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2 Chronicles 2

18 verses

TL;DR

Solomon plans to build the Temple of Jerusalem, enlisting the skilled craftsmen of Tyre and organizing a massive labor force, while emphasizing the divine purpose and humility before God.

Summary

In 2 Chronicles 2, Solomon declares his intent to construct a temple for the Lord, rallying a large workforce of fifty‑thousand laborers and sixty‑thousand hewers. He seeks assistance from King Huram of Tyre, requesting a master craftsman and the cedar timber from Lebanon. Huram responds with a letter of support, offering a skilled artisan and the promised timber, and provides the requested wheat, barley, wine, and oil. Solomon then counts the people in Israel, mirroring his father David’s earlier enumeration, to allocate the workers for bearing, cutting, and supervising the construction. The chapter emphasizes the enormity of the task, the cooperation between Israel and Tyre, and the acknowledgment that human effort alone cannot build a house for God, but can provide offerings.

Outline
  1. Solomon initiates the Temple project and mobilizes a large workforce.
  2. He requests help from Tyre, securing a master craftsman and timber.
  3. Solomon counts the people and organizes the labor for the construction.
Themes
Divine guidance in human endeavorsCooperation and partnership in sacred projectsHumility and recognition of God’s transcendence
Keywords
TempleCedarTyreSolomonDavidJerusalemWorshipOfferingsCooperationDivine blessing
People
SolomonKing Huram of TyreDavid (Solomon’s father)The cunning artisan from Tyre (son of a woman of the daughters of Dan)Laborers and overseers
Places
JerusalemTyreLebanonJoppaIsrael
Things
Cedar timberFir treesAspen treesGold, silver, brass, ironPurple, crimson, blue, fine linenWheat, barley, wine, oilTemple building materials
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 2:4: Solomon declares the purpose and dedication of the Temple, setting the theological tone.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:6: Highlights Solomon’s humility and the impossibility of building a house for God.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:11: Huram’s letter shows divine approval and partnership, reinforcing the legitimacy of the project.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:18: Shows the final tally of the workforce, emphasizing organizational scope.
Questions
  • Why did Solomon feel the need to seek help from Tyre for building the Temple?
  • What does Solomon’s statement about God’s incomprehensibility reveal about his understanding of divine majesty?
  • How does the collaboration between Israel and Tyre reflect broader themes of unity and partnership?
  • In what ways does the enumeration of laborers demonstrate Solomon’s administrative approach?
  • What symbolic meaning can be derived from the materials chosen for the Temple?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter expresses both pride in the ambitious project and humility before God.