Moreover the brasen altar, that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the LORD: and Solomon and the congregation sought unto it.

2 CHRONICLES 1:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 1:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 1:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 1:5 describes how the bronze altar, originally made by Bezaleel, was placed in front of the tabernacle of the LORD, and that Solomon and the whole assembly of Israel went there to seek God. This verse highlights the continued use of the altar and tabernacle as central places for worship and seeking guidance from God at the start of Solomon’s reign.

The setting is the early days of King Solomon’s rule, as he gathers the people at Gibeon where the tabernacle was located. The verse points out that the altar, crafted by Bezaleel (a skilled craftsman from Moses’ time), was still in use and respected as a holy place. Solomon and the congregation’s act of seeking God there shows their desire for divine direction as Solomon begins his kingship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 1:5

  • בְּזַלְאֵל (Bezaleel): This name refers to the craftsman from the time of Moses who originally made the altar. Mentioning him connects Solomon’s worship to the traditions and craftsmanship of the Exodus period.
  • מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach, “altar”): The altar is a central place for sacrifices and worship. Its presence at the tabernacle reminds readers that Solomon’s worship is rooted in the established practices given to Israel in earlier generations.
  • דָּרַשׁ (darash, “sought”): This word means to seek or inquire, often with the sense of seeking God’s will or guidance. It shows that Solomon and the people were not just performing rituals, but actively looking for God’s direction.

Why 2 Chronicles 1:5 matters

  • This verse connects Solomon’s reign to the earlier history of Israel, showing respect for the traditions and sacred objects established in Moses’ time.
  • It emphasizes that Solomon’s leadership begins with worship and seeking God, not just political or military actions.
  • The verse sets the stage for the events that follow, where Solomon will make significant offerings and receive wisdom from God, highlighting the importance of starting with a heart turned toward God.

Where else these words appear

“Uri” Hebrew H221 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
  • Exodus 38:22 And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:20 And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

“Bezaleel” Hebrew H1212 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 31:2 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:
  • Exodus 36:1 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
  • Exodus 38:22 And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

“Hur” Hebrew H2354 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 17:10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
  • Exodus 35:30 And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah;
  • 1 Chronicles 2:20 And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel.

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,