2 Kings 16:17

Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases For a description of these bases, which were moveable stands to carry the lavers used for the sacrifices, see 1 Kings 7:27-39. The borders were of highly wrought ornamental work, made by Hiram of Tyre for king Solomon.

removed the laver from off them i.e. From each of them. There were ten bases, with a laver on the top of each one.

and took down the sea from off the brasen oxen This sea was also the work of Hiram. See 1 Kings 7:23-26. It was supported by twelve oxen, three looking each way, and standing with their tails beneath the huge vessel. Ahaz took these beautiful castings away and allowed the sea to rest upon stone supports. As all these acts are in the next verse said to be done -because of the king of Assyria" we may suppose that Tiglath-pileser was disposed to ask for the beautiful things which he saw, and as it was not in Ahaz's power to say him nay, the king removed these treasures that the Assyrian monarch might not see and ask for them.