Temple Construction Begins 1Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeareda to his father David. This was the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornanb the Jebusite. 2Solomon began construction on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign. 3The foundation that Solomon laid for the house of God was sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide,c according to the old standard.d 4The portico at the front, extending across the width of the temple, was twenty cubits longe and twenty cubits high.f He overlaid the inside with pure gold. The Temple’s Interior 5He paneled the main room with cypress,g which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains. 6He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim. 7He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls. 8Then he made the Most Holy Place;h its length corresponded to the width of the temple—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. And he overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold.i 9The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold.j He also overlaid the upper rooms with gold. The Cherubim 10In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of sculptured work, and he overlaid them with gold. 11The total wingspan of the cherubim was twenty cubits. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits longk and touched the wall of the temple, and its other wing was five cubits long and touched the wing of the other cherub. 12The wing of the second cherub also measured five cubits and touched the wall of the temple, while its other wing measured five cubits and touched the wing of the first cherub. 13So the total wingspan of these cherubim was twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room. The Veil and Pillars 14He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it. 15In front of the temple he made two pillars, which together were thirty-five cubits high,l each with a capital on top measuring five cubits. 16He made interwoven chainsm and put them on top of the pillars. He made a hundred pomegranates and fastened them into the chainwork. 17Then he set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the south and one on the north. The pillar on the south he named Jachin,n and the pillar on the north he named Boaz.o Footnotes: 1 a See LXX; Hebrew where He had appeared 1 b Ornan is a variant of Araunah; see 2 Samuel 24:16. 3 c The foundation was approximately 90 feet long and 30 feet wide (27.4 meters long and 9.1 meters wide). 3 d The old standard of measurement was a cubit equal to 18 inches or 45.7 centimeters. The new standard, a cubit of approximately 21 inches or 53.3 centimeters (the long cubit) is the basic unit of length throughout Ezekiel 40 to 48. 4 e 20 cubits is approximately 30 feet or 9.1 meters; also in verses 8, 11, and 13. 4 f Some LXX and Syriac manuscripts; Hebrew 120 cubits high (approximately 180 feet or 54.9 meters) 5 g Or pine or juniper or fir 8 h Or the Holy of Holies; also in verse 10 8 i 600 talents is approximately 22.6 tons or 20.5 metric tons of gold. 9 j 50 shekels is approximately 1.26 pounds or 569.8 grams of gold. 11 k 5 cubits is approximately 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters; also in verse 15. 15 l 35 cubits is approximately 52.5 feet or 16 meters. 16 m Or He made chains in the inner sanctuary 17 n Jachin probably means He establishes. 17 o Boaz probably means in Him is strength. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  2 Chronicles 3 Summary Temple Construction BeginsVerses 1–2 – Solomon Breaks Ground on Mount Moriah Verses 3–7 – Foundations, Dimensions, and Overlays Verses 8–13 – The Most Holy Place and the Giant Cherubim Verse 14 – The Veil of Blue, Purple, Crimson, and Fine Linen Verses 15–17 – Jachin and Boaz, the Bronze Pillars 2 Chronicles 3 gives an in-depth look into King Solomon's construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The chapter offers meticulous details about the architectural design, measurements, and the material used. The location of the Temple, Mount Moriah, is significantly highlighted as it's where Abraham once offered Isaac, reinforcing the deep, sacred history tied to the spot. Historical Setting: Solomon, the Fourth Year, and David’s Preparation • David bought Ornan’s threshing floor (2 Samuel 24:18-25); Solomon honors that purchase by building where judgment once halted. • Starting in the fourth year (967 BC, approximate) shows Solomon stabilized the kingdom first (2 Chronicles 2:1), then turned to what mattered most—worship. • Materials and workers were already stockpiled by David (1 Chronicles 29:2-9), proving that obedience can outlive the king who obeys. Mount Moriah: A Thread Through Scripture • Genesis 22: Abraham offered Isaac “on one of the mountains of Moriah.” Here God provided the ram—now He provides a house of sacrifice. • 2 Chronicles 3:1 uses the same name, reminding Israel that faith and substitutionary sacrifice are core to their story. • Ultimately, Calvary rises from this same ridge, fulfilling the promise of a greater sacrifice (John 19:17). Why the Exact Dimensions Matter • Sixty by twenty cubits mirrors the tabernacle’s 3:1 ratio, only doubled in scale (Exodus 26:15-30). Continuity with Moses’ tent shows God’s character hasn’t changed. • Every measurement is orderly, reflecting a God of design, not chaos (1 Colossians 14:33). • The Most Holy Place is a perfect cube (20 × 20 × 20), foreshadowing the cubic New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:16): a future where God dwells with people permanently. Gold Everywhere: Theology in Precious Metal • “Six hundred talents” equals over twenty tons. Gold speaks of glory, purity, and royalty (Psalm 45:9). • Covering wood with gold hints that God covers human weakness with His own perfection (Isaiah 61:10). • The temple’s inner glow contrasts with the mundane world outside; worship draws us from ordinary to holy. Cherubim: Guardians of God’s Throne Room • First seen guarding Eden (Genesis 3:24), now guarding the ark. Fellowship once lost is pictured as re-opened but still protected. • Wings touching wall-to-wall testify that no square inch of the Most Holy Place is outside God’s watch. • In Revelation 4:6-8, living creatures still surround His throne; the earthly temple mirrors that heavenly reality. The Veil: Barrier and Invitation • Four colors—blue, purple, crimson, white—reflect heaven, royalty, blood, and purity. • The veil blocks entry except on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). Hebrews 10:19-20 says Christ’s flesh is the “new and living way,” torn open when He died (Matthew 27:51). • Its embroidered cherubim remind worshipers that holiness must be mediated. Jachin and Boaz: Pillars of Promise • Names carry sermons: “He establishes” and “In Him is strength.” Entering worship, the congregation is flanked by God’s faithfulness and power. • Bronze—a metal of judgment (Numbers 21:9)—supports capitals decorated with lilies, linking justice with beauty. • Jeremiah sees these removed by Babylon (Jeremiah 52:17-23), signaling judgment; Revelation 3:12 promises overcomers will be made pillars in God’s temple forever—judgment past, permanence future. Archaeological Echoes • Phoenician craftsmanship (2 Chronicles 2:7) matches finds at Tyre: ivory-inlaid wood, gold overlay, lotus motifs. • Similar dimensions appear in Late Bronze Age temples at Hazor and Megiddo, supporting the Chronicler’s realism. • No full remnants of Solomon’s temple remain—Babylon leveled it—yet 19th–21st-century digs around the Temple Mount uncover Phoenician-style proto-Aeolic capitals and large ashlar blocks cut “with saws,” just as 1 Kings 6:7 notes. Foreshadowing Christ in the Chapter • Mount Moriah: same ridge where Jesus is crucified. • Gold-covered wood: humanity (wood) united with divinity (gold) in Christ (John 1:14). • Veil: torn at His death, granting open access (Hebrews 10:20). • Pillars: Jesus is the true Jachin and Boaz, the One who establishes and strengthens (Ephesians 2:20). Connections in Scripture 1 Kings 6–7: Parallel narrative; fills in details like windows and side rooms. Exodus 25–40: Tabernacle as template for temple. Psalm 132:13-14—“For the LORD has chosen Zion… This is My resting place forever.” Isaiah 2:2—“The mountain of the LORD’s house will be established…” John 2:19—Jesus calls His body “this temple,” echoing 2 Chronicles 3’s stone and gold with living flesh. Revelation 21:22—“I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” Lessons for Today • God begins where sacrifice once stopped judgment; our worship springs from the Cross. • Preparation matters—David’s lifetime of gathering makes Solomon’s work possible; our obedience lays groundwork for the next generation. • Beauty in worship reflects God’s worth; excellence isn’t vanity but testimony. • Access to God is precious; cherish the torn-veil privilege bought by Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures Genesis 22:2The significance of Mount Moriah as the site of Abraham's test of faith. 1 Kings 6 A parallel account of the temple's construction, providing additional details and insights. Hebrews 9:11-12 The fulfillment of the temple's symbolism in Christ, our High Priest, who entered the greater and more perfect tabernacle. 1 Corinthians 3:16 The New Testament understanding of believers as the temple of God, where His Spirit dwells. Teaching Points The Location of the TempleThen Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David (2 Chronicles 3:1). Mount Moriah is significant as the site where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, highlighting themes of faith and obedience. The Dimensions and Materials The chapter meticulously describes the temple's dimensions and materials, emphasizing the grandeur and holiness of the place where God would dwell. This reflects the importance of offering our best to God. The Symbolism of the Temple The temple's design, including the Holy of Holies, symbolizes God's holiness and the separation between God and man, which is bridged through Christ in the New Testament. The Role of Solomon Solomon's leadership in building the temple demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to David and the importance of godly leadership in fulfilling God's plans. Practical Applications Creating Sacred SpacesJust as Solomon built a physical temple, we are called to create sacred spaces in our hearts and lives where God can dwell. Offering Our Best to God The use of the finest materials in the temple construction encourages us to offer our best—our time, talents, and resources—to God. Understanding God's Holiness Reflect on the holiness of God and how it should influence our daily lives and interactions with others. Leadership and Obedience Emulate Solomon's obedience and dedication in fulfilling God's plans, recognizing the impact of godly leadership in our communities. People 1. SolomonSolomon is the central figure in this chapter. He is the king of Israel and the son of David, tasked with building the temple in Jerusalem. The chapter begins with Solomon starting the construction of the temple on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. The Hebrew root for Solomon's name, "שְׁלֹמֹה" (Shlomo), is related to "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning peace. 2. David David is mentioned as Solomon's father and the one to whom the LORD had appeared. Although not a direct participant in the events of this chapter, David's preparations and instructions for the temple's construction are foundational. The Hebrew name "דָּוִד" (David) means beloved. Places 1. Mount MoriahThis is the location where Solomon began to build the house of the LORD. It is significant as the site where the LORD appeared to David, Solomon's father. The Hebrew root for Moriah (מוריה) is often associated with "seen by Yahweh" or "chosen by Yahweh." 2. The Threshing Floor of Araunah the Jebusite This is the specific site on Mount Moriah where Solomon built the temple. It was originally a threshing floor owned by Araunah (or Ornan) the Jebusite, which David purchased to build an altar to the LORD. The Hebrew term for threshing floor (גֹּרֶן, goren) indicates a place where grain is separated from chaff, symbolizing purification and preparation. Events 1. Solomon Begins Construction of the TempleSolomon begins building the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. This location is significant as it is the site where David had prepared the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (2 Chronicles 3:1). The Hebrew root for "appeared" (נִרְאָה, nir'ah) emphasizes the divine revelation and presence at this sacred site. 2. Foundation Laid in the Fourth Year of Solomon's Reign The foundation of the temple is laid in the fourth year of Solomon's reign (2 Chronicles 3:2). This timing underscores the importance of establishing a place of worship early in Solomon's rule, reflecting his commitment to honoring God. 3. Dimensions and Materials of the Temple The dimensions of the temple are described, with a length of sixty cubits and a width of twenty cubits (2 Chronicles 3:3). The use of cubits, an ancient measurement, highlights the precision and grandeur of the construction. The temple is overlaid with pure gold, signifying its holiness and the wealth dedicated to God's house (2 Chronicles 3:4-5). 4. The Most Holy Place The Most Holy Place, or the inner sanctuary, is constructed with a length corresponding to the width of the temple, and it is overlaid with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents (2 Chronicles 3:8). The Hebrew term for "Most Holy Place" (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים, qodesh haqodashim) indicates the utmost sanctity of this area, reserved for the presence of God. 5. Cherubim in the Most Holy Place Two sculpted cherubim are placed in the Most Holy Place, each ten cubits high, with wings spreading across the width of the room (2 Chronicles 3:10-13). The cherubim symbolize divine protection and the presence of God, drawing from the imagery found in the Hebrew Scriptures. 6. The Veil and Pillars A veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen is made for the entrance to the Most Holy Place, with cherubim worked into it (2 Chronicles 3:14). The pillars, named Jachin and Boaz, are set at the front of the temple, signifying stability and strength (2 Chronicles 3:15-17). The Hebrew names of the pillars, יָכִין (Yachin) meaning "He will establish" and בֹּעַז (Boaz) meaning "In Him is strength," reflect God's enduring support and power. Topics 1. Solomon Begins Building the TempleSolomon begins the construction of the Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, a site of significant historical and spiritual importance. The Hebrew root for "Moriah" (מוריה) is often associated with "seen by Yahweh," indicating divine selection and presence. ^"Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David, at the site that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite."^ (2 Chronicles 3:1) 2. Dimensions and Materials of the Temple The passage details the dimensions and materials used for the Temple, emphasizing the grandeur and holiness of the structure. The use of gold and other precious materials signifies the Temple's sacred purpose. ^"The foundation that Solomon laid for the house of God was sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide, according to the old standard."^ (2 Chronicles 3:3) 3. The Most Holy Place The construction of the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, is described, highlighting its significance as the innermost and most sacred area of the Temple. The Hebrew term "דְּבִיר" (debir) refers to this inner sanctuary. ^"Then he made the room of the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the house—twenty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. He overlaid the inside with six hundred talents of fine gold."^ (2 Chronicles 3:8) 4. The Cherubim Solomon crafts two cherubim for the Most Holy Place, symbolizing divine presence and protection. The Hebrew word "כְּרוּבִים" (keruvim) refers to these angelic figures. ^"In the Most Holy Place he made two cherubim of sculptured work, and he overlaid them with gold."^ (2 Chronicles 3:10) 5. The Veil and Pillars The veil and the two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, are described, representing strength and stability. The Hebrew names "יָכִין" (Yachin) and "בֹּעַז" (Boaz) mean "He will establish" and "In Him is strength," respectively. ^"He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it."^ (2 Chronicles 3:14) ^"In front of the house he made two pillars, thirty-five cubits high, each with a capital on top measuring five cubits."^ (2 Chronicles 3:15) Themes 1. Construction of the TempleThe primary theme of 2 Chronicles 3 is the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. This chapter details the dimensions, materials, and specific design elements of the temple, emphasizing its significance as a dwelling place for God among His people. The Hebrew word for temple, "הֵיכָל" (heikal), underscores the sacredness and grandeur of this structure. 2. Divine Guidance and Wisdom The chapter reflects the theme of divine guidance and wisdom in the building process. Solomon's adherence to the plans given by God, as seen in the detailed descriptions, highlights the importance of following divine instructions. This theme is rooted in the Hebrew understanding of wisdom, "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which is often associated with skill and craftsmanship. 3. Symbolism and Sacredness The use of specific materials and symbols, such as gold, cherubim, and the Holy of Holies, underscores the sacredness of the temple. These elements symbolize God's holiness and the separation between the divine and the mundane. The Hebrew term for holiness, "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh), is central to understanding the temple's role as a holy place. 4. Covenant and Worship The temple serves as a physical representation of the covenant between God and Israel, where worship and sacrifices are to be conducted. This theme is tied to the Hebrew concept of "בְּרִית" (berit), meaning covenant, which signifies the ongoing relationship and commitment between God and His people. 5. Artistry and Craftsmanship The chapter highlights the artistry and craftsmanship involved in the temple's construction, reflecting the value placed on beauty and skill in worship. The detailed descriptions of the temple's design elements, such as the pillars and carvings, emphasize the importance of offering the best to God. The Hebrew word "מְלָאכָה" (melakah) relates to work or craftsmanship, underscoring the dedication and skill required in the temple's construction. Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Chronicles 3:4 – How could the porch realistically be 120 cubits high when no known structures of that era matched such a height? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think God provided such detailed specifications for the Temple? What does this suggest about the way God desires us to approach Him? 2. How does Solomon’s obedience to build the Temple according to God’s plan apply to our lives today? 3. What can we learn from the use of precious materials in the construction of the temple? How can this translate to the quality of our service to God and others? 4. The cherubim inside the temple had wings touching each other and the walls. What could this signify in the context of divine protection and presence? 5. In what ways can the temple be viewed as a physical representation of God’s presence among His people? 6. What is the significance of the location of the temple, Mount Moriah, and how does it link to the broader narrative of the Bible? 7. The temple's two pillars, Jachin and Boaz, had names meaning "He will establish" and "In Him is strength". How can we apply these truths in our present-day situations? 8. Considering the veil in the temple, how does this relate to the New Testament event of the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus’ death? 9. How does Solomon's dedication in building the temple inspire your personal commitment to God's work? 10. How might understanding the construction of the Temple help you understand other portions of Scripture? 11. Considering the grandeur of the temple, how can we cultivate a similar sense of reverence in our approach to worship today? 12. How do the elements of the temple symbolize aspects of our relationship with God? 13. How does the construction of the temple underscore the importance of community participation in accomplishing God's work? 14. How can we apply the diligence and commitment shown by Solomon in the construction of the temple to our personal lives? 15. If God provided you a blueprint for a significant task today, like He did for Solomon, how would you respond? 16. What lessons can we take from the temple's construction and apply to building our "spiritual temple"? 17. As the temple was designed for God's glory, how can we design our lives to reflect the same purpose? 18. How does the historical and cultural context of 2 Chronicles 3 affect your understanding of the text? 19. What aspects of God's character can be seen in the instructions and execution of the Temple's construction? 20. How can the symbols and structures of the temple help us understand our identity as God’s temple today, as stated in 1 Corinthians 3:16? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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