3 Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
2 He began to build in the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign.
3 These are Solomon’s measurements for building the house of God: the length, in cubits of the old standard, was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.
4 The vestibule in front of the nave of the house was twenty cubits long, equal to the width of the house, and its height was 120 cubits. He overlaid it on the inside with pure gold.
5 The nave he lined with cypress and covered it with fine gold and made palms and chains on it.
6 He adorned the house with settings of precious stones. The gold was gold of Parvaim.
7 He overlaid the house with gold, its beams, its thresholds, and its walls and its doors; and he carved cherubim on the walls.
8 The Most Holy Place was twenty cubits long, corresponding to the width of the house, and twenty cubits wide.
9 The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also overlaid the upper chambers with gold.
10 And he overlaid the whole house with gold, until all the house was finished.
11 The wings of the cherubim together extended twenty cubits: one wing of the one, of five cubits, touched the wall of the house, and its other wing, of five cubits, touched the wing of the other cherub.
12 The two doors were of olive wood, and he carved on them carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees.
13 The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. The cherubim stood on their feet, facing the main hall.
14 He made the veil of blue and purple and crimson fabrics and fine linen, and he worked cherubim on it.
15 In front of the house he made two pillars thirty-five cubits high, with a capital of five cubits on the top of each.
16 He made chains like a necklace and put them on the tops of the pillars, and he made a hundred pomegranates and put them on the chains.
17 He set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the south, the other on the north; that on the south he called Jachin, and that on the north Boaz.
The True Meaning of 2 Chronicles 3
The Book of 2 Chronicles was written by the prophet Ezra, who was a scribe and priest in the time after the Israelites had returned from their exile in Babylon. Ezra was tasked with recording the history of the kingdom of Judah, focusing on the reigns of the kings and the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. King Solomon, the son of King David, will build the temple in this chapter. This was a monumental undertaking, as the temple would serve as the central place of worship for the Israelites. The chapter describes the intricate details of the temple’s construction, foreshadowing the importance it would hold in the lives of God’s people.
We will see how Solomon followed the instructions given to his father David by God, carefully overseeing the work to ensure it was done according to the divine plan. This chapter highlights the significance of the temple, not only as a physical structure, but as a symbol of God’s presence and the covenant relationship between Him and His chosen people.
2 Chronicles 3:1-2
The detailed account of the construction of the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem is presented in 2 Chronicles 3:1-2. The text begins by stating that Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah where the Lord had appeared to his father David. This choice of location holds great significance as it was the same place where Abraham had been called to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God, and where God provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice. Mount Moriah therefore represents a place of obedience, faith, and divine provision.
The mention of David in this context is also noteworthy as it emphasizes the continuity and fulfillment of God’s promises to his people. David’s desire to build a house for the Lord was passed on to his son Solomon, who took on the task of carrying out this important project. This exemplifies the principle of passing on faith and legacy from one generation to the next, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. Solomon symbolizes the centrality of worship and reverence for God in the life of the nation of Israel as he embarks on the construction of the temple. The temple was not just a physical building, but a place where God’s presence would dwell among his people. This underscores the importance of sacred spaces and rituals in connecting with the divine. Christians in the New Testament are described as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), highlighting the personal indwelling of God in believers.
The meticulous planning and attention to detail that Solomon put into the construction of the temple reflect the idea of offering God our best in worship. The temple was adorned with gold, including the Most Holy Place where the ark of the covenant was kept. This symbolizes the honor and reverence due to God, and the idea of giving Him the firstfruits of our labor (Proverbs 3:9-10). It serves as a reminder for us to prioritize God in our lives and give Him the glory that is rightfully His. The description of the building of the temple in 2 Chronicles 3:1-2 teaches us about the significance of obedience, legacy, worship, and reverence in the life of a believer. It reminds us of the importance of honoring God with our best efforts, both individually and collectively as the body of Christ. We are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, just as Solomon offered his best in building the temple.
2 Chronicles 3:3-7
2 Chronicles 3:3-7 reads: “These are the dimensions Solomon used for the foundation of the house of God, based on the old standard of measure. It was sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide. The portico at the front of the main hall was twenty cubits long across the width of the building and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold. He paneled the main hall with juniper and covered it with fine gold and decorated it with palm tree and chain designs. He adorned the temple with precious stones. And the gold he used was gold of Parvaim. King Solomon oversaw a detailed description of the construction of the foundation of the house of God in these verses. The specific measurements provided here give us a sense of the grandeur and meticulousness with which the temple was built. The focus on using pure gold, precious stones, and intricate designs highlights the reverence and dedication with which the Israelites approached the worship of God.
The dimensions mentioned here are not just physical measurements but also symbolic in the Bible. The number six often represents incompleteness or imperfection, while the number twenty symbolizes expectancy and redemption. Therefore, the measurements of sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide could signify the anticipation of a perfect and complete dwelling place for God on earth. This meticulous attention to detail and the use of precious materials also reflect the importance of offering our best to God in worship.
The mention of gold from Parvaim is significant because it symbolizes the finest quality material used in the temple’s construction, emphasizing the sacredness and splendor of the house of God. Throughout the Bible, gold is often associated with purity and divinity, highlighting the idea that the temple was a place where the presence of God dwelt among His people. The use of precious stones and intricate designs in the temple’s adornment reflects the idea of honoring God with beauty and excellence. This concept is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Exodus 28:17-21, where the breastpiece of judgment for the high priest is described as adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These verses from 2 Chronicles 3 demonstrate the importance of reverence, dedication, and excellence in worshiping God. The meticulous construction of the temple under King Solomon’s supervision serves as a reminder for believers to approach God with our best offerings, both in material and spiritual aspects, as we seek to honor and glorify Him in our lives.
2 Chronicles 3:8-9
“He made the Most Holy Place; its length corresponded to the width of the temple, twenty cubits, and its width was twenty cubits,” is read in 2 Chronicles 3:8-9. He overlaid it with 600 talents of fine gold. The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He also overlaid the upper chambers with gold. We see a detailed description of the construction of the Most Holy Place within the temple that King Solomon was building in these verses.
The Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies, was the inner sanctuary of the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This part of the temple was considered the most sacred and only the high priest could enter it, and that too only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
The significance of the Most Holy Place lies in its representation of the presence of God among His people. The meticulous construction and use of valuable materials like gold emphasize the importance of honoring and revering God in His dwelling place. This attention to detail underscores the reverence and respect that the Israelites were to have for God and His sanctuary.
The mention of 600 talents of gold and fifty shekels of gold for the nails highlights the extravagance and grandeur with which Solomon built the temple to glorify God. This demonstration of opulence and splendor was not for mere human vanity but to emphasize the majesty of God and His dwelling place on earth.
This attention to detail in the construction of the temple reflects the value that the Israelites placed on worship and God’s presence. It serves as a reminder to us today of the importance of honoring God with our best, whether in our worship spaces or in our lives. We are called to give our best to God in all aspects of our lives, offering Him our time, talents, and resources for His glory, just as Solomon spared no expense in building the temple.
The construction of the temple and the Most Holy Place also point to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the temple. Jesus refers to Himself as the temple in John 2:19-21, signifying that He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. We, as believers, are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), further emphasizing the importance of honoring God with our bodies and lives, just as Solomon honored God through the construction of the temple.
2 Chronicles 3:10-13
He made the image of two cherubim and overlaid them with gold in the Most Holy Place, as stated in 2 Chronicles 3:10-13. The total wingspan of the cherubim was twenty cubits. One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long and touched the temple wall, while its other wing, also five cubits long, touched the wing of the other cherub. Similarly, one wing of the second cherub was five cubits long and touched the other temple wall, and its other wing, also five cubits long, touched the wing of the first cherub. The wings of these cherubim extended twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, facing the main room.”
This passage describes the intricate details of the construction of the Most Holy Place in the temple that King Solomon built. The cherubim mentioned here were angelic figures often associated with the presence of God and protection. The fact that these cherubim were overlaid with gold reflects the grandeur and opulence of the temple, highlighting the reverence and importance placed on the worship of God.
The specific measurements and placement of the wings of the cherubim symbolize symmetry and unity within the temple, emphasizing the harmony and order that should be present in the worship of God. The cherubim facing each other and touching wings could symbolize unity and the coming together of different elements in the worship of God.
This meticulous description of the Most Holy Place demonstrates the care and attention to detail that was put into building a place of worship for God. It also serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of creating sacred spaces dedicated to the worship and honor of God. The imagery of the cherubim in the temple recalls other instances in the Bible where these angelic beings played significant roles, such as guarding the way to the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) or being depicted on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22). This passage underscores the significance of reverence, order, and unity in worship, and it inspires believers to approach the worship of God with a spirit of awe, respect, and attention to detail.
2 Chronicles 3:14
The verse 2 Chronicles 3:14 states: “He made the curtain of blue, purple and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it. The focus in this verse is on the description of the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the temple that King Solomon built. The use of blue, purple, and crimson yarn along with fine linen to create this curtain symbolizes royalty, wealth, and divinity. These colors were often associated with nobility and were used in the tabernacle and temple to represent God’s majesty and holiness.
The cherubim mentioned in the verse have great significance in the Bible. Cherubim are often depicted as angelic beings who guard the presence of God and symbolize His power and protection. The cherubim woven into the curtain signify the heavenly realm’s connection to the earthly temple and the divine protection that surrounds it in this context.
The construction of the temple, including the intricately designed curtain, reflects the importance of reverence and respect for the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence resided. This attention to detail in creating sacred spaces reminds believers of the need to approach God with awe and humility, acknowledging His holiness and majesty.
The imagery of the curtain with cherubim woven into it also points to the heavenly realities that transcend the physical temple. The veil in the temple is torn in two at the moment of Christ’s death in the New Testament, symbolizing the access believers now have to God through Jesus Christ. This act signifies the removal of barriers between humanity and God, allowing for a direct relationship with Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the meticulous care taken in the construction of the temple and the importance of honoring God’s presence with reverence and awe. It also foreshadows the ultimate access to God that would be made available through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, symbolized by the tearing of the temple veil.
2 Chronicles 3:15-17
The completion of the construction of the inner sanctuary of the temple that King Solomon built for the Lord in Jerusalem is described in 2 Chronicles 3:15-17. Let’s break down the verse to understand its significance in the context of the Bible’s teachings.
Starting with verse 15, it mentions that Solomon overlaid the walls of the temple with gold and adorned them with elaborate cherubim and palm trees. The use of gold signifies the great value and holiness of the temple, highlighting the importance of dedicating the most precious materials to the worship of God. The cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God, symbolizing His majesty and protection over the temple. The palm trees are a symbol of victory, righteousness, and prosperity, reflecting the blessings that come from worshipping and obeying God.
Moving on to verse 16, it describes the inner sanctuary, known as the Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. This sacred space was separated from the rest of the temple by a veil, symbolizing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The Ark of the Covenant contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod, representing God’s covenant with His people, His provision, and His chosen priesthood.
Finally, in verse 17, it mentions the two massive pillars called Jachin and Boaz that stood at the entrance of the temple. These pillars were not merely structural components but held symbolic significance as well. Jachin means “he establishes,” while Boaz means “in Him is strength.” Together, they remind the worshipers that their strength and stability come from God, who establishes His people in righteousness and upholds them in times of trouble.
This passage from 2 Chronicles 3:15-17 emphasizes the grandeur, holiness, and symbolism embedded in the construction of the temple, reflecting the meticulous planning and reverence that Solomon and the people had for the worship of God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of dedicating our best efforts and resources to honor God in our lives. Additionally, it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the temple, as He declared Himself to be the true temple (John 2:19-21) and the embodiment of God’s presence among His people (Colossians 2:9). This passage not only showcases the detailed craftsmanship of the temple but also underscores the spiritual truths and principles that underpin the worship of God. It encourages believers to approach God with reverence, gratitude, and faith, recognizing His sovereignty, provision, and strength in their lives.
After 2 Chronicles 3
The Lord’s temple in Jerusalem was finally complete. King Solomon had spared no expense, using the finest materials and skilled craftsmen to construct a magnificent house of worship. Yet, as the people gathered to dedicate this sacred space, they knew that the true glory of the Lord resided not in the grandeur of the building, but in the hearts of those who would come to seek His presence. The people were reminded that the true test would come in the days ahead as the incense rose and the choirs sang. Would they remain faithful to the covenant, walking in obedience to God’s commands? Or would they, like their ancestors, be drawn away by the allure of the world? The future of the kingdom hung in the balance, and only time would tell which path the people would choose.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.