Now Solomon decided to build a house for Yahweh’s name, and a house for his kingdom.
Parallel Translations
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Now Solomon decided to build a house for Yahweh’s name, and a house for his kingdom.
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And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
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(1-18) Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of the LORD, and a house for his kingdom.
Cross-references (10)
Passages linked to 2 Chronicles 2:1 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 1 Kings 5:5 Behold, I intend to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, as Yahweh spoke to David my father, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place shall build the house for my name.’
- 1 Chronicles 22:10 He shall build a house for my name; and he will be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’
- Deuteronomy 12:5 But to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and you shall come there.
- Deuteronomy 12:11 then it shall happen that to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, there you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to Yahweh.
- Deuteronomy 28:58 If you will not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, YAHWEH your God,
- 1 Kings 7:1 Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.
- 1 Kings 8:18 But Yahweh said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart.
- 1 Kings 8:20 Yahweh has established his word that he spoke; for I have risen up in the place of David my father, and I sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel.
- 1 Kings 9:1 When Solomon had finished the building of Yahweh’s house, the king’s house, and all Solomon’s desire which he was pleased to do,
- Matthew 6:9-10 Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain Or, Palace.
Or, Palace.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 2Ch 2:1 And Solomon determined to build an house…
2Ch 2:1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
Ver. 1. And Solomon determined.] Heb., Said. He slighted not the divine oracle nor his father’s charge; but was still plodding and talking of it to himself till it was done.
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To build a house for the name of the Lord.] See 1Ki 5:3, and compare this chapter with that: the one giveth light to the other; as glasses set one against another do cast a mutual light.
And a house for his kingdom.] David had built a fair palace: but Solomon’s far exceeded it: this was a house for his kingdom. Our William Rufus found much fault with Westminster Hall for being built too small: and took a plot for one far more spacious to be added unto it. {a}
{a} Dan., Hist.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain i.e. A royal palace for himself and his successors.…
i.e. A royal palace for himself and his successors. This whole chapter, for the substance of it, is contained in 1Ki 5, and in the notes there it is explained, and the seeming differences reconciled.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain Solomon's wisdom was given him, not merely for speculation,…
Solomon's wisdom was given him, not merely for speculation, to entertain himself (though it is indeed a princely entertainment), nor merely for conversation, to entertain his friends, but for action; and therefore to action he immediately applies himself. Observe,
I. His resolution within himself concerning his business (Ch2 2:1): He determined to build, in the first place, a house for the name of the Lord. It is fit that he who is the first should be served - first a temple and then a palace, a house not so much for himself, or his own convenience and magnitude, as for the kingdom, for the honour of it among its neighbours and for the decent reception of the people whenever they had occasion to apply to their prince; so that in both he aimed at the public good. Those are the wisest men that lay out themselves most for the honour of the name of the Lord and the welfare of communities. We are not born for ourselves, but for God and our country.
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II. His embassy to Huram, king of Tyre, to engage his assistance in the prosecution of his designs. The purport of his errand to him is much the same here as we had it Kg1 5:2, etc., only here it is more largely set forth.
1. The reasons why he makes this application to Huram are here more fully represented, for information to Huram as well as for inducement. (1.) He pleads his father's interest in Huram, and the kindness he had received from him (Ch2 2:3): As thou didst deal with David, so deal with me. As we must show kindness to, so we may expect kindness from, our fathers' friends, and with them should cultivate a correspondence. (2.) He represents his design in building the temple: he intended it for a place of religious worship (Ch2 2:4), that all the offerings which God had appointed for the honour of his name might be offered up there. The house was built that it might be dedicated to God and used in his service. This we should aim at in all our business, that our havings and doings may be all to the glory of God. He mentions various particular services that were there to be performed, for the instruction of Huram. The mysteries of the true religion, unlike those of the Gentile superstition, coveted not concealment. (3.) He endeavors to inspire Huram with very great and high thoughts of the God of Israel, by expressing the mighty veneration he had for his holy name: Great is our God above all gods, above all idols, above all princes. Idols are nothing, princes are little, and both under the control of the God of Israel; and therefore, [1.] "The house must be great; not in proportion to the greatness of that God to whom it is to be dedicated (for between finite and infinite there can be no proportion), but in some proportion to the great value and esteem we have for this God." [2.] "Yet, be it ever so great, it cannot be a habitation for the great God. Let not Huram think that the God of Israel, like the gods of the nations, dwells in temples made with hands, Act 17:24. No, the heaven of heavens cannot contain him. It is intended only for the convenience of his priests and worshippers, that they may have a fit place wherein to burn sacrifice before him." [3.] He looked upon himself, though a mighty prince, as unworthy the honour of being employed in this great work: Who am I that I should build him a house? It becomes us to go about every work for God with a due sense of our utter insufficiency for it and our incapacity to do any thing adequate to the divine perfections. It is part of the wisdom wherein we ought to walk towards those that are without carefully to guard against all misapprehension which any thing we say or do may occasion concerning God; so Solomon does here in his treaty with Huram.
2. The requests he makes to him are more particularly set down here. (1.) He desired Huram would furnish him with a good hand to work (Ch2 2:7): Send me a man. He had cunning men with him in Jerusalem and Judah, whom David provided, Ch1 22:15. Let them not think but that Jews had some among them that were artists. But "send me a man to direct them. There are ingenious men in Jerusalem, but not such engravers as are in Tyre; and therefore, since temple-work must be the best in its kind, let me have the best workmen that can be got." (2.) With good materials to work on (Ch2 2:8), cedar and other timber in abundance (Ch2 2:8, Ch2 2:9); for the house must be wonderfully great, that is, very stately and magnificent, no cost must be spared, nor any contrivance wanting in it.
3. Here is Solomon's engagement to maintain the workmen (Ch2 2:10), to give them so much wheat and barley, so much wine and oil. He did not feed his workmen with bread and water, but with plenty, and every thing of the best. Those that employ labourers ought to take care they be not only well paid, but well provided for with sufficient of that which is wholesome and fit for them. Let the rich masters do for their poor workmen as they would be done by if the tables were turned.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain And Solomon determined to build an house for the…
And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord,.... For the worship and service of God, and for his honour and glory, being directed, enjoined, and encouraged to it by his father David:
and an house for his kingdom; for a royal palace for him, and his successors, first the one, and then the other; and in this order they were built.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain Solomon appoints men to build the temple and his…
Solomon appoints men to build the temple and his own house, ver. 1-2. His message to Huram, ver. 3-10. Huram's obliging answer, ver. 11-16.
His kingdom - A royal palace for himself and his successors.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Solomon determines to build a temple, 1.
CHAPTER II
Solomon determines to build a temple, 1.
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The number of his workmen, 2.
Sends to Huram for artificers and materials, 3-10.
Huram sends him a favourable answer, and makes an agreement
with him concerning the labour to be done, and the wages to
be paid to his men, 11-16.
The number of strangers in the land, and how employed, 17, 18.
NOTES ON CHAP. II
Verse 1. A house for the name of the Lord] A temple for the worship of Jehovah.
A house for his kingdom.] A royal palace for his own use as king of Israel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain 2Ch 2:1. And a house for his kingdom —…
2Ch 2:1. And a house for his kingdom — A royal palace for himself and his successors. The substance of this whole chapter is contained in 1 Kings 5., and is explained in the notes there, and the seeming differences between the contents of this and it reconciled.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain Himself, worthy of his great empire. He deemed that…
Himself, worthy of his great empire. He deemed that which David had built too mean, though that pious king had been ashamed to dwell in such a magnificent palace, while the ark of God was under skins, 2 Kings vii. 2. (Calmet)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures 1864 · Public Domain 2Ch_2:1.And Solomon told out seventy thousand men to bear…
2Ch_2:1.And Solomon told out seventy thousand men to bear burdens, and eighty thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
2And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst with David my father, and sentest him cedars to build him a house to dwell 3in, so do also with me. Behold, I build a house to the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to Him, to offer sweet incense before Him, and the shewbread continually, and the burnt-offerings for the morning and the evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons, and the feasts of the Lord our God: 4for ever this is ordained for Israel. And the house which I build is great; 5for our God is greater than all gods. But who is able to build Him a house? For the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain Him; and who am I, 6that I should build Him a house, but to offer incense before Him? And now send me a wise man to work in gold, and silver, and brass, and iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and who knoweth to make graven work with the wise men that are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David 7my father appointed. And send me cedar-trees, cypresses, and sandal-wood out of Lebanon; for I know that thy servants can cut timber in Lebanon; 8and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants. And shall prepare me wood in abundance; for the house which I build is to be great and wonderful. 9And, behold, for the hewers, who fell the trees, I give of wheat as food1 for thy servants, twenty thousand cors, and of barley twenty thousand cors, and of wine twenty thousand baths, and of oil twenty thousand baths.
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10And Huram king of Tyre answered in a letter, and sent to Solomon: Because the Lord loveth His people, He hath set thee over them as king. 11And Huram said, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that may build a house for the Lord, and a house for his kingdom. 12, 13And now I send a wise man of understanding, Huram my father, son of a woman of the daughters of Dan; and his father was a Tyrian, who can work in gold, and silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and wood, in purple, blue, and byssus, and crimson, and can do all graving, and devise every device that is given to him with thy wise men, and the wise men of my lord David thy 14father. And now the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which 15my lord spake of, let him send his servants. And we shall fell timber out of Lebanon according to all thy need, and bring it to thee in floats to the sea of Joppa, and thou shalt take it up to Jerusalem.
16And Solomon counted all the men that were strangers in the land of Israel, after the number which David his father had counted, and they were found to be a hundred and fifty thousand, and three thousand and six 17hundred. And he made seventy thousand of them bearers of burdens, and eighty thousand hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to keep the people at work.
EXEGETICAL
1. Transition from the Foregoing to the Report of the building of the Temple: 2Ch_2:1—And Solomon determined to build. So according to the Vulg., Luther, and most of the ancients, while some moderns, as Berth., Kamph., take אמר, with allusion to 2Ch_1:2, 1Ch_21:17, in the sense of “command.” The context, especially the circumstance that instead of the execution of the building itself only preparations for it follow, favours the older view.—A house for the name of the Lord (comp. 1Ki_5:17), and a house for his kingdom, that is, a royal palace for himself, the building of which is not more particularly described (as 1Ki_7:1-12), but which is mentioned several times, as 2Ch_2:11; 2Ch_7:11; 2Ch_8:1.—2Ch_2:1. And Solomon told out seventy thousand, etc. This statement, recurring, 2Ch_2:16-17, in another connection, and in a fuller and more definite form, concerning the 70,000 + 80,000 + 3600, in all 153,600, workmen to whom Solomon committed the labours preliminary to the building of the temple, stands here in briefer form, to indicate beforehand the magnitude of the measures undertaken by the king.
2. Solomon’s Embassy to Huram of Tyre: 2Ch_2:2-9; comp. 1Ki_5:15-18, which account, agreeing with the present in all essential respects, partly indeed to the letter, is opened with a notice of an embassy sent first by Huram to Solomon (to congratulate him on his accession to the throne), which our author has omitted as not sufficiently important.—And Solomon sent to Huram king of Tyre. On the three forms of the name, Huram (Chron.), Hiram (1Ki_5:15), and Hirom (1Ki_5:1ff; 1Ki_7:40), of which the last (in Menander in Joseph, c. Ap. 1. 18, 21:Εἵρωμος; in Herod and Syncell.: Σίρωμος,) appears to be the most original, comp. Bähr on 1Ki_5:15, where, with justice, the doubts of Clericus, Thenius, Ew., Berth., etc., regarding the identity of the present Huram with the like-named contemporary and friend of David, are set aside. Hitzig (Gesch. des V. Isr. p. 10; comp. p. 155) gives as the probable time of the reign of Huram or Hirom, 1031–1000 b.c. (?).—As thou didst with David my father, and sentest him cedars; comp. 1Ch_14:1. The consequent to this antecedent is wanting; according to 2Ch_2:6 f., it must run thus: “So do also to me, and send me cedars.” This construction is like that elsewhere after asseverations and oaths; comp. also Psa_66:7 b (Ew. §§ 355, 356). Moreover, in the parallel account 1Ki_5:16 ff., Solomon does not expressly remind Hiram of the aid which he had already given to his father David, but only of this, that David had been prevented by his wars from executing the project of building the temple. Hence it is clear, from the various differences between the present and the previous form of the letter of Solomon, that it is not an authentic original document that is here given, but the result of free handling of the fundamental thoughts of older sources by the one as well as the other writer.
2Ch_2:3. Behold, I build, literally, “Behold me building,” future of state; see Ew. § 306, d.—To offer sweet incense before Him, literally, “to perfume,” לְהַקְטִיר, with which infinitive (defining the foregoing לְהַקְדִּישׁ more exactly) are zeugmatically connected the other objects named, “shew-bread ” and “burnt-offering.” ’ For the “sweet incense” and its burning every morning and evening on the altar of incense, comp. Exo_25:6; Exo_30:7 f.; for the continual laying of shew-bread (מַֽעֲרֶכֶת תָּמִיד), Exo_25:30; for the burnt-offering to be made every morning and evening, and on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, Num_28:29 and 1Ch_23:31.—For ever this is ordained for Israel; comp. the passage already cited, 1Ch_23:31, and the לְחֻקַּת עוֹלָם often occurring in the law, for example, Num_19:10.—On 2Ch_2:4, comp. 1Ch_29:1, and Exo_18:11, Deu_10:17.
2Ch_2:5. But who is able, literally, “who will show power;” comp. 1Ch_29:14. On the following asseveration: “the heaven, and heaven of heavens, cannot contain Him,” comp. Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple, 2Ch_6:18; 1Ki_8:27. Obviously we have here a favourite saying of Solomon the theologian and philosopher: that our author has here, of his own will, put this formula in his mouth is improbable.—And who am, I that I should build Him a house, but to offer, etc.; that is, not a house for dwelling in, but only for sacrifice and worship (the incense, as symbol of prayer, is here mentioned instead of all offerings), may we build for Jehovah.
2Ch_2:6. And now send me a wise man (skilful, see 2Ch_2:12; 1Ch_22:15; Exo_31:6) to work in gold. That, besides the works in brass and other metals, as they were actually executed by the craftsmen here mentioned, according to 2Ch_4:11-16 and 1Ki_7:13 if., skill also in weaving purple, hewing stone, and carving wood is ascribed to them, need not seem strange in Solomon’s letter. But it seems surprising that, 2Ch_2:13, King Huram also in his reply makes him exercise all these crafts. Yet ancient history knows several instances of universal genius in art; comp. Dædalus, and one Tutilo in St. Gall of the Christian times. On purple (אַרְגְּוָן, later form of ארגמן), comp. Exo_25:4; Dan_5:7; on crimson (כַּרְמִיל only here, 2Ch_2:13; 2Ch_3:14, probably an old Persic word), the תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי elsewhere used to denote this fabric; on blue or violet (תְּכֵלֶת), Exo_25:4.—And who knoweth to make graven work, literally, “to grave gravings,” here of every kind of sculpture in metal or wood (comp. כָּל־פִּתּוּחַ, 2Ch_2:13; also 1Ki_6:29); elsewhere, specially of graving precious stones, Exo_28:9; Exo_28:11; Exo_28:36; Exo_39:6; Zec_3:9—With the wise men, etc.; comp. 1Ch_22:3; 1Ch_22:15; 1Ch_28:21. In construction, עִס־הַתַכָמִים goes wit לַֽעֲשׂוֹת, “to work.”?
2Ch_2:7. And send me. . . sandal-wood out of Lebanon. If the algumwood (עֲצֵי־אַלְגוּמִּים) here named along with cedars and cypresses be actually sandal-wood, which, in the obvious identity of its name with אַלְמֻגִּים, 1Ki_10:11, can scarcely be doubted, our author, in allowing it to come from Lebanon, involves Solomon in an inaccuracy (at least in expression); for, according to his own later statement (2Ch_9:10; 1Ch_10:11), algums belonged rather to the products of Ophir.
2Ch_2:8.Prepare me wood in abundance; the infin. וּלְהָכִין is the continuation of the imperat. שְׁלַח לִי, 2Ch_2:7; Keil’s attempt to subordinate it to the previous clause is too artificial: “to prepare for me wood in abundance.” On b, comp. 2Ch_2:4.
2Ch_2:9. And, behold, for the hewers, who fell the trees. לַחֹטְבִים (with introductory לְ) is more exactly defined by the added לְכֹרְתֵי הָעֵצִים, and for this reason, that חטב (= the afterwards more usual חצב; comp. 2Ch_2:1; 2Ch_2:17) appears to our author to need interpretation; comp. besides, for חטב, Deu_29:10; Jos_9:21; Jos_9:23; Jos_9:27.—I give wheat as food for thy servants. For מַכֹּלֶת instead of the defective מַכּוֹת, see Crit. Note.—Twenty thousand cors. In this enumeration of the provisions in grain, wine, and oil offered by Solomon, our report seems to be more detailed than the parallel 1Ki_5:11, which reports only 20,000 cors of wheat for the household of king Hiram, and twenty cors of the finest (beaten) oil for the same, as given by Solomon. But, in truth, the two passages speak of quite different supplies: there of a yearly contribution, which Solomon paid to the Tyrian king during the building at Tyre, but here of the provisions which he sent to the woodcutters placed at his disposal by Huram in Lebanon (so correctly Keil and Bähr on 1Ki_5:11; otherwise Thenius, Bertheau, etc., who here find statements that are partly contradictory).
3. Huram’s Answer: 2Ch_2:10-15; comp. 1Ki_5:1 ff.—Because the Lord loveth His people, etc. Instead of this compliment (comp. 2Ch_9:8; 1Ki_10:9), in the parallel text 1Ki_5:8, Hiram begins his letter immediately with the declaration: “I have heard the things thou sentest to me for,” On the contrary, an expression of joy concerning Solomon’s message as orally given by Hiram precedes the composing and sending of the reply.
2Ch_2:11. And Huram said, namely, as in the foregoing verse; בִּכְתָב, “in writing.”—Blessed be the Lord . . . that made heaven and earth. Are we to see in this doxology of the Phœnician king, readily following into Solomon’s religious thought and phrase (which rises above that in 1Ki_5:7), the product of a half-poetic fiction, after the manner of a writer after the exile (as Dan_2:28; Dan_3:29 ff; Dan_4:31 ff.)? It is perhaps more natural to take into account here partly the courtesies in expression, which friendly sovereigns might and must use, partly the community of speech, and even of religious tradition, which existed between the Phœnicians and Hebrews.—A wise son endowed with prudence and understanding; comp. 1Ch_12:32; 1Ch_22:12.
2Ch_2:12. Huram my father. The introductory לְ before the accusative, as 2 Chronicles 5:26. Luther takes אָבִי for an element of the proper name of the craftsman, who was called Huram-abi (or, 2Ch_4:16, Huram-abiv). Most of the ancients as well as moderns take it here, as in 2Ch_4:16, as a tropical appellative or name of honour=master, by comparison with Gen_45:8.
2Ch_2:13. The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, that is, perhaps the city Dan in the tribe of Naphtali; see 1Ki_7:14 and the expositors on this passage, especially Thenius and Bähr, whereas certainly Keil (with Berth., Kamph., etc.) defends the more difficult and artificial assumption, that the mother of this craftsman belonged by birth to the tribe of Dan, but by her first husband to that of Naphtali.—Who can work in gold, etc. The Phœnician king enhances the praise of his craftsman by recounting a still greater number of crafts than those mentioned by Solomon, 2Ch_2:6. Hence the mention of stone and wood (after brass and iron), of byssus (בּוּץ, as 1Ch_15:27), and of “devising every device that is given to him.” Comp. for the last phrase, the remarks made, Exo_31:4; Exo_35:33, on Bezaleel.—On 2Ch_2:14, comp. 2Ch_2:9; the there expressed offer by Solomon of food for his people Huram expressly accepts.
2Ch_2:15. According to all thy need. צֹרֶןְ, “need,” only here in the Old Test, (in Aram, very common); likewise the following רַפְסֹדוֹת, “floats,” for which, 1 Kings 5:23, דֹּבְרוֹת—To the sea of Joppa, the sea at Joppa, the port of Jerusalem. Also, with respect to this reply of Huram, and its relation to the often-deviating parallel text 1 Kings 5:21 ff., the above remark (2Ch_2:2) on the two texts of the letter of Solomon applies. Neither text is wholly independent of the other, and neither coincides exactly with a presumed original. Both exhibit certainly a freely imitating or rather extracting (partly also interpolating; see especially the additions made by our author, 2Ch_2:13) treatment of the original text; as also Josephus, Antiq. viii. 2. 6 f., in his rendering of the pieces, generally agrees with 1 Kings 5, but allows himself many peculiar forms of its language. The statements of this historian, that the ἀντίγραφα of the two letters were extant both in the Old Testament and in the public archives of Tyre (Antiq. viii. 2. 8), must therefore be received cum grano sails, and must refer not so much to the form as to the substance of the documents. Eupolemus, in Euseb. Prœp. evang. ix. 33, 34, has copied still more freely than Josephus the correspondence between Solomon and Hiram.
4. Expanded Repetition of the Number of Workmen stated in 2Ch_2:1 : 2Ch_2:16-17.—And Solomon counted all the men that were strangers in the land of Israel, all the serfs of Canaanitish descent under the people of Israel; comp. 1Ch_22:2, to which place there is here express reference (by the following words: “after the number [כְפָר, ‘muster,’ only here in O. T.] which David his father had counted”).
2Ch_2:17. The eighty thousand “hewers” (חֹצֵב) in the mountain are chiefly to be regarded as hewers of stone (comp. 1Ch_22:2), but partly as fellers of timber.—And three thousand and six hundred overseers (מְגַצְּחִים; comp. Ezr_3:8-9), to keep the people at work, “to make them work”; comp. Exo_6:5. With the present statements of the number of workmen levied by Solomon agree those contained in 1Ki_5:13-16, with two points of difference:—1. Of the 30,000 socagers levied out of Israel itself, there first named, that were to cut timbers successively in three parties of 10,000 each, our text says nothing, as the enumeration of our author is perhaps confined intentionally to the גֵּרִים, perhaps, however, through a mistake in quite overlooking the statement in question; 2. instead of 3600 overseers, the author of 1Ki_5:16 names only 3300; perhaps he had only in view those of lower rank, and not the higher, who, according to 1Ki_9:23, amounted in all to 550, namely, 250 Israelites (2Ch_8:10) and 300 strangers. As the Chronist mentions here only the strangers, he enumerates only these 3000 non-Israelite upper overseers, and thus arrives at the total of 3600 מְנַצְּחִים. He was aware also of the existence of 250 Israelite upper overseers, as is clear from 2 Chronicles 8:40 of our book.
Footnotes:
[1]So according to the probable correct reading מַבֹּלֶת ( = מַֽאֲכֹלִת), as the parallel 1 Kings 5:25 exhibits it for the unmeaning מַכּוֹת (“wheat of beating,” “beaten-out wheat”?).
Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures (Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical), ed. John Peter Lange, English translation edited by Philip Schaff (1864–1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 1. A house for his kingdom — That is,…
1. A house for his kingdom — That is, a royal palace.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain Ch. 2. Solomon’s Preparations for Building the Temple
Ch. 2. Solomon’s Preparations for Building the Temple
1, 2 (= 2Ch_2:17-18 [1:18, 2Ch_2:1, Heb.] below; 1Ki_5:15). Bearers and Hewers
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1. determined] R.V. purposed, as in 1Ki_5:5.
for the name] cp. 1Ch_22:7; 1Ch_22:10; 1Ch_22:19; 1Ch_28:3; 1Ch_29:16.
a house for his kingdom] See 1Ki_7:1-8.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (1) Determined.—Literally, said, which may mean either commanded, as…
(1) Determined.—Literally, said, which may mean either commanded, as in 2Ch_1:2; 1Ch_21:17, or thought, purposed, resolved, as in 1Ki_5:5. The context seems to favour the latter sense.
And an house for his kingdom.—Or, for his royalty; that is, as the Vulg. renders, a palace for himself. Solomon’s royal palace is mentioned again in 2Ch_2:12; 2Ch_7:11; 2Ch_8:1; but the building of it is not related in the Chronicle. (See 1Ki_7:1-12.)
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain In the Hebrew text this verse stands as the…
In the Hebrew text this verse stands as the last of ch. 1. Determined. The Hebrew word is the ordinary word for "said;" as, e.g. , in the expression of such frequent occurrence, "The Lord said." Its natural equivalent here might be, he gave the word, or issued the command, for the building of a house. For the Name of the Lord; better, to the Name of the 1Ki_5:3; or in Hebrew text, 5:18; (1Ch_22:7) The expression," the Name of the Lord," is of very early date. (Gen_4:26) A name named upon a person at the first purported as far as possible to mark his nature, either its tout ensemble or some striking attribute of it. Hence the changed name, sometimes of Divine interposition; (Gen_17:5, 15 32:28 35:10) and much more noticeably the alterations of the Divine Name, to serve and to mark the progressive development of the revelation of God to man (Gen_17:1; Exo_3:14 Exo_6:3 Exo_34:14) So the Name of the Lord stands ever monogram most sacred for himself. A house for his kingdom; i.e. a royal residence for Solomon himself. This is mere clearly expressed as, "in his own house" (2Ch_7:11 2Ch_8:1; 1Ki_9:10, 1Ki_9:15) The description of this house for himself is given in 1Ki_7:1-13. But no parallel account exists in Chronicles.
HOMILETICS.
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Vers. 1-18. This chapter, in a homiletic point of view, invites attention to Those methods (or some of them) of religious enterprise which go to ensure success and to issue in real usefulness.
For we may notice here
I THE REPEATED RECORD, ON THE PART OF SOLOMON, OF HIS RESOLUTION OR DETERMINATION. "Solomon determined." The enterprise "of building a house to the Name of the Lord" had been set before him. He knew it had been in his father"s mind. He had heard it in the earnest tones of a father"s prayer. He had listened to the urgent, loving, proud tones of a father"s charge to a son. He had, no doubt, said "Yes" with lip and heart. But now after coronation, vision, prayer, and gracious promise, he takes up the enterprise, and lifts up the responsibility, and makes the resolution all his own.
II THE ADDING TO RESOLUTION THE COMMENCEMENT OF ACTUAL WORK. Resolutions there have often been, and strong ones, determinations alike deliberate and enthusiastic, which nevertheless have gone the same way by which, to a proverb, mere good intentions so very frequently go! Solomon"s immediate setting to work is by far the simplest, surest safeguard. He makes the preparations nearest to hand, and that were within his own command. He seeks the help of others at a distance, both forecasting his own needs for the work, and also drawing upon memories of his father"s doings and his father"s experiences.
III SUCH BEGINNING OF ACTUAL WORK AS WAS PROOF AGAINST THAT FERTILE SOURCE OF FAILURE THAT COMES OF STUMBLING ON THE THRESHOLD. Early disappointments go a long way toward disheartenment. And early disappointments originate most frequently in one or both of two causes viz, in letting things drift, go by default, or take their own chance; or, on the other hand, in a busy disorder. Many a promising work of a man of good intention has been wrecked in these ways. But here there was order in what Solomon did at home, and distinctness and order in what he asked for far away from home. And it all told. All helped him and his work to find favour with God and man.
Lastly, TWO GREAT TRIBUTARIES TO SUCCESS IN THE MORAL QUALITIES WHICH SOLOMON EXHIBITS, as shown in:
1. The great respect he has to "the ordinance for ever to Israel," whichcentred in "the house to the Name of the Lord," to be dedicated to him, with all its various services (ver. 4).
2. The humble estimate he rightly entertains of himself, in all comparison ofthe work which he had to do, and him for whom it was to be done (vers. 5, 6).
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON Ver. 1.
The three elements in human purpose.
Solomon determined to build a house," etc. And whence came this purpose of the king"s heart? From the depths of his own soul; or were there not other elements besides that of his own volition? This determination which is here chronicled as a simple act of one mind was, as most of our resolutions are, more complex in its character than it seemed.
I THE OUTSIDE HUMAN ELEMENTS the human element which is outside ourselves. In this case David"s influence had much, very much to do with it. It was he who initiated the work. (2Sa_7:2) Moreover, he urged Solomon to proceed with it after his own death, and even laid by stores in partial preparation for it. (1Ch_22:11, 1Ch_22:14) Solomon, in "determining" to build a house, was really resolving to go on with an undertaking which he had already promised his father to carry out. Who shall tell how much the thought and the desire of other people influence,the choices we are making, and consequently the course we are pursuing? Perhaps it is very seldom indeed that we "determine" to enter a new path without owing much to the influence of others; it may be, as in Solomon"s case, to the action of a past generation, or it may be to that of our contemporaries and companions. Only he who searches the most secret chambers of the soul can tell how much of our best resolves is due to the influence of our best friends.
II THE DIVINE ELEMENT. God had already given his distinct sanction and encouragement to the proceeding. (2Sa_7:13) And this Divine decision, communicated by the Prophet Nathan, must have had a very powerful weight in Solomon"s determination. It would seem to be enough, of itself, to decide the matter. How much God has to do with our decisions we do not know, but probably more than we ordinarily imagine. We often and earnestly ask him to affect our mind and will by the enlightenment and influence of his own Spirit; we believe that he has access to us and power over us, and can touch and quicken us at his will. Why should we not believe that he is frequently, continually with us, acting upon us, controlling and directing us, powerfully and graciously affecting our determinations and our character?
III THE INDIVIDUAL ELEMENT. However much in Solomon"s decision was due to the sources, Divine and human, outside himself, there was room left for his own individuality. He determined to proceed with the work. It was not under compulsion, but with the full consent of his own mind, that he began and continued and completed the noble task. He gave himself to it, he threw his strength into it; so much had he to do with it that it could be said with truth that "Solomon built him a house." When all other influences are taken into the account, it still remains true that our actions are our own; that ultimately we determine upon the course which honours or dishonours our life, which makes or mars our character, which ensures or spoils our prospects.
In view of these three elements in human purpose, there is ground for:
1. Gratitude; for we owe much of our most fruitful actions to the suggestion and counsel of our friends.
2. Humility; for we owe more than we know or think to the inspiration of God.
3. A deep sense of responsibility; for it is in the depths of our own nature we are determining the complexion of our life and the destiny of our soul. C.
HOMILIES BY T. WHITELAW
Vers. 1-10.
A great project: the building of a temple.
I THE PROJECT CONCEIVED. (Ver. 1.) A project:
1. Not new, but old. Not taken up by Solomon for the first time, but one his father David had years before meditated, though not permitted to execute it, because he had been "a man of war, and had shed blood". (1Ch_28:3)
2. Not self-devised, but delegated, Not assumed out of vanity or from purely political motives, but handed down to him in circumstances of great solemnity by his royal sire. (1Ch_28:1-10)
3. Not sinful, but approved. Not "proceeding from the sight of the temple service of the Phoenicians and Philistines and of their ostentatious cultus" (Duncker), but commanded by Jehovah, who indicated his wish that it should be carried forward to completion by David"s son. (2Sa_7:13)
4. Not subordinate, but principal. Not after he had built a palace for himself, a house for his kingdom," but before, so giving God and religion the chief and foremost place in the thoughts of his mind and the activities of his reign. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God," etc.. (Mat_6:33)
II THE PROJECT ANNOUNCED. (Ver. 4.)
1. The person informed. Huram, Hiram, (1Ki_5:1) Hirom (1Ki_7:40) probably the original (Schrader), Eirwmov (Josephus, Contra Apion, 1:17), Hirummu (Assyrian), Chirom (Phoenician). The name, probably equivalent to Achirom, signifies "Brother or Friend of the highness" (s.c. of Baal). Whether this was David"s friend, (1Ch_14:1) who had negotiations with him prior to the building of his palace, (2Sa_5:11) and therefore before the birth of Solomon, (2Sa_11:2) is disputed, chiefly on the ground that he must then have reigned considerably over forty years, whereas Menander (Josephus, "Contra Apion," 1:18) assigns to Solomon"s friend a reign of thirty-four years. But a reign of fifty years was not impossible either then (Uzziah), (2Ch_26:3) Manasseh, (2Ch_33:1) or now (George III, Queen Victoria). The proposal to regard Solomon"s friend as the son of David"s (Thenius, Bertheau) is exposed to the difficulty that the father of Solomon"s friend was Abibaal (Josephus) a difficulty which may be removed by supposing that Abibaal was a surname of the first Hiram, or that the first Hiram was the father of Abibaal. There is, however, no sufficient ground for challenging the identity of the two Hirams; and upon the whole it is as likely that Menander and Josephus have erred as to the length of Hiram"s reign, as it is that the Hebrew writers have confounded father and son.
2. The communication made. "I build a house," etc. Ancient kings were wont to erect temples to their tutelar divinities. Urukh of Chaldea founded temples of the moon at Ur, of the sun at Larsa, of Venus at Erech ("Records," 3:9); while the magnificent shrines of Memphis, Thebes (Karnack), and Edfou were constructed by Egyptian Pharaohs "for the houses of the gods whose existence is for endless years" (Brugsch, "Egypt under the Pharaohs," 1:322). These may be used to illustrate the nature of Solomon"s project.
III THE PROJECT EXPLAINED. (Vers. 5, 6.) Solomon"s temple was to be "great," "exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries". (1Ch_22:5) A resplendent edifice, designed:
1. For a lofty purpose. For the honour of a great God.
(1) An absolutely supreme God: "Great is our God above all gods" (Deu_4:39; 1Ki_8:23)
(2) An infinitely exalted God: "The heaven of heavens cannot contain him" (1Ki_8:27; Jer_23:24)
(3) A personally accepted God. Solomon called him "the Lord my God". (Exo_20:3) Theoretical theism is valueless; theism like David"s (Psa_63:1) alone profitable.
(4) A profoundly revered God: "Who is able to build him a house?" "Who am I, that I should build him a house?" God should be feared by all who approach him (Deu_28:58; Jos_24:14; Psa_33:8; Mat_10:28; 2Co_7:1; Heb_12:28) Man never knows his own littleness till he examines himself in the light of God"s greatness.
(5) A truly national God: "The Lord our God." Solomon conjoined his people with himself. Christ taught his disciples to pray, "Our Father". (Mat_6:9)
2. For a noble use. Not to contain this immeasurably great and glorious Divinity, (2Ch_6:18) seeing that Jehovah dwelleth not in temples made with hands (Isa_66:1; Act_7:47) but inhabiteth eternity, (Isa_57:15) and filleth heaven and earth with his presence; (Jer_23:24) but to be a visible centre for his worship, to be dedicated to him for the burning before him of sweet incense, etc. Hitherto the people had sacrificed in local sanctuaries, (1Ki_3:2) Solomon himself being no exception (2Ch_1:3; 1Ki_3:4) henceforth the nation"s sacrificial worship was to be concentrated in the capital and to circulate round the temple. The different parts of that worship here mentioned are those specified by Moses in connection with the tabernacle.
(1) The burning of sweet incense, (Exo_25:6) which Aaron was directed to do every morning and evening in the holy place; (Exo_30:7)
(2) the presentation of the shewbread; (Exo_25:30) and
(3) the offering day by day continually of the burnt offering. (Exo_29:39) The first symbolized the adorations presented to Jehovah by his worshippers; (Rev_5:1-8) the second, the spiritual sustenance Jehovah provided for his servants; (Psa_132:15) the third, the self-consecration expected by Jehovah of all whose sins were covered by sacrificial blood. (Rom_12:1) The assertion that in the first temple the evening offering was purely cereal (Robertson Smith, "The Old Testament in the Jewish Church," p. 421) is without foundation (Thenius). (2Ki_16:15)
IV THE PROJECT PREPARED FOR. (Vers. 2, 18.)
1. The furnishing of workmen. (Vers. 2, 18.)
(1) Their number: 70, 000 burden-bearers or labourers, 80, 000 timber-hewers or skilled woodmen, 3600 overseers or superintendents, in all 153, 600, quite an army of workmen. The discrepancy between 1Ki_5:16 and this account vanishes by observing that to the 3300 overseers inKings falls to be added 550 chief officers, (1Ki_9:5) while the 3600 of Chronicles require to be supplemented by 250 chief officers, (2Ch_8:10) thus making both totals equal 3850. A gang of 100, 000 men, changed every three months, laboured for ten years in building a causeway along which to convey the stones for Cheops" pyramid; and seven millions more men were needed to build the pyramid itself (Birch, "Egypt," p. 35; Budge, "The Dwellers on the Nile," p. 58).
(2) Their orders labourers, wood-cutters, overseers, chief officers. So society on a larger scale is organized. The principle of division of labour is of endless application.
So work the honey bees; Creatures that by a rule in nature teach The act of order to a peopled kingdom. ("King Henry V," act 1. sc. 2.)
(3) Their station: "strangers in the land" (ver. 17); i.e. descendants of the unexter-minated Canaanites (2Ch_8:7, 2Ch_8:8; 1Ki_9:20-22) These had David also appointed to be stone-cutters. (1Ch_22:2)
2. The securing of materials. In addition to the stores gathered and given by his lately deceased father gold, silver, brass, iron, wood, precious stones (1Ch_29:2-5) Solomon required cedar, fir, and algum trees out of Lebanon. Found nowhere in Palestine except Lebanon, the cedar was a rapidly growing, high-reaching, widespreading, and long-living tree, whose beautiful white wood was much prized for architectural purposes (2Ch_3:5; 1Ki_6:15; Jer_22:14) The fir, often mentioned in connection with the cedar, was (Isa_14:8 Isa_37:24) a "choice" and "goodly" tree, whose wood was used for building ships (Eze_7:5) and making musical instruments, (2Sa_6:5) and was now to be employed for flooring, ceiling, and doors in the temple. (1Ki_6:15, 1Ki_6:34) The algum, probably the red sandalwood, fetched along with gold and precious stones from Ophir (2Ch_9:10, 2Ch_9:11; 1Ki_10:11) by Solomon"s and Hiram"s fleets, and here inaccurately said to have grown in Lebanon, was used by Solomon for making pillars for the temple and the palace, as well as harps and psalteries for singers. These different sorts of timber accordingly Solomon sent for from Hiram, his father"s friend and his own (ver. 3).
3. The obtaining of a skilled artificer. This also he courteously solicited from Hiram, whose subjects were the "artists" of the day (see homily on "The two Hirams"). Both requests were accompanied with a promise of generous support to the workmen and the artist (ver. 10), and both were frankly honoured.
Learn:
1. The highest glory of a king (or private person) is to seek the glory of. (Joh_8:50)
2. Great undertakings, especially in religion and the Church, should begone about with deliberation, and only after due preparation. (Luk_14:28)
3. The meanest service in connection with God"s house is honourable. (Psa_84:10)
4. The value of friendship. (Pro_27:10)
5. Humble thoughts of self the best preparation for acceptable service of. (2Co_3:5)
1. The talents of unbelievers may be legitimately employed in the service ofthe Church, seeing that "gifts" are from God, no less than "graces". (Job_32:8)
2. The Church should honourably requite those who aid in her undertakings, since "the labourer is worthy of his hire W. (Luk_10:7; 1Ti_5:18)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain And Solomon determined to build an house for the…
2Ch_2:1-16
And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord.
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Solomons predestined work
Solomon was born to do this work. There is no need for the rose to say, Now I am going to be beautiful and fragrant. There is no need for the nightingale to say, Now I have fully made up my mind to be musical and tuneful, and to fill the air with richest expressions and melody. The flower was born to bloom, and to throw all its fragrance away in generous donation; the nightingale was made in every bone and feather of it for the sacred singing throat to sing to astonish the world with music. Solomon came into this work naturally, as it were by birth and education. (J. Parker, D.D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary 1892 · Public Domain CRITICAL NOTES.] This chapter corresponds with 1 Kings 5.…
CRITICAL NOTES.] This chapter corresponds with 1 Kings 5. It comprises preparations for building the temple (2Ch_2:1-2); Solomon’s message to Huram (2Ch_2:3-10); Huram’s reply (2Ch_2:11-16); and the census of the strangers (2Ch_2:17-18).
2Ch_2:1-2.—Preparations for building. Determined, i.e., commanded, gave orders to build. Name (1Ch_22:10; cf. 1Ki_5:5). Kingdom, royal palace. 2Ch_2:2. The substance of this verse given in 2Ch_2:18, here indicative of magnitude of the undertaking.
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2Ch_2:3-10.—Solomon’s message to Huram. H. had congratulated Sol. (1Ki_5:1). Deal (cf. 1Ch_14:1 and 2Sa_5:11). Cedars (1Ch_14:1). 2Ch_2:4. Incense, lit. incense of spices (marg.); the regular incense burned every morning and every evening (Exo_30:7); for symbolic meaning, see Rev_8:3-4. Shewbread (cf. Exo_25:30; Lev_24:5-9; Num_4:7). Moons (Num_28:11-15). Feasts, three great annual. 2Ch_2:5. Great, exceeding in size any separate building in Palestine and any temple of the gods of surrounding nations. See Stanley’s Jewish Ch., vol. ii., p. 224. 2Ch_2:6. Able (cf. 1Ki_8:27; 2Ch_6:18). “In the question, ‘Who am I?’ (cf. 1Ch_29:14) there is implied: a house for him to dwell in I cannot build; and with this is connected the antithesis; but only for the purpose of burning incense before him, i.e., only to maintain a place in which God may be honoured by sacrifice, can I venture to build him a house” [Keil]. 2Ch_2:7. Cunning, i.e., skilful to work in gold (1Ch_22:15) and with knowledge of sculpture in metal and wood; a man to design and superintend all work in metals and other materials (Exo_25:4). 2Ch_2:8. Send. “The cedar and cypress were valued as being both rare and durable; the algum or almug trees (likewise a foreign wood), though not got on Lebanon, is mentioned as being procured through Huram” [Jamieson], 2Ch_2:9. Wonderful, lit. great and wonderful. 2Ch_2:10. Give. “According to Kings, Solomon’s original proposal was simply to pay Hiram’s workmen for their labour, and it was at Hiram’s suggestion that he commuted his proposed ‘hire’ into an annual payment in kind (see 1Ki_5:6; 1Ki_5:9; 1Ki_5:11). It would seem, therefore, that the author of Chronicles here throws into one at least two distinct messages sent by Solomon to Hiram” [Speak. Com.].
2Ch_2:11-16.—Huram’s reply (cf. 1Ki_5:8-9). Loved. “It would seem that neighbouring sovereigns, in communications with Jewish monarchs, adopted the Jewish name for the Supreme Being (Jehovah, ‘the Lord’ of our version), either identifying him with their own chief god or (sometimes) meaning merely to acknowledge him as the special god of the Jewish nation and country. In Hiram’s case the acknowledgment seems to be of the former kind” [Speak. Com.]. 2Ch_2:12. The Lord, a formula designating the Supreme God with several Asiatic nations. In Persian inscriptions Ormazd is constantly called “the great god, who gave (or made) heaven and earth” [Speak. Com.]. 2Ch_2:13. Huram, the king’s own father’s name appears to have been Abibaal. Father is used in the honourable sense of master, and the trans. should be as generally admitted. “I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, one Huram, my master workman” 2Ch_2:14. A Tyrian by race, whose mother was of the daughter of Dan, though her father was of Naphtali (1Ki_7:14), skilled in all things specified, and in wood, stone, and fine linen. 2Ch_2:16. Joppa, now Jaffa, the natural port of Jerusalem, distant about 35 miles.
2Ch_2:17-18.—The census of strangers. Strangers, descendants of Canaanites not driven out of the land at the invasion (Jdg_1:21-36; 1Ki_9:20), and non-Israelite population influx from surrounding nations. Numbered, reimposition of bond-service had been discontinued between Joshua and Saul David numbered the strangers (cf. 1Ch_22:2). and Solomon imitated his father.
HOMILETICS
THE BUILDING OF THE TEMPLE.—2Ch_2:1-16
Solomon’s wisdom given not for self-adornment and speculation, but for practical purposes; to build, govern, and do the work of God. David talked about the work, gathered materials; Solomon executed.
I. The magnitude of the work. Wonderfully great (2Ch_2:9). Great not so much in outward structure as in style and design.
1. Great because God, for whom it is built, is great. “For great is our God above all gods” (2Ch_2:5). Infinite, self-existent, and supreme. Our ideas of God determine our plans in building up character, family, business, and places of worship. “Our theology determines our architecture,” says Dr. Parker. Defective views of God will influence expenditure and worship. God is great, and should have nothing mean.
2. Great because its worship is becoming. “To burn sacrifice before him” (2Ch_2:6). The spiritual always greater than the material. However magnificent the place, God is greater than the temple. A great God indicates great worship. A ritual not to please the eye and gratify the taste, but holy, sincere, and devout.
3. Great because it satisfies great needs. “To burn before him sweet incense, &c.” (2Ch_2:4). “Solomon seems to mean that to build a temple can only be justified on the human—not on the divine—side. ‘God dwelleth not in temples made with hands,’ cannot be confined to them, does in no sort need them. The sole reason for building a temple lies in the needs of man. Man is finite; his worship must be local; the sacrifices commanded in the law had, of necessity, to be offered somewhere. Only in view of these necessities did Solomon venture to think of building God a ‘house’ ” [Speak. Com.]. Man will ever need incease, which sets forth prayer; the continual shew-bread, or communion with God; and the burnt-offering, or propitiation for sin (Exo_30:7; Numbers 28; Leviticus 23).
II. The spirit in which the work was undertaken. Solomon felt the necessity, urgency, and responsibility of the work.
1. A spirit of determination. “I purpose to build a house” (1Ki_5:5). Energy, settled and fixed resolution in himself. Gave orders to others also to help; stirred up the nation to take an interest in work. Prayer should show itself in action and enthusiasm for God. “The truest wisdom is a resolute determination,” says Napoleon.
2. A spirit of humility. “But who is able to build, &c.?” (2Ch_2:6). Feeling that he was undertaking an impossible work almost. Not as a conceited king or wealthy prince, but as unworthy of the work, did he regard himself. A due sense of insufficiency becoming in the wisest and strongest; the only way to secure strength and success; will never lead to despair, but to do what can be done. “When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.”
III. The help which was secured in the execution of the work. Solomon great, wise, and rich but required help from Hiram. Kings want men! Everything worthy done by co-operation, reciprocity of labour.
1. Help readily given. No excuse, no delay, no mere promise. Willingness combined with respect, congratulations, and gladness of the opportunity. “When Hiram heard the words of Solomon he rejoiced greatly.”
2. Help most skilful. Cut timber, “costly stones and hewed stones,” the best that could be given. We should contrive more for God. Give more intelligence, more value in our service; put more cunning in the fingers, more penetration in the mind, and more polish in the brass; more beauty in every sacrifice.
3. Help most suitable. One thing not substituted for another; cedar-trees for gold, and silver for brass. Timber, stones, and fine linen in exact quantity and quality. Cunning men “filled with wisdom and understanding,” “able to grave,” to superintend and direct. Give what is suitable and required, and you will help in building the temple.
HIRAM AND SOLOMON.—2Ch_2:2-16
Hiram had been a friend of David, now a faster friend of Solomon, with whom he formed treaties and alliance, by which commerce was extended and peace maintained. We learn from this intercourse—I. That friendship in life is helpful. Hiram served both father and son; gratitude and filial loyalty bound Solomon to him. An old family friend revives touching memories; should never be forsaken, though you may rise and he may sink in the world, nor undervalued in counsels and offices of love. “Thine own friend and thy father’s friend, forsake not.” II. That co-operation among men is desirable. True friendship leads to common courtesy and co-operation. Kings not independent, need men, and cannot build without others. Tyre may help Jerusalem, Gentile the Jew. In the cause of humanity, skilled and unskilled, overseer and common labourer, may work together. “Every man has his own kingship. Every man has something that no other man has. A recognition of this fact, and a proper use of its suggestions, would create for us a democracy hard to distinguish from a theocracy.” III. That men may know God, yet not serve him. Hiram acknowledged the God of the Jewish people, now known among the nations, but no reason to think that he was a proselyte to the Jewish religion. The doxology (“Blessed, &c.”) may spring from courtesies of style, community of language, and religious tradition which existed between Phœnicians and Hebrews. Men may know much of God, speak well of him, yet withhold homage from him and give it to idols. IV. That when God’s people are consistent in their life, their influence upon others is for good. Hiram felt more than respect for Solomon; was well-disposed, through the honour and worship rendered to God. When Israel were idolatrous, they were weakened; when holy, they influenced and instructed surrounding nations; lent, but borrowed not. Let your life be pure, and the worship of your God sincere, then you overcome opposition, touch the heart, and secure the help of strangers. “The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee.”
NATURALISATION OF FOREIGNERS.—2Ch_2:17-18
I. A good Government will tend to make a country attractive to foreigners. II. Foreigners thus attracted are amenable to the laws of the State. III. Thus protected, they may contribute materially to the enrichment of a State by the importation of foreign industries. IV. The kind treatment of exiles often repays those who so regard them. Illus.: The silk-weavers of Spitalfields. V. Be kind to strangers [Bib. Museum].
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
2Ch_2:3-7. In opening the business Solomon grounded his request for Tyrian aid on two reasons:
1. The temple he proposed to build must be a solid and permanent building, because the worship was to be continued in perpetuity, and therefore the building materials required to be of the most durable quality.
2. It must be a magnificent structure, because it was to be dedicated to the God who was greater than all gods; and, therefore, as it might seem a presumptuous idea to erect an edifice for a Being “whom the heaven and the heaven of heavens do not contain,” it was explained that Solomon’s object was not to build a house for him to dwell in, but a temple in which his worshippers might offer sacrifices to his honour. No language could be more humble and appropriate than this. The pious strain of sentiment was such as became a King of Israel [Jamieson].
2Ch_2:6-7. By the sentence “the heaven and heaven of heavens,” that is, the heaven in its most extended compass, “cannot contain God,” Solomon strikes down all rationalistic assertions that the Israelites imagined Jehovah to be only a finite national god. The infinitude and supramundane exaltation of God cannot be more clearly and strongly expressed than it is in these words. That, however, Solomon was addicted to no abstract idealism is sufficiently apparent from this, that he unites this consciousness of the infinite exaltation of God with the firm belief of his real presence in the temple. The true God is not merely infinitely exalted above the world, has not only his throne in heaven (1Ki_8:34; 1Ki_8:36; Psa_2:4; Psa_11:4; Psa_103:19; Isa_66:1; Amo_9:6), he is also present on the earth (Deu_4:39), has chosen the temple for the dwelling-place of his name in Israel, from which he hears the prayers of his people [Keil.]
2Ch_2:7. Send a man. Men wanted to consecrate their skill to God and lead in Christian work, &c. A famous son. Hiram, the first sculptor and engraver of Israel, was half a foreigner. His father was a Tyrian and was dead; but his mother was a Danite who lived in Naphtali (1Ki_7:13-14). He thus sprung on the Israelite side from the same tribe, and (according to Jewish tradition) from the same family as Aholiab, the Danite artist in the wilderness. So wide was his fame, and so profound the reverence entertained for him by the two sovereigns to whom he belonged, that he is called “the father,” both of Solomon and of Hiram [Stanley]. I. A widow’s son trained in his father’s workshop, helping his mother, and striving to do his duty. II. This son, by diligence, faithfulness, and skill, became famous, excelled, and was promoted. III. This promotion a reward for his diligence, and a joy to his widowed mother. Industry, filial love, and perseverance sure to bring eminence. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings: he shall not stand before mean men” (Pro_22:29). (Henry Martin, known in his college as “the man who had not lost an hour.” Joseph, Nehemiah, Daniel.)
2Ch_2:17-18. Solomon’s workmen. Builders, Israelites and heathen (Psa_22:29). A prophetic anticipation of Eph_2:14; Eph_2:19-22; Eph_3:4-6. Solomon’s treatment of his workmen. Not arbitrary like Pharaoh, who would have raised discontent, if not opposition, but considerate. A wise arrangement to give rest at home and relief in labour. Hence no murmuring in work. This an example to modern builders. Learn—The temple a house of prayer for all nations. Many help in the material work of the church, who do not enjoy its worship and privileges. “We, his servants, will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem.”
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 2
2Ch_2:3-4. Friendship.
Friendship! mysterious cement of the soul!
Sweet’ner of life! and solder of society!” [Blair].
2Ch_2:5-6. God above all gods. As the human mind is finite and conceives by defining the limits of its thought, and as God is known to us to be infinite, it is evident that the human mind can never be capable of conceiving God adequately as He is, or of defining His being [Hodge].
2Ch_2:7. A man. The most important point in any affair is to know what is to be done [Columella].
2Ch_2:14. Skilful. The mechanical genius of the Phœnicians generally, and of the Sidonians in particular, is noticed by many ancient writers [Speak. Com.].
The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. R. Dummelow 1909 · Public Domain Solomon's Negotiations with Hiram
Solomon's Negotiations with Hiram
This chapter substantially reproduces 1 Kings 5, with some differences in numbers, names, and expressions.
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1. An house for his kingdom] The description of this, which is given at length in 1 Kings 7, is omitted by the Chronicler.
5. Is great] i.e. in magnificence, but not in actual dimensions—the external length and breadth being only 120 x 45 ft., less than many parish churches. It was not intended to hold an assemblage of worshippers, but to be a sanctuary for the Deity, where He might receive the offerings of His servants: 2Ch_2:6.
10. Beaten wheat] probably a corruption of 'wheat for food': cp. 1Ki_5:11.
13. Of Huram my father's] RM 'even Huram my father': the term 'father 'being a title of honour: cp. Gen_45:8. But the whole expression may be a proper name, 'Huram Abi'; and so in 2Ch_4:16.
14. A woman.. of Dan] see on 1Ki_7:14, where she is termed a widow of Naphtali.
16. Joppa] The modern Jaffa, some 35 m. from Jerusalem.
17. The strangers] Solomon in imposing forced labour upon his subjects did not, like his father, confine it to those who were of foreign origin, but extended it to native Israelites: 1Ki_5:18.
18. In the mountain] probably the hill-country of Judah.
J. R. Dummelow, A Commentary on the Holy Bible (Macmillan, 1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Arno C. Gaebelein 1922 · Public Domain 2. The Building of the Temple
2. The Building of the Temple
The Beginning and Appeal to Huram
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CHAPTER 2
1. Solomon’s purpose (2Ch 2:1)
2. The workmen (2Ch 2:2)
3. The message to Huram, King of Tyre (2Ch 2:3-10)
4. Huram’s answer (2Ch 2:11-16)
5. Solomon numbers the strangers (2Ch 2:17-18)
In 1 Kings 5, Solomon purposed to begin the great work to which he had been called, to build an house for the name of the LORD and an house for his kingdom (1Ki 7:1; 2Ch 8:1). Then he levied a very large body of men from among the people to labor in cutting the timber and hewing stone for the temple and the palace of Solomon. Of these 70,000 were carriers; 80,000 were quarry men and 3,600 overseers. In 1Ki 5:13, we read of a levy of 30,000 men. These must be considered additional workmen, for they were sent to Lebanon.
Solomon then sent a message to Huram (the same as Hiram), the King of Tyre. Hiram had sent before messages to Solomon, when he heard of his enthronement. They of Tyre had already brought cedar trees in abundance to David for the building of the Temple (1Ch 22:4). He loved Solomon as much as he loved his father David, for when Hiram heard the words of Solomon he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the LORD this day, who hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.” To him Solomon sent a message. He reminded him of the dealings his father David had with him, and requested “even so deal with me.” He acquainted him with his work, “Behold I build an house for the name of the LORD my God,” and that it would be a great house, “for great is our God above all gods.” Then he requested that Hiram would send him a master-workman and more material, cedar trees, fir trees and algum trees or almug trees (1Ki 10:11), the red sandalwood, highly valued among the ancient nations, out of Lebanon. In return he offered to Hiram’s servant wheat, barley, wine and oil, twenty thousand measures of each. 1Ki 5:11 tells us that besides this gift to the workers in timber, twenty thousand measures of wheat and oil were yearly given by Solomon to the household of Hiram.
And Huram’s answer reveals that he was a believer in Jehovah, for he acknowledged Him as the Creator and as the lover of His people (verses 11-12). The King sent Huram, a skilful worker whose mother was a Jewess (1Ki 7:14). This Gentile co-operation in the construction of the temple is interesting, and also prophetic. Jews and Gentiles, Israel and the nations will yet unite to glorify the Lord. And the strangers who were in Israel, also Gentiles, were the servants of the King.
Arno C. Gaebelein, The Annotated Bible (1913–1922) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain Solomon’s Message to Huram
Solomon’s Message to Huram
v. 1. And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, he made arrangements to carry out the last wishes of his father, and an house for his kingdom, a royal palace to display all his wealth and power.
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v. 2. Arid Solomon told out, raised by conscription, threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, in the actual erection of the Temple, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, in preparing the stones and the lumber, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them. This preliminary note indicates at once the magnitude of the undertaking.
v. 3. And Solomon sent to Huram (or Hiram), the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David, my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, 1Ch 14:1, even so deal with me, he was anxious to have the friendly relationship with all that it implied continue.
v. 4. Behold, I build an house to the name of the Lord, my God, to dedicate it to Him, set it aside for His worship, and to burn before Him sweet incense, literally, "to perfume before His face sweet spices," as it was done in the morning and the evening worship, Exo 25:6, and for the continual showbread, which was always placed on the special table in the Holy Place, Exo 25:30, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the Lord, our God, Num 28:29; 1Ch 23:31. This is an ordinance forever to Israel, and therefore the Temple he proposed to build must be a solid and permanent building, made of the most durable materials.
v. 5. And. the house which I build is great; for great is our God above all gods; its magnificence should, in away, express the incomparable greatness of the true God.
v. 6. But who is able to build Him an house, that is, one in which He would actually dwell, in which He would be enclosed as the heathen idols were in their shrines, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I, then, that I should build Him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before Him? So the purpose of the Temple was merely to be that of serving as a house where Jehovah’s worshipers might sacrifice to His honor.
v. 7. Send me now, therefore, a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, an artist familiar with the work in all precious metals, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, true purple, scarlet-red, and hyacinth being the three dyes in whose preparation the Tyrians were most skilful, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David, my father, did provide. This last craft probably included not only engraving in stone, but also wood-carving and even embroidery of figures in needlework. In all these arts the superintendent desired by Solomon should excel.
v. 8. Send me also cedar-trees, fir trees, that is, cypresses, and algum-trees, sandal-wood, out of Lebanon, the last-named, though not growing in the mountains, being procured by Huram as an article of commerce; for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon, for that was one of the chief industries of the country. And, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
v. 9. even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great, literally, "great and wonderful. "
v. 10. And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures (about one hundred and sixty thousand bushels) of beaten wheat, roasted grain in this form being a staple article of food in the Orient, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths (about 1,300,000 gallons) of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil. The reference here is not to the yearly contribution which Solomon sent to Tyre during the construction of the Temple, 1Ki 5:18, but to the food for the laborers in the mountains. Solomon, as a wise king, counted the cost first before he began the work of construction, but he also went forward with all energy after being assured on this point.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 This marks a new part of the story.
Now
This marks a new part of the story.
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commanded the building of a house for Yahweh's name
The word "name" is a metonym for the person. AT: "commanded his people to build a house where Yahweh may live" or "commanded his people to build a house where they could worship Yahweh" (See: Metonymy)
of a palace for his kingdom
"of a royal palace for his kingdom" or "of a palace for himself"
seventy thousand men ... eighty thousand men
"70,000 men ... 80,000 men" (See: Numbers)
to carry loads
It is understood that these are loads of materials for building Yahweh's house. AT: "to carry loads of materials" (See: Ellipsis)
3,600
"three thousand six hundred" (See: Numbers)
Hiram
This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
translationWords
Solomon
command
house of God
Yahweh
name
palace
kingdom
send
Tyre
cedar
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 2:1 The Temple is immediately introduced as the first…
2:1 The Temple is immediately introduced as the first priority among Solomon’s building projects, although the work actually began in the fourth year of his reign (3:2). Solomon used the intervening years to negotiate with King Hiram (2:3) for materials and skilled workers.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.