1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
2 And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
3 And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, [even so deal with me].
4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.
5 And the house which I build [is] great: for great [is] our God above all gods.
6 But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who [am] I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?
7 Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.
8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants [shall be] with thy servants,
9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build [shall be] wonderful great.
10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.
12 Huram said moreover, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
13 And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s,
14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.
15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:
16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
17 And Solomon numbered all the strangers that [were] in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.
18 And he set threescore and ten thousand of them [to be] bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand [to be] hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.
Overview of 2 Chronicles Chapter 2
2 Chronicles Chapter 2 focuses on King Solomon’s preparations for building the Temple in Jerusalem. This chapter highlights Solomon’s diplomatic relations, his request for materials, and the organization of labor for this monumental project. It reflects the themes of wisdom, leadership, and the importance of worship in the life of Israel.
Key Themes
- Wisdom and Leadership: Solomon’s approach to building the Temple demonstrates his wisdom in seeking assistance and resources.
- Collaboration: The collaboration between Israel and Tyre signifies the importance of alliances in achieving significant goals.
- Worship and Dedication: The Temple is presented as a central place for worship, emphasizing the significance of dedicating a space for God.
Structure of the Chapter
- Solomon’s Preparations (Verses 1-2):
Solomon begins by preparing to build a house for the Lord, indicating his commitment to worship and the centrality of the Temple in Israel’s religious life.
- Communication with Hiram (Verses 3-10):
Solomon sends a message to Hiram, the king of Tyre, requesting materials and skilled workers. This highlights Solomon’s diplomatic skills and the importance of international relations.
- Request for Cedar and Fir Trees
- Seeking Skilled Labor
- Emphasis on the Quality of Materials
- Details of the Temple (Verses 11-16):
Hiram responds positively to Solomon’s requests, indicating a willingness to assist in the construction of the Temple.
- Hiram’s acknowledgment of Solomon’s wisdom
- Provision of materials and craftsmen
- Organization of Labor (Verse 17-18):
Solomon organizes a workforce for the project, demonstrating his administrative capabilities and the scale of the undertaking.
- 30,000 men sent to Lebanon
- 70,000 laborers and 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains
Significance of the Temple
The Temple is not merely a building; it represents the dwelling place of God among His people. The construction of the Temple signifies:
- The fulfillment of God’s promise to David regarding a permanent place of worship.
- The establishment of a central location for sacrifices and worship, enhancing the spiritual life of Israel.
- The unification of the nation under a common religious and cultural identity.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles Chapter 2 illustrates the importance of planning, collaboration, and dedication in the pursuit of a significant spiritual goal. Solomon’s actions set the stage for a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, emphasizing the centrality of worship and the role of leadership in achieving divine purposes.
