2 Chronicles 20

2 Chronicles 20:1

Solomon Asks Wisdom and Knowledge

The LORD appears to Solomon. He says to him that he may ask what he wants. This is an inviting question, with no restrictions. This question also comes to us when the Lord Jesus says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; … For everyone who asks receives” (Matthew 7:7-8). What do we answer to the Lord’s question?

Solomon prays for wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 2:6). That is the measure by which to build. Both can be found in Christ (Colossians 2:3). The standard for church building is Christ. There are many forms of church building that arise from our ideas about how it seems best to us, but the only standard for the church and the coming together of the church is Christ.

There must, so to speak, first be reflection at Gibeon, in order to see what the standard is to come together as a church, to be a ‘temple’. Solomon here is not only a picture of Christ, but also a picture of the Spirit of Christ in the believer. This Spirit characterizes Paul when he prays for the Ephesians for the “a spirit of wisdom … in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17).

The answer from Solomon’s mouth is beautiful. He assigns a special value to the people of Israel, not because they are his people, but because they are God’s people. That he sees the people not as his people, but as God’s people, is of great importance, also in our day. The church is not the possession of people, but of God. Whoever is aware of this will treat the other members of that people with great care, while acknowledging that each member belongs to the Lord and has his own unique task.

God praises Solomon for his request. Kings of the nations ask their gods for everything Solomon does not ask for. Solomon gets it because he only has God’s interests in mind in his prayer. We can learn a lot from the content of this prayer. Solomon does not start by asking anything, but he first reminds God of what He has done in the past and what He does at the present.

Whatever task we get to do, we can always be confident that God’s support is there for us as it was for those who served Him before us. We may appeal to the “great lovingkindness” that has been proven to them, as Solomon does in relation to his father David, whose task he now gets (2 Chronicles 1:8). Then Solomon appeals to all the promises given by God. There is no better plea in prayer than to refer to God’s promises (2 Chronicles 1:9).

The best way to achieve what we wish is to ask for wisdom and knowledge for our task (2 Chronicles 1:10). Just like Moses (Exodus 3:11), David (1 Samuel 18:18) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6), also Solomon recognizes his incompetence for this great task and asks for “wisdom and knowledge”. “Wisdom” refers to the right assessment at the right time in distinguishing between good and evil. ‘Knowledge’ (or ‘understanding’) relates to the knowledge and understanding of the circumstances to make the right choice for the way to go.

Solomon speaks about his ‘going out and coming in’ before the people. This may involve going out to the gate to speak justice there and going in to the LORD to seek advice from Him about the trials. In a broader sense, ‘going out and coming in’ refers to Solomon’s entire life’s walk, in order to devote himself as king to his people.

God gives him what he has asked for, because he has asked for it. He gives him what he did not ask for, because he did not ask for it (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). God explains in detail why Solomon gets what he has asked for and why he gets what he has not asked for. God gives according to the riches of His grace what is in His heart. It is an illustration of Paul’s word that God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20; cf. Matthew 6:33).

After his meeting and conversation with God, Solomon can start reigning (2 Chronicles 1:13). This is the correct order: first the tabernacle and the altar and then the throne.

2 Chronicles 20:2

Solomon Asks Wisdom and Knowledge

The LORD appears to Solomon. He says to him that he may ask what he wants. This is an inviting question, with no restrictions. This question also comes to us when the Lord Jesus says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; … For everyone who asks receives” (Matthew 7:7-8). What do we answer to the Lord’s question?

Solomon prays for wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 2:6). That is the measure by which to build. Both can be found in Christ (Colossians 2:3). The standard for church building is Christ. There are many forms of church building that arise from our ideas about how it seems best to us, but the only standard for the church and the coming together of the church is Christ.

There must, so to speak, first be reflection at Gibeon, in order to see what the standard is to come together as a church, to be a ‘temple’. Solomon here is not only a picture of Christ, but also a picture of the Spirit of Christ in the believer. This Spirit characterizes Paul when he prays for the Ephesians for the “a spirit of wisdom … in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17).

The answer from Solomon’s mouth is beautiful. He assigns a special value to the people of Israel, not because they are his people, but because they are God’s people. That he sees the people not as his people, but as God’s people, is of great importance, also in our day. The church is not the possession of people, but of God. Whoever is aware of this will treat the other members of that people with great care, while acknowledging that each member belongs to the Lord and has his own unique task.

God praises Solomon for his request. Kings of the nations ask their gods for everything Solomon does not ask for. Solomon gets it because he only has God’s interests in mind in his prayer. We can learn a lot from the content of this prayer. Solomon does not start by asking anything, but he first reminds God of what He has done in the past and what He does at the present.

Whatever task we get to do, we can always be confident that God’s support is there for us as it was for those who served Him before us. We may appeal to the “great lovingkindness” that has been proven to them, as Solomon does in relation to his father David, whose task he now gets (2 Chronicles 1:8). Then Solomon appeals to all the promises given by God. There is no better plea in prayer than to refer to God’s promises (2 Chronicles 1:9).

The best way to achieve what we wish is to ask for wisdom and knowledge for our task (2 Chronicles 1:10). Just like Moses (Exodus 3:11), David (1 Samuel 18:18) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6), also Solomon recognizes his incompetence for this great task and asks for “wisdom and knowledge”. “Wisdom” refers to the right assessment at the right time in distinguishing between good and evil. ‘Knowledge’ (or ‘understanding’) relates to the knowledge and understanding of the circumstances to make the right choice for the way to go.

Solomon speaks about his ‘going out and coming in’ before the people. This may involve going out to the gate to speak justice there and going in to the LORD to seek advice from Him about the trials. In a broader sense, ‘going out and coming in’ refers to Solomon’s entire life’s walk, in order to devote himself as king to his people.

God gives him what he has asked for, because he has asked for it. He gives him what he did not ask for, because he did not ask for it (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). God explains in detail why Solomon gets what he has asked for and why he gets what he has not asked for. God gives according to the riches of His grace what is in His heart. It is an illustration of Paul’s word that God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20; cf. Matthew 6:33).

After his meeting and conversation with God, Solomon can start reigning (2 Chronicles 1:13). This is the correct order: first the tabernacle and the altar and then the throne.

2 Chronicles 20:3

Solomon Asks Wisdom and Knowledge

The LORD appears to Solomon. He says to him that he may ask what he wants. This is an inviting question, with no restrictions. This question also comes to us when the Lord Jesus says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; … For everyone who asks receives” (Matthew 7:7-8). What do we answer to the Lord’s question?

Solomon prays for wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 2:6). That is the measure by which to build. Both can be found in Christ (Colossians 2:3). The standard for church building is Christ. There are many forms of church building that arise from our ideas about how it seems best to us, but the only standard for the church and the coming together of the church is Christ.

There must, so to speak, first be reflection at Gibeon, in order to see what the standard is to come together as a church, to be a ‘temple’. Solomon here is not only a picture of Christ, but also a picture of the Spirit of Christ in the believer. This Spirit characterizes Paul when he prays for the Ephesians for the “a spirit of wisdom … in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17).

The answer from Solomon’s mouth is beautiful. He assigns a special value to the people of Israel, not because they are his people, but because they are God’s people. That he sees the people not as his people, but as God’s people, is of great importance, also in our day. The church is not the possession of people, but of God. Whoever is aware of this will treat the other members of that people with great care, while acknowledging that each member belongs to the Lord and has his own unique task.

God praises Solomon for his request. Kings of the nations ask their gods for everything Solomon does not ask for. Solomon gets it because he only has God’s interests in mind in his prayer. We can learn a lot from the content of this prayer. Solomon does not start by asking anything, but he first reminds God of what He has done in the past and what He does at the present.

Whatever task we get to do, we can always be confident that God’s support is there for us as it was for those who served Him before us. We may appeal to the “great lovingkindness” that has been proven to them, as Solomon does in relation to his father David, whose task he now gets (2 Chronicles 1:8). Then Solomon appeals to all the promises given by God. There is no better plea in prayer than to refer to God’s promises (2 Chronicles 1:9).

The best way to achieve what we wish is to ask for wisdom and knowledge for our task (2 Chronicles 1:10). Just like Moses (Exodus 3:11), David (1 Samuel 18:18) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6), also Solomon recognizes his incompetence for this great task and asks for “wisdom and knowledge”. “Wisdom” refers to the right assessment at the right time in distinguishing between good and evil. ‘Knowledge’ (or ‘understanding’) relates to the knowledge and understanding of the circumstances to make the right choice for the way to go.

Solomon speaks about his ‘going out and coming in’ before the people. This may involve going out to the gate to speak justice there and going in to the LORD to seek advice from Him about the trials. In a broader sense, ‘going out and coming in’ refers to Solomon’s entire life’s walk, in order to devote himself as king to his people.

God gives him what he has asked for, because he has asked for it. He gives him what he did not ask for, because he did not ask for it (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). God explains in detail why Solomon gets what he has asked for and why he gets what he has not asked for. God gives according to the riches of His grace what is in His heart. It is an illustration of Paul’s word that God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20; cf. Matthew 6:33).

After his meeting and conversation with God, Solomon can start reigning (2 Chronicles 1:13). This is the correct order: first the tabernacle and the altar and then the throne.

2 Chronicles 20:4

Solomon Asks Wisdom and Knowledge

The LORD appears to Solomon. He says to him that he may ask what he wants. This is an inviting question, with no restrictions. This question also comes to us when the Lord Jesus says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; … For everyone who asks receives” (Matthew 7:7-8). What do we answer to the Lord’s question?

Solomon prays for wisdom and knowledge (Proverbs 2:6). That is the measure by which to build. Both can be found in Christ (Colossians 2:3). The standard for church building is Christ. There are many forms of church building that arise from our ideas about how it seems best to us, but the only standard for the church and the coming together of the church is Christ.

There must, so to speak, first be reflection at Gibeon, in order to see what the standard is to come together as a church, to be a ‘temple’. Solomon here is not only a picture of Christ, but also a picture of the Spirit of Christ in the believer. This Spirit characterizes Paul when he prays for the Ephesians for the “a spirit of wisdom … in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17).

The answer from Solomon’s mouth is beautiful. He assigns a special value to the people of Israel, not because they are his people, but because they are God’s people. That he sees the people not as his people, but as God’s people, is of great importance, also in our day. The church is not the possession of people, but of God. Whoever is aware of this will treat the other members of that people with great care, while acknowledging that each member belongs to the Lord and has his own unique task.

God praises Solomon for his request. Kings of the nations ask their gods for everything Solomon does not ask for. Solomon gets it because he only has God’s interests in mind in his prayer. We can learn a lot from the content of this prayer. Solomon does not start by asking anything, but he first reminds God of what He has done in the past and what He does at the present.

Whatever task we get to do, we can always be confident that God’s support is there for us as it was for those who served Him before us. We may appeal to the “great lovingkindness” that has been proven to them, as Solomon does in relation to his father David, whose task he now gets (2 Chronicles 1:8). Then Solomon appeals to all the promises given by God. There is no better plea in prayer than to refer to God’s promises (2 Chronicles 1:9).

The best way to achieve what we wish is to ask for wisdom and knowledge for our task (2 Chronicles 1:10). Just like Moses (Exodus 3:11), David (1 Samuel 18:18) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6), also Solomon recognizes his incompetence for this great task and asks for “wisdom and knowledge”. “Wisdom” refers to the right assessment at the right time in distinguishing between good and evil. ‘Knowledge’ (or ‘understanding’) relates to the knowledge and understanding of the circumstances to make the right choice for the way to go.

Solomon speaks about his ‘going out and coming in’ before the people. This may involve going out to the gate to speak justice there and going in to the LORD to seek advice from Him about the trials. In a broader sense, ‘going out and coming in’ refers to Solomon’s entire life’s walk, in order to devote himself as king to his people.

God gives him what he has asked for, because he has asked for it. He gives him what he did not ask for, because he did not ask for it (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). God explains in detail why Solomon gets what he has asked for and why he gets what he has not asked for. God gives according to the riches of His grace what is in His heart. It is an illustration of Paul’s word that God “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20; cf. Matthew 6:33).

After his meeting and conversation with God, Solomon can start reigning (2 Chronicles 1:13). This is the correct order: first the tabernacle and the altar and then the throne.

2 Chronicles 20:5

Possessions of Solomon

Now that he has gained wisdom, he does not bury his talent, but goes to work with it. He gathers all that is needed for his reign, a reign in glory.

He buys 1,400 chariots and ensures 12,000 horsemen. This army is partly stationed in chariot cities, i.e. in strategic locations in the land. Another part he keeps under his direct control in Jerusalem.

The riches and treasures of silver and gold he collects do not mean his fall, as in the first book of the Kings, but increase his power and glory. They are symbols of the riches of the church of God with which it is built, such as “gold, silver and precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12a) of which Paul speaks as the precious metals built on the foundation.

2 Chronicles 20:6

Possessions of Solomon

Now that he has gained wisdom, he does not bury his talent, but goes to work with it. He gathers all that is needed for his reign, a reign in glory.

He buys 1,400 chariots and ensures 12,000 horsemen. This army is partly stationed in chariot cities, i.e. in strategic locations in the land. Another part he keeps under his direct control in Jerusalem.

The riches and treasures of silver and gold he collects do not mean his fall, as in the first book of the Kings, but increase his power and glory. They are symbols of the riches of the church of God with which it is built, such as “gold, silver and precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12a) of which Paul speaks as the precious metals built on the foundation.

2 Chronicles 20:7

Possessions of Solomon

Now that he has gained wisdom, he does not bury his talent, but goes to work with it. He gathers all that is needed for his reign, a reign in glory.

He buys 1,400 chariots and ensures 12,000 horsemen. This army is partly stationed in chariot cities, i.e. in strategic locations in the land. Another part he keeps under his direct control in Jerusalem.

The riches and treasures of silver and gold he collects do not mean his fall, as in the first book of the Kings, but increase his power and glory. They are symbols of the riches of the church of God with which it is built, such as “gold, silver and precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12a) of which Paul speaks as the precious metals built on the foundation.

2 Chronicles 20:8

Possessions of Solomon

Now that he has gained wisdom, he does not bury his talent, but goes to work with it. He gathers all that is needed for his reign, a reign in glory.

He buys 1,400 chariots and ensures 12,000 horsemen. This army is partly stationed in chariot cities, i.e. in strategic locations in the land. Another part he keeps under his direct control in Jerusalem.

The riches and treasures of silver and gold he collects do not mean his fall, as in the first book of the Kings, but increase his power and glory. They are symbols of the riches of the church of God with which it is built, such as “gold, silver and precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12a) of which Paul speaks as the precious metals built on the foundation.

2 Chronicles 20:10

Introduction

Six of the nine chapters which the chronicler in this book devotes to Solomon refer to the temple: 1. 2 Chronicles 2 is about the preparation for the building of the temple; 2. 2 Chronicles 3-4 describe the building of the temple; 3. 2 Chronicles 5-7 deal with the dedication of the temple.

The preparations for the temple building by Solomon are preceded by all the other extensive preparations his father David did. David made the design or plan for the entire complex and took care of staff and materials (1 Chronicles 28-29). Now it is Solomon’s turn. He must organize the work by assigning his task to each worker (2 Chronicles 2:2; 17; 18).

Another aspect of the preparations is that the young king requires technical support from Huram, the king of Tyre. In this way Solomon assures himself of experienced supervisors, and in this way he also can make use of the cedars of the Lebanon (2 Chronicles 2:3-10). For the help he calls in from Huram, a contract is drawn up (2 Chronicles 2:11-16).

There are some remarkable similarities between the building of the tabernacle and that of the temple. These agreements contribute to the testimony of the inspiration of God’s Spirit by Whom the chronicler wrote.

1. Both Bezalel and Solomon have been specifically appointed by God for the building project of the tabernacle and the temple respectively (Exodus 35:30; 1 Chronicles 28:6). 2. Both Bezalel and Solomon are from the tribe Juda. 3. Both Bezalel and Solomon are endowed by God for the task for which he is chosen. 4. Both made the bronze altar for the LORD (2 Chronicles 1:5; 2 Chronicles 4:1). 5. Bezalel prepares the tools for the tabernacle and Solomon prepares the tools for the temple (Exodus 35:30-35; 2 Chronicles 4:19-22). 6.

Both the tabernacle and the temple have a design that comes from God (Exodus 25:9; 1 Chronicles 28:11-13). 7. Both for the building of the tabernacle and for the building of the temple the people give voluntarily and generously (Exodus 35:20-29; 1 Chronicles 29:6-9). 8. When both buildings are finished, the glory of God fills the building (Exodus 40:34-35; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3).

The Decision of Solomon

For Solomon the importance of the LORD’s house is paramount (2 Chronicles 2:1). It is for him first the house of the LORD, and then his own house. The two houses are symbolic for priestly service (the temple) and reign (palace). It is always good, especially when we are young, to give the things of the Lord first place. It is proof that we are aware that we are on earth for Him, to serve Him, and not for ourselves.

The tasks mentioned (2 Chronicles 2:2) can be applied to our time. We see the “men to carry loads” as the teachers in the church. They teach persons, who are stones carved out of the rock by the evangelists, represented by “men to quarry [stone]”, about their place in the church, the house of God. Those who “supervise them” are the overseers, who lead the church. They ensure that everything is done in the right way. There must be good cooperation between these workers. It is not possible to work on your own (Ephesians 4:11-16).

2 Chronicles 20:11

Introduction

Six of the nine chapters which the chronicler in this book devotes to Solomon refer to the temple: 1. 2 Chronicles 2 is about the preparation for the building of the temple; 2. 2 Chronicles 3-4 describe the building of the temple; 3. 2 Chronicles 5-7 deal with the dedication of the temple.

The preparations for the temple building by Solomon are preceded by all the other extensive preparations his father David did. David made the design or plan for the entire complex and took care of staff and materials (1 Chronicles 28-29). Now it is Solomon’s turn. He must organize the work by assigning his task to each worker (2 Chronicles 2:2; 17; 18).

Another aspect of the preparations is that the young king requires technical support from Huram, the king of Tyre. In this way Solomon assures himself of experienced supervisors, and in this way he also can make use of the cedars of the Lebanon (2 Chronicles 2:3-10). For the help he calls in from Huram, a contract is drawn up (2 Chronicles 2:11-16).

There are some remarkable similarities between the building of the tabernacle and that of the temple. These agreements contribute to the testimony of the inspiration of God’s Spirit by Whom the chronicler wrote.

1. Both Bezalel and Solomon have been specifically appointed by God for the building project of the tabernacle and the temple respectively (Exodus 35:30; 1 Chronicles 28:6). 2. Both Bezalel and Solomon are from the tribe Juda. 3. Both Bezalel and Solomon are endowed by God for the task for which he is chosen. 4. Both made the bronze altar for the LORD (2 Chronicles 1:5; 2 Chronicles 4:1). 5. Bezalel prepares the tools for the tabernacle and Solomon prepares the tools for the temple (Exodus 35:30-35; 2 Chronicles 4:19-22). 6.

Both the tabernacle and the temple have a design that comes from God (Exodus 25:9; 1 Chronicles 28:11-13). 7. Both for the building of the tabernacle and for the building of the temple the people give voluntarily and generously (Exodus 35:20-29; 1 Chronicles 29:6-9). 8. When both buildings are finished, the glory of God fills the building (Exodus 40:34-35; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3).

The Decision of Solomon

For Solomon the importance of the LORD’s house is paramount (2 Chronicles 2:1). It is for him first the house of the LORD, and then his own house. The two houses are symbolic for priestly service (the temple) and reign (palace). It is always good, especially when we are young, to give the things of the Lord first place. It is proof that we are aware that we are on earth for Him, to serve Him, and not for ourselves.

The tasks mentioned (2 Chronicles 2:2) can be applied to our time. We see the “men to carry loads” as the teachers in the church. They teach persons, who are stones carved out of the rock by the evangelists, represented by “men to quarry [stone]”, about their place in the church, the house of God. Those who “supervise them” are the overseers, who lead the church. They ensure that everything is done in the right way. There must be good cooperation between these workers. It is not possible to work on your own (Ephesians 4:11-16).

2 Chronicles 20:12

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:13

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:14

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:15

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:16

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:17

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:18

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:19

The Request to Huram to Help

For the building of the temple Solomon appeals to foreigners and not to Israelites. Both prophetically and spiritually, this is not remarkable. Prophetically we see that later, in the realm of peace, strangers will also help to build the temple (Zechariah 6:15a; Isaiah 60:10a). Spiritually we see that the mystery of the church is found among the nations (Colossians 1:27). [Note: This is not the same as Ephesians 2. There the truth is unfolded that the believers from the Jews and the believers from the Gentiles are one. In Colossians 1, the Jews are not involved and only the peoples are involved.]

The new thing in the current dispensation, that is the time since the Pentecost of Acts 2, is that salvation is also for the nations. Paul offers a message to the Jews and also believers among the nations, that they belong to the church and that they are saints who understand the mystery of the church. This is, in picture, the way in which Solomon appeals to the people.

Solomon reminds Huram that he sent his father David cedars at the time to build a house for himself (1 Chronicles 14:1). Because of his benevolence then, Solomon asks him to help him build God’s house now. Before he specifically asks Huram for help, he first talks about the impressiveness of the LORD’s house.

The first thing mentioned in connection with the temple is that it is a house that is dedicated to the LORD. The house belongs to Him alone and is only for Him. So too is the church, the house of God now, only of and for Him. The local church is not for people, believers or disbelievers, to entertain them.

That the house is dedicated to the LORD, and is there to sanctify Him, is manifested in what happens there. Solomon begins his list of activities in the house of the LORD with burning “fragrant incense before Him” (2 Chronicles 2:4). He repeats that this is the great reason for the building of the house (2 Chronicles 2:6). Fragrant incense represents the sweetness before God of prayer and worship (Psalms 141:2; cf. Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3). The life of the Lord Jesus on earth was one and only prayer, He was “prayer” (Psalms 109:4) and therefore fully a pleasant fragrance for God.

“The showbread continually” set out suggests that the whole people, seen in the twelve breads, are in God’s presence and constantly before His attention. The bread also represents the life of the Lord Jesus. God’s people have Him as their life. Only through Him His people are pleasing to God. There are also the “burnt offerings” which are offered at different times. In the burnt offerings we see the perfection of the work of the Lord Jesus in His complete surrender to God.

Solomon testifies to the greatness of God toward the heathen Huram (2 Chronicles 2:5). The house bears the feature of Him Who dwells in it. The temple is the dwelling place of God and therefore it is a great and wonderful building (2 Chronicles 2:5; 9). At the same time, he speaks about the fact that Huram should not think that the house can contain God (cf. Acts 17:24). Solomon asks himself out loud, who is able to do these things. Yet, despite this feeling of powerlessness and at the same time in this feeling of powerlessness, he is prepared to go to work. He knows that this is the task of the LORD and that He will give him what is needed to carry out this task.

Solomon asks for someone who can work with what his father David has prepared. There is no urge for Solomon to work with other materials than those provided by David (2 Chronicles 2:7). The metals and colors speak of what is seen of Christ in His own. Gold represents glory, silver redemption, brass righteousness, iron strength, purple, crimson and violet royal dignity. This is the “material” with which the church is now built “into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22).

In the following verses we see an example of fellowship in the service (2 Chronicles 2:8-9). The servants of Solomon work together with the servants of Huram. We see an example of this in the men who accompany Paul (Acts 20:4). The building of such a great work as the house of God requires cooperation between reliable and skilled workers. It is a house that is “great and wonderful”. It is about more than the formation of a local church. We must remember that the church includes all the children of God, “all the saints” (Ephesians 3:18), from the coming into being of the church on Pentecost until its rapture. We can contribute to its building, although it is taking shape locally.

In exchange for what Huram delivers, Solomon gives food (2 Chronicles 2:10). This food comes from the land of God. It speaks for us of the blessings given to us in the heavenly places. Those who help to build, even if they come from the Gentiles, receive a wonderful supply of the heavenly land.

Wheat and barley (corn) and wine and oil are a summary of the blessing of the land (Deuteronomy 11:14; Deuteronomy 12:17; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Wheat” and “barley” both speak of the Lord Jesus Who became the life of every child of God. He is the bread that descended from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). To participate in it one must believe that He is the grain of wheat that has fallen into the earth and died and therefore bears much fruit (John 12:24). 2. “Wine” speaks of the joy of fellowship with the Father and the Son (Judges 9:13; 1 John 1:3-4). 3. The “oil” is a picture of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20; 27) through Whom we can enjoy all blessings.

2 Chronicles 20:20

Huram Promises to Help

Huram responds by letter. His answer is beautiful. He recognizes the love of the LORD for His people in His making Solomon king over His people. He also praises the LORD as the God of Israel and then as the Creator of heaven and earth. He seems to say that the LORD is in connection with the earth through Israel. That will in any case be the case in the realm of peace. Then Israel will be the means by which God has blessing for all the earth. This blessing will be given to Israel by the true Solomon, the wise Son of David, Who will then reign.

Huram’s letter is also a kind of ‘letter of commendation’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1; Acts 9:27). In the letter he testifies of the man he will send and the qualities he has (2 Chronicles 2:13-14). We can learn from this the lesson that we can give a testimony of a good spiritual development we see in others, where and when it is necessary.

Besides being skilled in the work, Huram Abi is also creative “to execute any design which may be assigned to him”. However, he does not execute on his own initiative, he does not listen to his own ideas, but executes designs “which may be assigned to him”. We may be creative in building God’s house, but it must be done according to the guidelines that are given to us in God’s Word.

The qualities of the man who is sent by Huram show many similarities with the qualities of Bezalel, the maker of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-5). These qualities are spiritually reflected in Paul’s service in the church in Colossae. His efforts are aimed at forming the believers in Colossae through teaching and warnings (Colossians 1:28). Just as Huram-abi cooperates with the skilled men of Huram and the skilled men of David (2 Chronicles 2:14), Paul also cooperates with others (Colossians 4:7-13).

Huram is also mindful of the welfare of his workers (2 Chronicles 2:15) and asks Solomon to send the promised food for them. By the power of this good food the work can be started.

The trees needed for building are transported in rafts across the sea to Joppa and from there to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16). We can apply this as follows. All those who have just been converted, the babes in Christ, must be helped on their way to their right place in the sanctuary. This first happens by sea, a picture of the difficulties they have to go through (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Then they must be carried up to the sanctuary. This is done by ‘load bearers’, more mature believers who care for young converts. They tell them about the church and the place they have in it.

2 Chronicles 20:21

Huram Promises to Help

Huram responds by letter. His answer is beautiful. He recognizes the love of the LORD for His people in His making Solomon king over His people. He also praises the LORD as the God of Israel and then as the Creator of heaven and earth. He seems to say that the LORD is in connection with the earth through Israel. That will in any case be the case in the realm of peace. Then Israel will be the means by which God has blessing for all the earth. This blessing will be given to Israel by the true Solomon, the wise Son of David, Who will then reign.

Huram’s letter is also a kind of ‘letter of commendation’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1; Acts 9:27). In the letter he testifies of the man he will send and the qualities he has (2 Chronicles 2:13-14). We can learn from this the lesson that we can give a testimony of a good spiritual development we see in others, where and when it is necessary.

Besides being skilled in the work, Huram Abi is also creative “to execute any design which may be assigned to him”. However, he does not execute on his own initiative, he does not listen to his own ideas, but executes designs “which may be assigned to him”. We may be creative in building God’s house, but it must be done according to the guidelines that are given to us in God’s Word.

The qualities of the man who is sent by Huram show many similarities with the qualities of Bezalel, the maker of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-5). These qualities are spiritually reflected in Paul’s service in the church in Colossae. His efforts are aimed at forming the believers in Colossae through teaching and warnings (Colossians 1:28). Just as Huram-abi cooperates with the skilled men of Huram and the skilled men of David (2 Chronicles 2:14), Paul also cooperates with others (Colossians 4:7-13).

Huram is also mindful of the welfare of his workers (2 Chronicles 2:15) and asks Solomon to send the promised food for them. By the power of this good food the work can be started.

The trees needed for building are transported in rafts across the sea to Joppa and from there to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16). We can apply this as follows. All those who have just been converted, the babes in Christ, must be helped on their way to their right place in the sanctuary. This first happens by sea, a picture of the difficulties they have to go through (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Then they must be carried up to the sanctuary. This is done by ‘load bearers’, more mature believers who care for young converts. They tell them about the church and the place they have in it.

2 Chronicles 20:22

Huram Promises to Help

Huram responds by letter. His answer is beautiful. He recognizes the love of the LORD for His people in His making Solomon king over His people. He also praises the LORD as the God of Israel and then as the Creator of heaven and earth. He seems to say that the LORD is in connection with the earth through Israel. That will in any case be the case in the realm of peace. Then Israel will be the means by which God has blessing for all the earth. This blessing will be given to Israel by the true Solomon, the wise Son of David, Who will then reign.

Huram’s letter is also a kind of ‘letter of commendation’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1; Acts 9:27). In the letter he testifies of the man he will send and the qualities he has (2 Chronicles 2:13-14). We can learn from this the lesson that we can give a testimony of a good spiritual development we see in others, where and when it is necessary.

Besides being skilled in the work, Huram Abi is also creative “to execute any design which may be assigned to him”. However, he does not execute on his own initiative, he does not listen to his own ideas, but executes designs “which may be assigned to him”. We may be creative in building God’s house, but it must be done according to the guidelines that are given to us in God’s Word.

The qualities of the man who is sent by Huram show many similarities with the qualities of Bezalel, the maker of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-5). These qualities are spiritually reflected in Paul’s service in the church in Colossae. His efforts are aimed at forming the believers in Colossae through teaching and warnings (Colossians 1:28). Just as Huram-abi cooperates with the skilled men of Huram and the skilled men of David (2 Chronicles 2:14), Paul also cooperates with others (Colossians 4:7-13).

Huram is also mindful of the welfare of his workers (2 Chronicles 2:15) and asks Solomon to send the promised food for them. By the power of this good food the work can be started.

The trees needed for building are transported in rafts across the sea to Joppa and from there to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16). We can apply this as follows. All those who have just been converted, the babes in Christ, must be helped on their way to their right place in the sanctuary. This first happens by sea, a picture of the difficulties they have to go through (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Then they must be carried up to the sanctuary. This is done by ‘load bearers’, more mature believers who care for young converts. They tell them about the church and the place they have in it.

2 Chronicles 20:23

Huram Promises to Help

Huram responds by letter. His answer is beautiful. He recognizes the love of the LORD for His people in His making Solomon king over His people. He also praises the LORD as the God of Israel and then as the Creator of heaven and earth. He seems to say that the LORD is in connection with the earth through Israel. That will in any case be the case in the realm of peace. Then Israel will be the means by which God has blessing for all the earth. This blessing will be given to Israel by the true Solomon, the wise Son of David, Who will then reign.

Huram’s letter is also a kind of ‘letter of commendation’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1; Acts 9:27). In the letter he testifies of the man he will send and the qualities he has (2 Chronicles 2:13-14). We can learn from this the lesson that we can give a testimony of a good spiritual development we see in others, where and when it is necessary.

Besides being skilled in the work, Huram Abi is also creative “to execute any design which may be assigned to him”. However, he does not execute on his own initiative, he does not listen to his own ideas, but executes designs “which may be assigned to him”. We may be creative in building God’s house, but it must be done according to the guidelines that are given to us in God’s Word.

The qualities of the man who is sent by Huram show many similarities with the qualities of Bezalel, the maker of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-5). These qualities are spiritually reflected in Paul’s service in the church in Colossae. His efforts are aimed at forming the believers in Colossae through teaching and warnings (Colossians 1:28). Just as Huram-abi cooperates with the skilled men of Huram and the skilled men of David (2 Chronicles 2:14), Paul also cooperates with others (Colossians 4:7-13).

Huram is also mindful of the welfare of his workers (2 Chronicles 2:15) and asks Solomon to send the promised food for them. By the power of this good food the work can be started.

The trees needed for building are transported in rafts across the sea to Joppa and from there to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16). We can apply this as follows. All those who have just been converted, the babes in Christ, must be helped on their way to their right place in the sanctuary. This first happens by sea, a picture of the difficulties they have to go through (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Then they must be carried up to the sanctuary. This is done by ‘load bearers’, more mature believers who care for young converts. They tell them about the church and the place they have in it.

2 Chronicles 20:24

Huram Promises to Help

Huram responds by letter. His answer is beautiful. He recognizes the love of the LORD for His people in His making Solomon king over His people. He also praises the LORD as the God of Israel and then as the Creator of heaven and earth. He seems to say that the LORD is in connection with the earth through Israel. That will in any case be the case in the realm of peace. Then Israel will be the means by which God has blessing for all the earth. This blessing will be given to Israel by the true Solomon, the wise Son of David, Who will then reign.

Huram’s letter is also a kind of ‘letter of commendation’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1; Acts 9:27). In the letter he testifies of the man he will send and the qualities he has (2 Chronicles 2:13-14). We can learn from this the lesson that we can give a testimony of a good spiritual development we see in others, where and when it is necessary.

Besides being skilled in the work, Huram Abi is also creative “to execute any design which may be assigned to him”. However, he does not execute on his own initiative, he does not listen to his own ideas, but executes designs “which may be assigned to him”. We may be creative in building God’s house, but it must be done according to the guidelines that are given to us in God’s Word.

The qualities of the man who is sent by Huram show many similarities with the qualities of Bezalel, the maker of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-5). These qualities are spiritually reflected in Paul’s service in the church in Colossae. His efforts are aimed at forming the believers in Colossae through teaching and warnings (Colossians 1:28). Just as Huram-abi cooperates with the skilled men of Huram and the skilled men of David (2 Chronicles 2:14), Paul also cooperates with others (Colossians 4:7-13).

Huram is also mindful of the welfare of his workers (2 Chronicles 2:15) and asks Solomon to send the promised food for them. By the power of this good food the work can be started.

The trees needed for building are transported in rafts across the sea to Joppa and from there to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16). We can apply this as follows. All those who have just been converted, the babes in Christ, must be helped on their way to their right place in the sanctuary. This first happens by sea, a picture of the difficulties they have to go through (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Then they must be carried up to the sanctuary. This is done by ‘load bearers’, more mature believers who care for young converts. They tell them about the church and the place they have in it.

2 Chronicles 20:25

Huram Promises to Help

Huram responds by letter. His answer is beautiful. He recognizes the love of the LORD for His people in His making Solomon king over His people. He also praises the LORD as the God of Israel and then as the Creator of heaven and earth. He seems to say that the LORD is in connection with the earth through Israel. That will in any case be the case in the realm of peace. Then Israel will be the means by which God has blessing for all the earth. This blessing will be given to Israel by the true Solomon, the wise Son of David, Who will then reign.

Huram’s letter is also a kind of ‘letter of commendation’ (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:1; Acts 9:27). In the letter he testifies of the man he will send and the qualities he has (2 Chronicles 2:13-14). We can learn from this the lesson that we can give a testimony of a good spiritual development we see in others, where and when it is necessary.

Besides being skilled in the work, Huram Abi is also creative “to execute any design which may be assigned to him”. However, he does not execute on his own initiative, he does not listen to his own ideas, but executes designs “which may be assigned to him”. We may be creative in building God’s house, but it must be done according to the guidelines that are given to us in God’s Word.

The qualities of the man who is sent by Huram show many similarities with the qualities of Bezalel, the maker of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3-5). These qualities are spiritually reflected in Paul’s service in the church in Colossae. His efforts are aimed at forming the believers in Colossae through teaching and warnings (Colossians 1:28). Just as Huram-abi cooperates with the skilled men of Huram and the skilled men of David (2 Chronicles 2:14), Paul also cooperates with others (Colossians 4:7-13).

Huram is also mindful of the welfare of his workers (2 Chronicles 2:15) and asks Solomon to send the promised food for them. By the power of this good food the work can be started.

The trees needed for building are transported in rafts across the sea to Joppa and from there to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 2:16). We can apply this as follows. All those who have just been converted, the babes in Christ, must be helped on their way to their right place in the sanctuary. This first happens by sea, a picture of the difficulties they have to go through (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). Then they must be carried up to the sanctuary. This is done by ‘load bearers’, more mature believers who care for young converts. They tell them about the church and the place they have in it.

2 Chronicles 20:26

Solomon Distributes the Functions

These verses are a further explanation of what the chronicler has already noticed (2 Chronicles 2:2). We read here that Solomon counts “all the aliens” in Israel for the work to be done. David has previously gathered foreigners to help with the building of the temple (1 Chronicles 22:2). How many there are is not mentioned. Solomon counts a total number of “153,600”. From this he appoints three groups of workers: “70,000 of them to carry loads and 80,000 to quarry [stones] … and 3,600 supervisors”.

Those who quarry stones have to cut the stones “in the mountains”. These must have been large stones, according to investigations up to eight meters long. These stones must not only be cut out, but also made ready to fit, because they are simply placed on and next to each other during building.

Also the Lord Jesus counts His workers. He has His twelve servants whom He sends out (Luke 9:1). He then appoints another seventy whom He sends out (Luke 10:1). Just like the aliens whom Solomon puts to work, all the Lord’s workers today are “aliens” (1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13) who perform a heavenly service in a foreign country. This service is performed by teachers (those who carry loads), evangelists (those who quarry [stones]) and shepherds or overseers or elders (supervisors). The last category, as in the days of Solomon, must help the people of God to serve Him in their daily lives.

2 Chronicles 20:27

Solomon Distributes the Functions

These verses are a further explanation of what the chronicler has already noticed (2 Chronicles 2:2). We read here that Solomon counts “all the aliens” in Israel for the work to be done. David has previously gathered foreigners to help with the building of the temple (1 Chronicles 22:2). How many there are is not mentioned. Solomon counts a total number of “153,600”. From this he appoints three groups of workers: “70,000 of them to carry loads and 80,000 to quarry [stones] … and 3,600 supervisors”.

Those who quarry stones have to cut the stones “in the mountains”. These must have been large stones, according to investigations up to eight meters long. These stones must not only be cut out, but also made ready to fit, because they are simply placed on and next to each other during building.

Also the Lord Jesus counts His workers. He has His twelve servants whom He sends out (Luke 9:1). He then appoints another seventy whom He sends out (Luke 10:1). Just like the aliens whom Solomon puts to work, all the Lord’s workers today are “aliens” (1 Peter 1:1; 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 11:13) who perform a heavenly service in a foreign country. This service is performed by teachers (those who carry loads), evangelists (those who quarry [stones]) and shepherds or overseers or elders (supervisors). The last category, as in the days of Solomon, must help the people of God to serve Him in their daily lives.

2 Chronicles 20:29

Introduction

The building and dedication of the temple play an important role in the life of Solomon. The building is described in 2 Chronicles 3-4. In 2 Chronicles 3:1 Solomon starts to build. The description of the building runs until 2 Chronicles 4:10. He is seen as the builder, although others have actually built. The same goes for the Messiah Who will build the temple by others.

There are seven temples in Scripture: 1. the temple of Solomon (destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar); 2. the temple of Zerubbabel (after the exile; this temple was changed and expanded by Herod and destroyed in the year 70 by the Roman armies led by Titus); 3. the temple in which the antichrist will show up; 4. the temple of Ezekiel, built in Jerusalem in the kingdom of peace. These are all material temples.

There are also three spiritual temples, temples in which the Spirit of God dwells: 1. the physical body of the Lord Jesus (John 2:21); 2. the church of God, the spiritual body of Christ and the spiritual house of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:15); 3. the body of the individual believer (1 Corinthians 6:19).

For us, the deeper meaning of the temple of Solomon is its spiritual meaning. In the temple, just like in the tabernacle, we have in the picture a revelation of God’s glory in Christ. Of Him we read “and dwelt among us”, which is literally “and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). Everything in the temple refers to Him.

There is a significant difference between the description of the temple in the first book of the Kings and that in the second book of the Chronicles. In the first book of the Kings the description is longer and gives much more details. In the second book of the Chronicles, written after the exile, the description may be more concise because the description of the first book of the Kings already exists. In the second book of the Chronicles we have a description of the altar and the veil. This is not in the first book of the Kings, while that book describes the dwellings of the priests and we do not find these in the second book of the Chronicles.

We can say that the main differences in description are seen in the following aspects: 1. The temple is the dwelling place of God. That’s more what comes out in the first book of the Kings. There we also find priestly dwellings connected to the temple. That underlines the main idea of dwelling. This has a spiritual application. Just as God bodily dwelt in Christ when He was on earth and also dwells in Him now He is heaven (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9), so He dwells in the church as a temple. 2. The temple is a place of worship, where man can approach God on the basis of sacrifice. That is more the side of the description in the second book of the Chronicles. There we find the altar to sacrifice and the veil that speaks of approaching.

There are some other differences between the tabernacle and the temple. 1. The tabernacle is a movable tent, while the temple is a permanent building. 2. Therefore, as a next difference, everything in the temple can be larger and more numerous. 3. The temple has priestly dwellings, you can dwell there. In the tabernacle there are only ‘pitches’. 4. The temple has its singers. 5. There are also the huge cherubim.

Everything in the temple is much larger and more than in and around the tabernacle. This is in accordance with the extent to which God is known and served in the land.

The only thing that stands in its original size and as the only sample both in the tabernacle and in the temple is the ark with the mercy seat and the cherubim.

The tabernacle is found in the letter to the Hebrews, which we can call a ‘wilderness letter’. This letter speaks about the life of the believer on earth. Israel has travelled through a literal wilderness, believers travel through a world that is compared to a wilderness. The Hebrews live in the land. They have never seen the tabernacle and are only familiar with the temple. Yet the letter to them does not refer to the temple, but to the tabernacle, for the previously mentioned reason that they are seen as living in the wilderness of this world.

The letter to the Ephesians places us spiritually in the promised land and in that letter we hear about the temple (Ephesians 2:21-22). There the believers of the church are in the heavenly places in possession of all the blessings of the land (Ephesians 1:3).

An Israelite comes to the temple on three special occasions: on the occasion of the Passover, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:1-15). We find these three feasts also in Leviticus 23 among the seven feasts mentioned there (Leviticus 23:1-36). Several of the seven feasts of the LORD are harvest feasts, which also include the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. In a way, this also applies to the Passover with which the Feast of the First fruits is connected. On the occasion of the various harvests in Israel, the Israelite then goes to the temple with the fruit of the harvest, the blessing of the land, and brings it before God. This fruit is not found in the wilderness. To have fruit, the people must live in the promised land.

God has a temple in the promised land, that the fruit of the land may be brought there. For us this has a spiritual meaning. Everything that has to do with Christ as the blessing of the land, we may bring to God. That is, we can tell God what we have all seen from the Lord Jesus and what heavenly blessings we have received from Him.

Building the Temple

The place where Solomon starts to build the house of the LORD is indicated in connection with several names. It is “in Jerusalem”, that is the city God has chosen for it. It is the city of His election. It is “on Mount Moriah”. The threshing floor of Ornan (1 Chronicles 21:18-30; 1 Chronicles 22:1) appears to be here on Mount Moriah. It is the mountain where Abraham offered his son (Genesis 22:2). Moriah is reminiscent of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. We do not see a God Who demands a sacrifice, but a God Who gives a sacrifice. The sacrifice that God has given in His Son forms the basis for the building of God’s temple now, which is the church.

The next name is that of David to whom the LORD has appeared. In the first book of the Chronicles there is talk of “the angel of the LORD” who appears to David (1 Chronicles 21:16), while here it is said that the LORD Himself appears to David. This is a clear indication that by the angel of the LORD the LORD Himself is meant. God the Son appears as the Angel of the LORD before He becomes Man.

The LORD appears to David the moment He stretches out the sword over Jerusalem. However, the verdict is not carried out. The place designated for the temple has to do with the judgment that has raged and been brought to an end (1 Chronicles 21:15-18). This is “the place David had prepared” to build the temple there. The threshing floor belongs to a heathen, the Jebusite Ornan, but was taken from him – and thus from the Canaanites – and made into a place where God can have His house built. In the time of the New Testament, this is the time after the cross and since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God has also conquered a place from the Gentiles and built His temple there.

After the indication of the place where Solomon starts building the temple, we are informed when building starts (2 Chronicles 3:2). The chronicler only mentions that Solomon starts building in the fourth year of his reign. If we compare this with the dating in the first book of the Kings it is striking that the chronicler does not make a relation with the exodus from Egypt (1 Kings 6:1). He will have omitted mentioning that, because he is more focused on those who have left Babylon to come and live in Israel again.

2 Chronicles 20:30

Introduction

The building and dedication of the temple play an important role in the life of Solomon. The building is described in 2 Chronicles 3-4. In 2 Chronicles 3:1 Solomon starts to build. The description of the building runs until 2 Chronicles 4:10. He is seen as the builder, although others have actually built. The same goes for the Messiah Who will build the temple by others.

There are seven temples in Scripture: 1. the temple of Solomon (destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar); 2. the temple of Zerubbabel (after the exile; this temple was changed and expanded by Herod and destroyed in the year 70 by the Roman armies led by Titus); 3. the temple in which the antichrist will show up; 4. the temple of Ezekiel, built in Jerusalem in the kingdom of peace. These are all material temples.

There are also three spiritual temples, temples in which the Spirit of God dwells: 1. the physical body of the Lord Jesus (John 2:21); 2. the church of God, the spiritual body of Christ and the spiritual house of God (1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:15); 3. the body of the individual believer (1 Corinthians 6:19).

For us, the deeper meaning of the temple of Solomon is its spiritual meaning. In the temple, just like in the tabernacle, we have in the picture a revelation of God’s glory in Christ. Of Him we read “and dwelt among us”, which is literally “and tabernacled among us” (John 1:14). Everything in the temple refers to Him.

There is a significant difference between the description of the temple in the first book of the Kings and that in the second book of the Chronicles. In the first book of the Kings the description is longer and gives much more details. In the second book of the Chronicles, written after the exile, the description may be more concise because the description of the first book of the Kings already exists. In the second book of the Chronicles we have a description of the altar and the veil. This is not in the first book of the Kings, while that book describes the dwellings of the priests and we do not find these in the second book of the Chronicles.

We can say that the main differences in description are seen in the following aspects: 1. The temple is the dwelling place of God. That’s more what comes out in the first book of the Kings. There we also find priestly dwellings connected to the temple. That underlines the main idea of dwelling. This has a spiritual application. Just as God bodily dwelt in Christ when He was on earth and also dwells in Him now He is heaven (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9), so He dwells in the church as a temple. 2. The temple is a place of worship, where man can approach God on the basis of sacrifice. That is more the side of the description in the second book of the Chronicles. There we find the altar to sacrifice and the veil that speaks of approaching.

There are some other differences between the tabernacle and the temple. 1. The tabernacle is a movable tent, while the temple is a permanent building. 2. Therefore, as a next difference, everything in the temple can be larger and more numerous. 3. The temple has priestly dwellings, you can dwell there. In the tabernacle there are only ‘pitches’. 4. The temple has its singers. 5. There are also the huge cherubim.

Everything in the temple is much larger and more than in and around the tabernacle. This is in accordance with the extent to which God is known and served in the land.

The only thing that stands in its original size and as the only sample both in the tabernacle and in the temple is the ark with the mercy seat and the cherubim.

The tabernacle is found in the letter to the Hebrews, which we can call a ‘wilderness letter’. This letter speaks about the life of the believer on earth. Israel has travelled through a literal wilderness, believers travel through a world that is compared to a wilderness. The Hebrews live in the land. They have never seen the tabernacle and are only familiar with the temple. Yet the letter to them does not refer to the temple, but to the tabernacle, for the previously mentioned reason that they are seen as living in the wilderness of this world.

The letter to the Ephesians places us spiritually in the promised land and in that letter we hear about the temple (Ephesians 2:21-22). There the believers of the church are in the heavenly places in possession of all the blessings of the land (Ephesians 1:3).

An Israelite comes to the temple on three special occasions: on the occasion of the Passover, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:1-15). We find these three feasts also in Leviticus 23 among the seven feasts mentioned there (Leviticus 23:1-36). Several of the seven feasts of the LORD are harvest feasts, which also include the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Booths. In a way, this also applies to the Passover with which the Feast of the First fruits is connected. On the occasion of the various harvests in Israel, the Israelite then goes to the temple with the fruit of the harvest, the blessing of the land, and brings it before God. This fruit is not found in the wilderness. To have fruit, the people must live in the promised land.

God has a temple in the promised land, that the fruit of the land may be brought there. For us this has a spiritual meaning. Everything that has to do with Christ as the blessing of the land, we may bring to God. That is, we can tell God what we have all seen from the Lord Jesus and what heavenly blessings we have received from Him.

Building the Temple

The place where Solomon starts to build the house of the LORD is indicated in connection with several names. It is “in Jerusalem”, that is the city God has chosen for it. It is the city of His election. It is “on Mount Moriah”. The threshing floor of Ornan (1 Chronicles 21:18-30; 1 Chronicles 22:1) appears to be here on Mount Moriah. It is the mountain where Abraham offered his son (Genesis 22:2). Moriah is reminiscent of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. We do not see a God Who demands a sacrifice, but a God Who gives a sacrifice. The sacrifice that God has given in His Son forms the basis for the building of God’s temple now, which is the church.

The next name is that of David to whom the LORD has appeared. In the first book of the Chronicles there is talk of “the angel of the LORD” who appears to David (1 Chronicles 21:16), while here it is said that the LORD Himself appears to David. This is a clear indication that by the angel of the LORD the LORD Himself is meant. God the Son appears as the Angel of the LORD before He becomes Man.

The LORD appears to David the moment He stretches out the sword over Jerusalem. However, the verdict is not carried out. The place designated for the temple has to do with the judgment that has raged and been brought to an end (1 Chronicles 21:15-18). This is “the place David had prepared” to build the temple there. The threshing floor belongs to a heathen, the Jebusite Ornan, but was taken from him – and thus from the Canaanites – and made into a place where God can have His house built. In the time of the New Testament, this is the time after the cross and since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God has also conquered a place from the Gentiles and built His temple there.

After the indication of the place where Solomon starts building the temple, we are informed when building starts (2 Chronicles 3:2). The chronicler only mentions that Solomon starts building in the fourth year of his reign. If we compare this with the dating in the first book of the Kings it is striking that the chronicler does not make a relation with the exodus from Egypt (1 Kings 6:1). He will have omitted mentioning that, because he is more focused on those who have left Babylon to come and live in Israel again.

2 Chronicles 20:31

The Foundation

2 Chronicles 3:3-17 give the description of the building. Solomon builds according to the plan his father David showed him (1 Chronicles 28:11). In this way we must also be busy building the church according to the plan God has laid down in His Word.

First the foundation is mentioned, the basis on which to build. The foundation for the church is the confession of Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Peter can say that, as the Lord Jesus then declares, because the Father has revealed it to him (Matthew 16:17). Then the Lord adds a new revelation to the Father’s revelation to Peter. That is the revelation that the confession of Peter is the rock upon which the church will be built (Matthew 16:18a).

The confession of Peter – that Christ is the Son of the living God – means that life is in the Lord Jesus. It is also connected with this that He has life-giving power. That He is the Son of the living God means that He has this life in Himself. What is built on it has that life and cannot be affected by death or anything connected to it. The life of God cannot be nullified. The church is founded on His Person. He is the rock, the unshakeable foundation.

For the revelation of the foundation of the church, the Lord Jesus uses the meaning of the name of Peter. By saying to him ‘you are Peter’ (Peter means ‘stone’) the Lord indicates that Peter is one of the stones that will be built on the rock (in Greek ‘petra’), that is He Himself. That Peter has understood the allusion of the Lord to his name, we see in his first letter. In it he writes about the believers as living stones that together form a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5a). The believers are living stones because they have come to Him Who is the living stone and therefore are connected to Him (1 Peter 2:4).

The apostles and prophets in their teaching have pointed to that foundation, to that rock, and built upon it in God’s way (Ephesians 2:20). Paul is well aware of the responsibility not to build on any other foundation and to do so with the right material: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). In a spiritual sense, Solomon also works in this way by keeping to what his father told him.

The sizes are given. No new sizes are used. The original specifications, “the old standard”, are maintained. Nothing is added to it and nothing is taken from it (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:14). As calculated by David using the old measure, Solomon performs it. He doesn’t dare to use the sizes that have become common in his time. He does not work according to his own ideas.

2 Chronicles 20:32

The Front Porch and the Holy Place

These verses describe the building of the porch which was in front and the holy place, that is “the main room” (2 Chronicles 3:5). We can see the following spiritual meaning in the materials used. The “pure gold” and “fine gold” represent the glory of God in Christ. The “cypress wood” represents the true Manhood of the Lord Jesus. The “palm trees” speak of victory. Christ is the Victor. The “chains” are a symbol of the bonds of love through which the believers are connected. The “precious stones” represent the believers in whom Christ becomes visible (Colossians 3:12).

2 Chronicles 20:33

The Front Porch and the Holy Place

These verses describe the building of the porch which was in front and the holy place, that is “the main room” (2 Chronicles 3:5). We can see the following spiritual meaning in the materials used. The “pure gold” and “fine gold” represent the glory of God in Christ. The “cypress wood” represents the true Manhood of the Lord Jesus. The “palm trees” speak of victory. Christ is the Victor. The “chains” are a symbol of the bonds of love through which the believers are connected. The “precious stones” represent the believers in whom Christ becomes visible (Colossians 3:12).

2 Chronicles 20:34

The Front Porch and the Holy Place

These verses describe the building of the porch which was in front and the holy place, that is “the main room” (2 Chronicles 3:5). We can see the following spiritual meaning in the materials used. The “pure gold” and “fine gold” represent the glory of God in Christ. The “cypress wood” represents the true Manhood of the Lord Jesus. The “palm trees” speak of victory. Christ is the Victor. The “chains” are a symbol of the bonds of love through which the believers are connected. The “precious stones” represent the believers in whom Christ becomes visible (Colossians 3:12).

2 Chronicles 20:35

The Front Porch and the Holy Place

These verses describe the building of the porch which was in front and the holy place, that is “the main room” (2 Chronicles 3:5). We can see the following spiritual meaning in the materials used. The “pure gold” and “fine gold” represent the glory of God in Christ. The “cypress wood” represents the true Manhood of the Lord Jesus. The “palm trees” speak of victory. Christ is the Victor. The “chains” are a symbol of the bonds of love through which the believers are connected. The “precious stones” represent the believers in whom Christ becomes visible (Colossians 3:12).

2 Chronicles 20:36

The Holy of Holies

The holy of holies has the form of a cube. This refers to “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love, which in its true meaning transcends knowledge (Ephesians 3:18-19). The love of Christ is perfect on all sides. In Him we see Who God is in His perfection, without ever being able to fully understand Who God is.

The golden “nails” serve to keep the golden wallcovering in place. This speaks of what serves to uphold the testimony of the Godhead of Christ. We use such ‘nails’ when we quote words from God’s Word in which the Godhead of Christ is expressed. An example is: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Here we find unambiguously that Christ is the eternal God (John 5:17-18; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20).

In his book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon also speaks of nails: “The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of [these] collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:11). They are nails that are given by the Lord Jesus, the one Shepherd, in His care for His own. The Christian must be a master in collecting these ‘nails’. They must first be well driven [literally: planted] deep into himself to then occasionally use them to plant them deep into others.

2 Chronicles 20:37

The Holy of Holies

The holy of holies has the form of a cube. This refers to “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love, which in its true meaning transcends knowledge (Ephesians 3:18-19). The love of Christ is perfect on all sides. In Him we see Who God is in His perfection, without ever being able to fully understand Who God is.

The golden “nails” serve to keep the golden wallcovering in place. This speaks of what serves to uphold the testimony of the Godhead of Christ. We use such ‘nails’ when we quote words from God’s Word in which the Godhead of Christ is expressed. An example is: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Here we find unambiguously that Christ is the eternal God (John 5:17-18; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20).

In his book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon also speaks of nails: “The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of [these] collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd” (Ecclesiastes 12:11). They are nails that are given by the Lord Jesus, the one Shepherd, in His care for His own. The Christian must be a master in collecting these ‘nails’. They must first be well driven [literally: planted] deep into himself to then occasionally use them to plant them deep into others.