2Ch 2:2 | KingComments | STEP | 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 ( ). 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 ( ). For the help he calls in from Huram, a contract is drawn up ( ). 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 ( ; ). 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 ( ). 5. Bezalel prepares the tools for the tabernacle and Solomon prepares the tools for the temple ( ; ). 6. Both the tabernacle and the temple have a design that comes from God ( ; ). 7. Both for the building of the tabernacle and for the building of the temple the people give voluntarily and generously ( ; ). 8. When both buildings are finished, the glory of God fills the building ( ; ). For Solomon the importance of the LORD’s house is paramount ( ). 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 ( ) 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 ( ).

‏ 2 Chronicles 2:2

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 (2Chr 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 (2Chr 2:3-10). For the help he calls in from Huram, a contract is drawn up (2Chr 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 (Exo 35:30; 1Chr 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 (2Chr 1:5 ; 2Chr 4:1).

5. Bezalel prepares the tools for the tabernacle and Solomon prepares the tools for the temple (Exo 35:30-35; 2Chr 4:19-22).

6. Both the tabernacle and the temple have a design that comes from God (Exo 25:9; 1Chr 28:11-13).

7. Both for the building of the tabernacle and for the building of the temple the people give voluntarily and generously (Exo 35:20-29; 1Chr 29:6-9).

8. When both buildings are finished, the glory of God fills the building (Exo 40:34-35; 2Chr 7:1-3).

The Decision of Solomon

For Solomon the importance of the LORD’s house is paramount (2Chr 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 (2Chr 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 (Eph 4:11-16).