Definition: The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 52:20. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive, incredibly ornate collection of oil lamps – essentially, a huge supply of lamps – that Solomon built for the Temple in Jerusalem. It’s presented as a symbol of his power and devotion to God. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 52:20” : This is the verse itself, coming from the Book of Jeremiah. It's a specific detail within a larger story. “The two pillars…” : Solomon had built two massive pillars – think of them as sturdy supports. “…one sea…” : The sea was a significant place for Solomon in his life and his reign. It symbolized the vastness of God's kingdom. “…and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases…” : This is where it gets really interesting. "Brasen" is a Hebrew word meaning “oil.” The “twelve” refers to the twelve sons of Jacob (the patriarchs). So, Solomon was making a massive supply of oil lamps – twelve large lamps! They were placed underneath the pillars. “…that [were] made in the house of the LORD…” : This emphasizes that these lamps weren’t just any lamps; they were created specifically for God. It's a sign of his presence and the temple’s importance. “The brass of all these vessels was without weight.” - This is the most perplexing part. "Brass" refers to metal, likely bronze or copper. The word “without weight” means the lamps were incredibly heavy – far heavier than any other oil lamp in the world at the time. What does it mean ? This verse suggests a few things: Solomon's Grandiosity: It shows how ambitious and powerful Solomon was. He built something truly remarkable, a huge display of wealth and devotion. Divine Favor: The heavy, ornate lamps were a gift from God to the temple, demonstrating his favor and blessing. A Symbol of His Reign: The sheer quantity and elaborate nature of these lamps symbolized the abundance and power of his rule. In short, it’s a description of a huge, incredibly impressive display of oil lamps, built as a sign of Solomon's devotion to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the historical context (when and why was this described)?