim rege Jud in vinculis fuit; quo mortuo, quum rursus in regnum succederet, et non susciperetur a principibus, qui metuebant, ne viveret qui dicebatur extinctus, ut fidem patris mortui faceret, aperuit sepulcrum et cadaver ejus unco et funibus traxit. Jerome on Jer 14:18-19. Josephus speaks of it as follows: , , . (Antiqq., X. 11, 21.)
16. On Jer 52:31 sqq. Ceterum potest hoc exemplo, quod Jechonias rex dignitati su in exilio Babylonico restitutus, refutari exceptio Judorum contra vaticinium Jacobi (Gen 49:10) de Messia jamdudum exhibito, postquam per Romanos sceptrum de Juda ablatum, id quod Messi jamjam nascituri esse debuit. Frster.
17. On Jer 52:31 sqq. No one should despair in misfortune, for the right hand of the Highest can change all (Psa 77:10) and Christ rules even in the midst of His enemies (Psa 110:2). For His are the praise, the glory and the power from everlasting to everlasting. Amen. Cramer.
HOMILETICAL AND PRACTICAL
1. On Jer 52:1-11. The truth of the word What a man soweth, that shall he also reap, exhibited in the example of the Jewish State under Zedekiah.1. The seed (Jer 52:2); 2. The crop (a) the siege, (b) the famine, (c) the capture of the city and flight of the king, (d) the punishment of the king and his princes, (e) the fate of the people (Jer 52:3).
2. On Jer 52:12-20. The rejection of Judah appears at first sight a contradiction. For Jerusalem is the holy city (Mat 4:5; Neh 11:1; Neh 11:18), the city of God (Psa 46:5; Psa 48:2; Psa 48:9; Psa 78:3); the temple is the house of Jehovah (Jer 7:2. etc.); Gods service rests on divine authority (Ex. chh. 2527, 30, 31). But God cannot contradict Himself. We have, therefore, to show the unity of the divine thoughts in the choice and rejection of Jerusalem. 1. The rejection was a conditional one (Jer 7:3 sqq). Hence notwithstanding the election the rejection involved nothing contradictory, but was a necessary consequence of the unfulfilled condition.2. The election remains (a) objectively notwithstanding the rejection; it is (b) subjectively brought to its realization by the rejection; the latter as a means of discipline operating to produce the disposition, from which alone thefulfillment of this condition can proceed. Comp. rems. on Jer 32:41, p. 288.
3. On Jer 52:24-27. That great lords sometimes make an example of gross miscreants, promotes righteousness, only it must not be done on the innocent, or with such severity that there is no proportion between the crime and its punishment (Jos 7:25). Starke.
4. On Jer 52:31-34. The deliverance of Jehoiachin. 1. It shows us that the Lord can help (a) out of great distress (grievous imprisonment of thirty-seven years), (b) in a glorious manner. 2. It admonishes us (a) to steadfast patience, (b) to believing hope, Psalms 13 [It was a prelude and pledge of the liberation and exaltation of the Jewish Nation, when it had been humbled and purified by the discipline of suffering; and of its return to its own land; and a joyful pre-announcement of that far more glorious future restoration which the prophets in the Old Testament, and the Apostles in the New foretellof Israel to God in Christ; to whom, with the Father and Holt Ghost, be ascribed all honor, glory, dominion, adoration and praise, now and forever. Amen. Wordsworth.S. R. A.].
Footnotes:
[11]Jer 52:17Instead of we read in 2Ki 25:13 . The latter=which were in the house of Jehovah, the former=which belonged to the house, etc.
[12]Jer 52:17.In 2 Ki. is wanting before as in Jer 52:14 before .
[13]Jer 52:19. (1Ki 7:50; 2Ki 12:14, , 2Sa 17:28, ) from , basin, bowl (Exo 12:22; Zec 12:2) not to be confounded with , threshhold (Jer 52:24). are expressly mentioned in 2Ki 12:14.
[14]Jer 52:19. (from , to hold, seize, specially used of bringing fire, Isa 30:14; Pro 6:27) are vessels for carrying burning substances, whether coals (Lev 16:13) or lighted incense (Num 16:17 sqq.).
[15]Jer 52:19. are mentioned besides only in Exo 25:29; Exo 37:16; Num 4:7, and in all these places among the utensils of the shew-bread-table (comp. rems. on , Jer 52:18) and as pertaining to libation, ( ). In Exo 25:29 these vessels are expressly designated as to be made of gold.
[16]Jer 52:19.The double position of and has the sense of only or wholly (massive). Comp. Naegelsb. Gr., 22 b.The words and to are wanting in 2 Kings. It is noteworthy that thus (a) the repetition of and , and (b) the plural , which occurs nowhere else in the sense of basins are avoided; (c) that the words following and are also removed.
[17]Jer 52:20.With respect to the construction of Jer 52:20 we are to regard the substantives set first absolutely as in the accusative; as to the pillars, etc., their brass was not to be weighed. The verse is to express that it was those large pieces which raised the weight of the brass to such a degree.
[18]Jer 52:20.Instead of the Keri would have read (not in 2 Ki.) merely , probably because both numbers stand before and afterwards without the article. Grammatically both are possible. Comp. Naegelsb. Gr., 73, 2 Anm.
[19]Jer 52:20The explanation of in the sense of instead is as forced as the assumption that the text originally read is arbitrary.
[20]Jer 52:20.Instead of (the suffix by anticipation, comp. Naegelsb. Gr., 77, 2; Jer 51:56 and on Jer 48:44) we find in 2Ki 25:16 simply .
[21]Jer 52:21.The Keri , with which the Chethibh in 2Ki 25:17 and 1Ki 7:14 accords, is unnecessary, for may be regarded as the accusative of measure (comp. Naegelsb. Gr., 70, g): eighteen cubits was a pillar as to height.
[22]Jer 52:21.On the construction comp. Naegelsb. Gr., 97, 2 a and Anm. 1.
[23]Ver 22. from , nectere, plectere inus (comp. Nah 1:10; Job 8:13; , thicket, Gen 22:13, etc.), is opus reticulatum, network. Comp. 1Ki 7:17 sqq.; 2Ki 1:2; 2Ch 4:12-13; Job 18:8.
[24]Jer 52:22. at the close of Jer 52:22 is wanting in 2Ki 25:17, and we find instead . This makes the impression that this expression seemed unsuitable to the author of Jeremiah 52. (it must denote together with the network), both on account of the and because the pomegranates were also named after the network, and that, in order besides the general to set forth a special part, he chose in preference the last mentioned, the .
Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Jer 52:17-23
17Now the bronze pillars which belonged to the house of the Lord and the stands and the bronze sea, which were in the house of the Lord, the Chaldeans broke in pieces and carried all their bronze to Babylon. 18They also took away the pots, the shovels, the snuffers, the basins, the pans and all the bronze vessels which were used in temple service. 19The captain of the guard also took away the bowls, the firepans, the basins, the pots, the lampstands, the pans and the drink offering bowls, what was fine gold and what was fine silver. 20The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the sea, and the stands, which King Solomon had made for the house of the Lord-the bronze of all these vessels was beyond weight. 21As for the pillars, the height of each pillar was eighteen cubits, and it was twelve cubits in circumference and four fingers in thickness, and hollow. 22Now a capital of bronze was on it; and the height of each capital was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the capital all around, all of bronze. And the second pillar was like these, including pomegranates. 23There were ninety-six exposed pomegranates; all the pomegranates numbered a hundred on the network all around.
Jer 52:17-23 This is a list of the things taken to Babylon.
1. the bronze pillars of the temple
2. the stands (i.e., twelve bronze bulls, Jer 52:20) and the bronze sea (cf. Jer 52:20-23)
3. pots, shovels, snuffers, basins, pans, and all other bronze vessels used in the temple
4. bowls, firepans, basins, pots, the lampstand, its spoons, libation bowls, all gold and silver items
Jer 52:17-18 lists bronze items, while Jer 52:19 lists gold and silver items. Jer 52:20-23 describe in detail the two bronze pillars (cf. 1Ki 7:40-42).
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
pillars of brass. Compare Jer 27:19.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Jer 52:17-23
Jer 52:17-23
THE TEMPLE WAS LOOTED AND TOTALLY DESTROYED
And the pillars of brass that were in the house of Jehovah, and the bases and the brazen sea that were in the house of Jehovah, did the Chaldeans break in pieces, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon. The pots also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away. And the cups, and the firepans, and the basins, and the pots, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the bowls–that which was of gold, in gold, and that which was of silver, in silver,– the captain of the guard took away. The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve brazen bulls that were under the bases, which king Solomon had made for the house of Jehovah–the brass of all these vessels was without weight. And as for the pillars, the height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a line of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof was four fingers: it was hollow. And a capital of brass was upon it; and the height of the one capital was five cubits, with network and pomegranates upon the capital round about, all of brass: and the second pillar also had like unto these, and pomegranates. And there were ninety and six pomegranates on the sides; all the pomegranates were a hundred upon the network round about.
That which was of gold, in gold. of silver, in silver
(Jer 52:19). This means that all the vessels made of silver or gold were melted down and carried away as precious metal.
The brass. was without weight …..
(Jer 52:20). It was simply too heavy, and there was too much of it to be weighed. There were no scales in that day adequate for such a task as weighing many tons of brass.
The significance of this paragraph is seen in the light of Jeremiah’s words in Jer 27:16-22. In that passage, Jeremiah specifically named many of the things mentioned here, stating that they would all indeed be carried to Babylon. Practically everything in this chapter has the utility of listing the events that fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecies to the letter.
“Ornaments of the brazen pillars (Jer 52:23) are listed nowhere else in the Old Testament.”
The Plunder of the Temple Jer 52:17-23
The description of the fate of the Temple furniture is much fuller here than in the parallel passage in 2Ki 25:13-17. In order to facilitate transportation, the larger items of Temple furniture-the brazen pillars, the bases and the sea-were broken up (Jer 52:17). The two eighteen cubit bronze pillars stood immediately in front of the Temple proper. When they were set in place back in the days of Solomon they were given names. One was called Jachin (He shall establish); the other Boaz (In it is strength). See 1Ki 7:13-22. Just what purpose these pillars served is still debated. The bases were the supports of the ten portable lavers at which animals about to be offered as burnt-offerings were washed (1Ki 7:27-37), The brazen sea was a huge laver at which the priests washed their hands and feet before offering sacrifice (1Ki 7:23-26).
The smaller Temple vessels of brass, gold and silver were transported to Babylon where they became trophies of victory in the temples of the gods. In Jer 52:18 the objects of brass are enumerated. The pots and the shovels were used in the Temple for carrying away the ashes after sacrifice. The basins were probably used in the sprinkling of the sacrificial blood (cf. Exo 27:3; Exo 38:3; Num 4:14). The spoons were incense-cups (cf. Num 7:14). The word translated snuffers is of uncertain meaning. In Jer 52:19 the vessels of gold and silver are enumerated. The pots, basins and spoons (incense cups) are mentioned a second time in this verse simply because such utensils were made of gold and silver as well as brass. Of the new items mentioned in Jer 52:19 the function of the cup is unknown. The firepan was used for transporting hot coals. Ten candlesticks or lampstands illuminated the interior of the Temple (1Ki 7:49). The bowls of Jer 52:19 were connected with the table of showbread and were probably used for libations (Exo 25:29; Exo 37:16; Num 4:7). Now a problem arises with regard to the golden vessels. According to 2Ki 24:13 all the vessels of gold were carried off to Babylon in 597 B.C. How then can it be said that the golden vessels were carried away by Nebuzaradan some ten years later? It is possible, of course, that the golden vessels were replaced after the deportation of 597 B.C. More likely, however, only the most valuable vessels were removed in 597 B.C. The golden vessels of less value were left in the Temple along with the silver utensils to await the plunder of 587 B.C.
The total amount of the brass carried away by the Chaldeans was so great that it seemed to merit the special emphasis given to it in Jer 52:20. The mention of the twelve brazen bulls that were under the bases presents a two-fold difficulty for the Bible student. In the Book of Kings the bases were under the lavers, while the bulls supported the molten sea (1Ki 7:25; 1Ki 7:43). Furthermore, it is stated in 2Ki 16:17 that Ahaz had already taken away the twelve bulls and sent them as tribute to Assyria more than a century earlier (2Ki 16:17). The second difficulty is easier to cope with than the first. It is entirely possible and even likely that the twelve bulls had been replaced since the days of wicked king Ahaz, perhaps during the reforms of king Hezekiah. As for the first difficulty it is perhaps best to follow the reading of the Septuagint which reads: the twelve bulls which were under the sea. In other words, one Hebrew word may have dropped out of the standard Hebrew text during the course of its transmission.
Jer 52:21-23 are in the nature of a supplement to the foregoing description of the loot taken by the Chaldean soldiers. The focus here is on the two pillars of brass already mentioned in Jer 52:17. Each pillar was eighteen cubits (twenty-seven feet) high with a circumference of twelve cubits (eighteen feet). The pillars were hollow with the metal being about four inches (fingers) thick (Jer 52:21). These pillars were crowned with capitals of brass which were an additional five cubits high (Jer 52:22). A lattice work (network) surrounded the capital upon which were surmounted one hundred ornamental pomegranates, twenty-four on each side and one at each corner (Jer 52:23). The account in 1Ki 7:20 states that each pillar had two hundred pomegranates arranged in two rows. Either the account here ignores one of the rows of the pomegranates or else one row had been removed before this time.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
pillars: Jer 52:21-23, Jer 27:19-22, 1Ki 7:15-22, 1Ki 7:27, 1Ki 7:50, 2Ki 25:13-17, 2Ch 4:12, 2Ch 4:13, 2Ch 36:18, Lam 1:10, Dan 1:2
the bases: 1Ki 7:23-26, 2Ch 4:14, 2Ch 4:15
Reciprocal: 2Ki 20:17 – shall be carried 1Ch 18:8 – wherewith Isa 39:6 – that all Jer 27:22 – carried Jer 52:20 – two Eze 40:49 – pillars
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Jer 52:17-20. Also the pillars of brass, &c., the Chaldeans brake See note on 2Ki 25:13. The temple was rifled of its riches and furniture at several times. The first was when Nebuchadnezzar came up against Jehoiakim, Dan 1:2. The second time was at the captivity of Jechoniah, Jer 27:19; 2Ki 24:13; and now at the final destruction of the city and temple they made a clear riddance of all its ornaments. And twelve brazen bulls that were under the bases Or rather, which were instead of bases, to support the brazen sea, (1Ki 7:25,) the Hebrew word , in other places, signifying instead, or, in the place of another. So the LXX. understand it here.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
52:17 Also the {f} pillars of brass that [were] in the house of the LORD, and the bases, and the brasen sea that [was] in the house of the LORD, the Chaldeans broke, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.
(f) Of these pillars read 1Ki 7:15 .
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
B. The sacking of the temple 52:17-23
This section recounts in more detail the destruction of the temple just described. Before the Babylonians burned the temple, they looted it. This was the second time they had done this, the first being in 597 B.C. (Jer 27:16; 2Ki 24:13; cf. Jer 27:19-22).
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
The Chaldeans broke up and took to Babylon the bronze pillars at the entrance to the temple (1Ki 7:15-22), the wheeled stands for the priests to wash their tools in (1Ki 7:27-36), the sea (reservoir) for the water in the courtyard with which the priests washed themselves (1Ki 7:23-26; 2Ch 4:6), and the utensils used in the temple service (1Ki 7:40; 1Ki 7:45). The sea was about 15 feet in diameter, seven and a half feet high, and three inches thick. The wheeled stands and their bowls carried about 104 gallons of water each. Thus the amount of bronze in these items was considerable.