2 Chronicles 3:1

Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. This was the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Study Bible

Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD
This phrase marks the commencement of the construction of the Temple, a significant event in Israel's history. Solomon, the son of David, fulfills the divine promise made to David that his son would build a house for God's name (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The "house of the LORD" refers to the Temple, which would become the central place of worship for the Israelites, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The construction of the Temple signifies a new era of worship, transitioning from the portable Tabernacle to a permanent structure.

in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah
Mount Moriah holds deep historical and spiritual significance. It is traditionally identified as the location where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:2), demonstrating faith and obedience. This connection underscores the Temple's role as a place of sacrifice and worship. Jerusalem, the city chosen by God, becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel. The choice of Mount Moriah for the Temple's location highlights the continuity of God's plan and the fulfillment of His promises.

where the LORD had appeared to his father David
This appearance refers to the divine encounter David had when he purchased the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite (1 Chronicles 21:18-28). The LORD's appearance to David at this site underscores its sanctity and divine selection as the Temple's location. It also reflects God's mercy, as the site was where the plague on Israel ceased after David's intercession. This divine encounter emphasizes the importance of obedience and repentance in the relationship between God and His people.

This was the place that David had prepared
David's preparation involved purchasing the threshing floor and gathering materials for the Temple's construction (1 Chronicles 22:2-5). Although David was not permitted to build the Temple due to his history as a warrior (1 Chronicles 28:3), his preparations laid the groundwork for Solomon's task. This preparation reflects David's devotion and desire to honor God, as well as the continuity of leadership and vision from David to Solomon.

on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite
The threshing floor of Ornan, a Jebusite, was a significant site due to its association with David's repentance and God's mercy (1 Chronicles 21:18-28). The purchase of this site by David transformed it from a place of judgment to one of worship and reconciliation. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the acquisition of this land signifies the transition of the city into the hands of the Israelites, further establishing Jerusalem as the center of Israelite worship and governance.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom and for building the first temple in Jerusalem.

2. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple that Solomon built, which became the central place of worship for the Israelites and housed the Ark of the Covenant.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, chosen by God as the place where His name would dwell. It holds significant historical and spiritual importance.

4. Mount Moriah
The location where Solomon built the temple. It is also traditionally associated with the binding of Isaac by Abraham, highlighting its deep spiritual significance.

5. Ornan the Jebusite
The original owner of the threshing floor where the temple was built. David purchased this site, which was later prepared for the temple construction.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience and Preparation
Solomon's building of the temple was a fulfillment of God's promise to David. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's instructions and the preparation that precedes fulfilling His plans.

Significance of Sacred Spaces
The temple on Mount Moriah highlights the importance of having dedicated spaces for worship and encountering God. It reminds us to honor and maintain our places of worship.

Legacy and Continuity of Faith
The connection between David's preparation and Solomon's building of the temple illustrates the continuity of faith and legacy. It encourages us to consider how our actions today can impact future generations.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The construction of the temple is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the location of Mount Moriah enhance the spiritual significance of the temple Solomon built?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves and our communities for God's work, as David prepared the site for the temple?

3. How does the account of Solomon building the temple encourage us to trust in God's promises and timing in our own lives?

4. What are some modern-day "sacred spaces" in your life, and how do you honor them as places of worship and encounter with God?

5. How can we ensure that our faith and actions today positively impact future generations, as seen in the legacy of David and Solomon?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
Mount Moriah is first mentioned as the place where Abraham was tested by God to sacrifice Isaac, establishing its significance as a place of faith and obedience.

1 Chronicles 21
Details the purchase of the threshing floor from Ornan by David, emphasizing the importance of the site and David's role in preparing for the temple.

1 Kings 6
Provides a parallel account of Solomon's construction of the temple, offering additional details about the building process and its significance.