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2 Chronicles 3

17 verses

TL;DR

Solomon constructs the temple in Jerusalem, meticulously following divine instructions and adorning it with gold, cedar, and cherubim, culminating in the iconic pillars Jachin and Boaz.

Summary

Solomon begins building the temple on Mount Moriah, the site of the Lord’s appearance to David, using the exact dimensions instructed by God. The structure is richly furnished: the porch and the great house are overlaid with pure gold, the walls, beams, and doors are gilded, and cherubim are carved and gilded on the most holy chamber. The most holy portion measures twenty cubits square, overlaid with fine gold costing six hundred talents, and its interior is embellished with gold nails and a gilded ceiling. Two large cherubim, each with wings extending twenty cubits, are installed within this sanctum. Before the temple, Solomon erects two thirty‑five cubit pillars, each topped with a five‑cubits high capstone, chained with ornamental metal and decorated with pomegranates, named Jachin and Boaz. The chapter presents the temple as a marvel of craftsmanship and a tangible expression of covenant worship.

Outline
  1. Solomon receives divine instructions and begins construction on Mount Moriah.
  2. Detailed description of the temple’s dimensions, materials, and ornamental cherubim.
  3. Construction of the pillars Jachin and Boaz and finalization of the temple.
Themes
Divine instruction and obedienceSacred craftsmanship and artistic excellenceSymbolism of holiness and covenant
Keywords
SolomonTempleJerusalemMount MoriahGoldCedarCherubimJachinBoazPillarsMost holyPrecious stonesCovenant
People
SolomonDavidOrnan the Jebusitethe LORD (God)
Places
JerusalemMount Moriahthe threshing floor of OrnanJebusite land
Things
Temple of the LORDPorchGreat houseMost holy houseCherubimPillars (Jachin and Boaz)Gold overlayCedar (fir) woodPrecious stonesChains and pomegranates
Key Verses
  • 2 Chronicles 3:1: Marks the commencement of the temple construction and identifies the sacred site.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:8: Details the lavish gilding and cost of the most holy house, highlighting its sanctity.
  • 2 Chronicles 3:17: Introduces the famous pillars Jachin and Boaz, symbolizing stability and the covenant.
Questions
  • What factors motivated Solomon to build the temple in such lavish detail?
  • How do the specified dimensions reflect the intended proportions of worship space?
  • What symbolic meanings do the cherubim and the pillars convey in the context of covenant theology?
  • In what ways does the use of gold and cedar underscore the temple’s sanctity?
  • How does this construction narrative relate to earlier temple descriptions, such as those of Solomon’s father, David?
Sentiment

neutral
The chapter provides a factual account of construction with descriptive emphasis rather than emotional tone.