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2 Chronicles 2

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1 Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the Name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself. 2 So he conscripted 70,000 porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors. 3 Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre: “Do for me as you did for my father David when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in. 4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever. 5 The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. 6 But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I, that I should build a house for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him? 7 Send me, therefore, a craftsman skilled in engraving to work with gold and silver, with bronze and iron, and with purple, crimson, and blue yarn. He will work with my craftsmen in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided. 8 Send me also cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon, for I know that your servants have skill to cut timber there. And indeed, my servants will work with yours 9 to prepare for me timber in abundance, because the temple I am building will be great and wonderful. 10 I will pay your servants, the woodcutters, 20,000 cors of ground wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of olive oil. “ 11 Then Hiram king of Tyre wrote a letter in reply to Solomon: “Because the LORD loves His people, He has set you over them as king." 12 And Hiram added: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made the heavens and the earth! He has given King David a wise son with insight and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal palace for himself. 13 So now I am sending you Huram-abi, a skillful man endowed with creativity. 14 He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan, and his father is a man of Tyre. He is skilled in work with gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple, blue, and crimson yarn, and fine linen. He is experienced in every kind of engraving and can execute any design that is given him. He will work with your craftsmen and with those of my lord, your father David. 15 Now let my lord send to his servants the wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine he promised. 16 We will cut logs from Lebanon, as many as you need, and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa. Then you can take them up to Jerusalem." 17 Solomon numbered all the foreign men in the land of Israel following the census his father David had conducted, and there were found to be 153,600 in all. 18 Solomon made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors.

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Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 2

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Chapter Summary

2 Chronicles 2 begins with Solomon's decision to build the Temple, and he sends a message to King Hiram of Tyre, requesting his help in obtaining cedar and cypress trees, as well as skilled craftsmen (2 Chronicles 2:3-10). Hiram agrees to assist Solomon, and the two kings establish a trade agreement (2 Chronicles 2:11-16). Solomon then takes a census of the foreign residents in Israel and assigns 153,600 of them to work on the Temple project (2 Chronicles 2:17-18). The chapter concludes with Solomon's preparations for the construction of the Temple, including the casting of bronze implements and the creation of the Temple's furnishings (2 Chronicles 2:13, 2 Chronicles 2:17).

Context for the Chapter

2 Chronicles 2 is part of the larger narrative of 1-2 Chronicles, which tells the story of Israel's kings, from David to the Babylonian exile. This chapter follows Solomon's accession to the throne and his establishment of a strong, prosperous kingdom (1 Chronicles 29:23-25, 2 Chronicles 1:1-17). The construction of the Temple is a pivotal event in Israel's history, demonstrating the kingdom's commitment to worshiping God and following His commands.

Heart Application

As we read about Solomon's preparations for the Temple, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking to honor Him in all aspects of our lives. Just as Solomon recognized the significance of building a worthy place for God's presence, we should strive to create space in our hearts and lives for God to dwell and work through us.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about King Solomon's preparations to build the Temple in Jerusalem. He sends a message to King Hiram of Tyre, asking for his help in getting materials and skilled workers. Solomon also takes a census of the foreign residents in Israel and assigns them to work on the Temple project. The chapter shows how Solomon is trying to honor God and fulfill his father's legacy.

Voices from the Church

“The Temple was a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction was a testament to the power of faith and obedience.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The agreement between Solomon and King Hiram demonstrates that even in the pursuit of great endeavors, we must acknowledge our limitations and seek the assistance of others, just as Solomon did.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Temple Construction (2:1-5) — Solomon decides to build the Temple and sends a message to King Hiram of Tyre, requesting his assistance.
  2. The Trade Agreement with King Hiram (2:11-16) — Solomon and King Hiram establish a trade agreement, which includes the provision of materials and skilled laborers for the Temple project.
  3. The Census and Organization of Workers (2:17-18) — Solomon takes a census of the foreign residents in Israel and assigns 153,600 of them to work on the Temple project.
  4. Preparations for the Temple Construction (2:13, 2:17) — Solomon prepares for the construction of the Temple, including the casting of bronze implements and the creation of the Temple's furnishings.
  5. Conclusion and Transition (2:18) — The chapter concludes with Solomon's preparations for the Temple construction, setting the stage for the actual building process in the next chapter.

Core Doctrines

The Importance of Worship
The construction of the Temple highlights the significance of worship in the life of God's people, demonstrating the need for a dedicated space to honor and glorify Him.
The Role of Human Leadership
Solomon's leadership and decision-making in this chapter illustrate the importance of human leaders in God's plan, as they seek to fulfill God's commands and establish His kingdom on earth.
The Value of Cooperation and Mutual Support
The trade agreement between Solomon and King Hiram demonstrates the value of cooperation and mutual support between nations and individuals, even in the pursuit of great endeavors.
The Significance of the Temple as a Symbol of God's Presence
The Temple represents God's presence among His people, serving as a symbol of His power, wisdom, and love.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 2

  1. The Importance of Prioritizing God's Presence — Solomon's decision to build the Temple demonstrates the importance of prioritizing God's presence in our lives and creating space for Him to work through us.
  2. The Value of Cooperation and Mutual Support — The trade agreement between Solomon and King Hiram highlights the value of cooperation and mutual support between nations and individuals, even in the pursuit of great endeavors.
  3. The Significance of Organization and Planning — The census of foreign residents and the assignment of tasks to various groups of workers demonstrate the importance of organization and planning in achieving great goals.
  4. The Role of Human Leadership in God's Plan — Solomon's leadership and decision-making in this chapter illustrate the importance of human leaders in God's plan, as they seek to fulfill God's commands and establish His kingdom on earth.
  5. The Temple as a Symbol of God's Presence — The Temple represents God's presence among His people, serving as a symbol of His power, wisdom, and love.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 2

  1. The Importance of Worship — The construction of the Temple highlights the significance of worship in the life of God's people, demonstrating the need for a dedicated space to honor and glorify Him.
  2. The Role of Human Leadership — Solomon's leadership and decision-making in this chapter illustrate the importance of human leaders in God's plan, as they seek to fulfill God's commands and establish His kingdom on earth.
  3. The Value of Cooperation and Mutual Support — The trade agreement between Solomon and King Hiram demonstrates the value of cooperation and mutual support between nations and individuals, even in the pursuit of great endeavors.
  4. The Significance of the Temple as a Symbol of God's Presence — The Temple represents God's presence among His people, serving as a symbol of His power, wisdom, and love.
  5. The Importance of Prioritizing God's Presence — Solomon's decision to build the Temple demonstrates the importance of prioritizing God's presence in our lives and creating space for Him to work through us.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Solomon's decision to build the Temple, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
  2. How does the trade agreement between Solomon and King Hiram demonstrate the importance of cooperation and mutual support?
  3. What role does the census of foreign residents play in the construction of the Temple, and what can we learn from this about the value of organization and planning?
  4. How does the construction of the Temple relate to the larger narrative of 1-2 Chronicles, and what significance does it hold in the story of Israel's kings?
  5. What can we learn from Solomon's preparations for the Temple construction about the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking to honor Him in all aspects of our lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Temple Construction (2:1-5)

2:1 Solomon decides to build the Temple and sends a message to King Hiram of Tyre, requesting his assistance.
2:2 Solomon explains the purpose of the Temple and the materials needed for its construction.

2. The Message to King Hiram (2:3-10)

2:3 Solomon sends a message to King Hiram, requesting his help in obtaining cedar and cypress trees, as well as skilled craftsmen.
2:4 Solomon explains that the Temple will be a place for the name of the Lord, and that he is building it to fulfill his father's legacy.

3. The Trade Agreement with King Hiram (2:11-16)

2:11 King Hiram responds to Solomon's message, agreeing to assist him in obtaining the necessary materials and skilled laborers.
2:12 King Hiram praises the Lord and acknowledges the importance of the Temple project.

4. The Census and Organization of Workers (2:17-18)

2:17 Solomon takes a census of the foreign residents in Israel and assigns 153,600 of them to work on the Temple project.
2:18 Solomon prepares for the construction of the Temple, including the casting of bronze implements and the creation of the Temple's furnishings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the Temple in Jerusalem?

The Temple was a place for the name of the Lord, where the Israelites could worship and offer sacrifices to God (2 Chronicles 2:4).

Why did Solomon send a message to King Hiram of Tyre?

Solomon sent a message to King Hiram, requesting his assistance in obtaining materials and skilled laborers for the Temple project (2 Chronicles 2:3-10).

What was the significance of the census of foreign residents in Israel?

The census of foreign residents helped Solomon to organize the workforce for the Temple construction, assigning 153,600 of them to work on the project (2 Chronicles 2:17-18).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Chronicles 2:1 → 1 Kings 5:1 The decision to build the Temple is also recorded in 1 Kings 5:1, highlighting the importance of this event in Israel's history.
2 2 Chronicles 2:3 → 1 Kings 5:2-6 The message to King Hiram is also recorded in 1 Kings 5:2-6, providing additional details about the trade agreement between Solomon and King Hiram.
3 2 Chronicles 2:4 → Exodus 25:8 The concept of building a Temple for the name of the Lord is rooted in Exodus 25:8, where God commands Moses to build the Tabernacle.
4 2 Chronicles 2:11 → 1 Kings 5:7 King Hiram's response to Solomon's message is also recorded in 1 Kings 5:7, highlighting the positive relationship between the two kings.
5 2 Chronicles 2:12 → Psalm 72:10-11 The praise of King Hiram for the Lord is reminiscent of Psalm 72:10-11, which describes the nations' recognition of God's power and wisdom.
6 2 Chronicles 2:17 → 1 Kings 5:13-14 The census of foreign residents is also recorded in 1 Kings 5:13-14, providing additional details about the organization of the workforce for the Temple construction.
7 2 Chronicles 2:18 → 1 Kings 5:15-16 The preparation for the Temple construction, including the casting of bronze implements, is also recorded in 1 Kings 5:15-16.
8 2 Chronicles 2:1 → Hebrews 9:11 The construction of the Temple is a foreshadowing of the true Temple, which is the body of Christ (Hebrews 9:11).
9 2 Chronicles 2:4 → John 1:14 The concept of building a Temple for the name of the Lord is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the true Temple and the dwelling place of God (John 1:14).
10 2 Chronicles 2:12 → Revelation 21:24-26 The praise of King Hiram for the Lord is reminiscent of the nations' recognition of God's power and wisdom in Revelation 21:24-26, which describes the New Jerusalem and the glory of God.

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 2

In this chapter, we see Solomon's zeal and diligence in building the Temple, which was a great undertaking that required careful planning and cooperation with other nations. The trade agreement between Solomon and King Hiram demonstrates the value of mutual support and cooperation, even in the pursuit of great endeavors. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking to honor Him in all aspects of our lives. The construction of the Temple is a significant event in Israel's history, demonstrating the kingdom's commitment to worshiping God and following His commands. As Matthew Henry notes, the Temple was a symbol of God's presence among His people, and its construction was a testament to the power of faith and obedience. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Solomon's Dependence on God

Throughout the chapter, Solomon acknowledges God's presence and role in the construction of the Temple, demonstrating his dependence on God's guidance and provision (2 Chronicles 2:4-5).

International Cooperation

The trade agreement between Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre showcases the possibility of peaceful cooperation between nations, even in ancient times (2 Chronicles 2:11-16).

Organization and Planning

Solomon's preparations for the Temple construction involve careful planning, including the census of foreign residents and the assignment of tasks to various groups of workers (2 Chronicles 2:17-18).

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