1 And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
2 And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.
3 And Solomon sent to Huram 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, even so deal with me.
4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, 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. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.
5 And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.
6 But who is able to build him an house, 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?
7 Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, 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.
8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.
10 And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.
12 Huram said moreover, 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 might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
13 And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,
14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.
15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:
16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
17 And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred.
18 And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.
The second chapter of the book of 2 Chronicles in the KJV Holy Bible continues the narrative of the reign of King Solomon, son of King David. This chapter focuses on the preparations for the building of the temple in Jerusalem, which was to be the permanent dwelling place of God on earth. The main themes of this chapter include the importance of obedience to God, the role of worship and sacrifice in the life of the Israelites, and the fulfillment of God's promises to King David. Through this chapter, we can see the significance of the temple in the spiritual and political life of Israel, as well as the importance of faith and trust in God's plan for his people.
The chapter begins with King Solomon sending a message to King Hiram of Tyre, requesting materials and skilled workers to help build the temple. This shows that Solomon was aware of the importance of having the right resources and people to carry out such a significant project. King Hiram agrees to Solomon's request and provides him with all the materials he needs, including cedar, cypress, and gold. This shows the favor and blessing of God upon Solomon, as he was able to secure the necessary resources for the temple's construction.
In verses 3-10, Solomon explains to King Hiram the purpose and significance of the temple. He acknowledges that God is greater than any human-made dwelling place and that the temple is not meant to contain or limit God but to serve as a place for the Israelites to worship and sacrifice to Him. This shows Solomon's understanding of the true purpose of the temple and his humility before God.
Solomon also mentions that his father, King David, had the desire to build the temple but was unable to do so because of the many wars he had to fight. However, God promised David that his son would be the one to build the temple, and Solomon sees this as the fulfillment of that promise. This further emphasizes the importance of obedience to God and the fulfillment of His promises.
In verses 11-16, Solomon appoints skilled workers to oversee the construction of the temple, including the Levites, who were responsible for the worship and sacrifices. This shows the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of the Israelites and the central role it played in their relationship with God. The temple was not just a physical structure but a place where the Israelites could come and offer their sacrifices to God, seeking forgiveness and guidance.
Solomon also emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and laws in verses 17-18. He understands that the temple is not just a place for worship and sacrifices, but it is also a place where the people must follow God's laws and live according to His will. This shows the close connection between worship and obedience to God's commands.
In verses 1-4, we see that the temple was not just a place for worship and sacrifices, but it was also a symbol of the spiritual and political power of Israel. Solomon mentions that the temple will be a "house of rest" for the ark of the covenant, which represented the presence of God among His people. This shows the importance of the temple in the spiritual life of the Israelites and their relationship with God.
Additionally, the temple was also a symbol of the political power of Israel. It was a grand and magnificent structure that would attract visitors from other nations, showing the wealth and prosperity of Israel under the reign of King Solomon. This further emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promises to King David, as the temple was a tangible representation of the kingdom's success under his descendants.
The second chapter of 2 Chronicles in the KJV Holy Bible holds great significance in understanding the role of the temple in the spiritual and political life of Israel. It shows the importance of obedience to God, the role of worship and sacrifice, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Through this chapter, we can see the importance of having the right resources and people to carry out God's plans, as seen in King Hiram's provision of materials and skilled workers.
Furthermore, this chapter also highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan for His people. King David's desire to build the temple was not fulfilled in his lifetime, but God's promise was fulfilled through his son, Solomon. This serves as a reminder that God's timing and plans are perfect, and we must trust in His will for our lives.
In conclusion, Chapter 2 of 2 Chronicles in the KJV Holy Bible teaches us about the importance of obedience, worship, and trust in God's plans. It shows the significance of the temple in the spiritual and political life of Israel and how it served as a symbol of God's presence and blessings upon His people. This chapter serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises, and we must have faith and trust in His plans for our lives.
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