The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 2 Chronicles 4:1-8
The Altar, the Molten Sea, and the Lavers v. 1. Moreover, he, Solomon, through the craftsmen engaged by him, made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length thereof and twenty cubits the breadth thereof and ten cubits the height thereof, to which the priests probably ascended by an inclined pathway. The weight of this altar, if the thickness of its walls was only three inches, must have been at least two hundred tons. v. 2. Also he made a molten sea, cast from bronze or brass, of ten... read more
George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 4:1
Altar of holocausts, much larger than that of Moses. The one which was built after the captivity, was a square of fifteen cubits. This of Solomon was only ten in height. A sloping ascent was made up to it, according to Josephus; (Jewish Wars vi. 5., or v. 14.) or the steps were closed in, if we believe others. See Exodus xxvii. 1., and xx. 26. It is thought (Calmet) that the inside of the altar was filled with earth, (Menochius) or with rough stones: (Exodus xx. 24.; Du Hamel) but that is not... read more