2 Chronicles 3
2 Chronicles 3 focuses on how Solomon begins building the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. This chapter records the location and timing of the temple’s construction, its detailed design and decorations, and the making of the Most Holy Place and the two pillars. In this way, it powerfully shows the temple being built—the center of Israel’s faith at the beginning of Solomon’s reign—continuing from what was emphasized in 1 Chronicles.
1verseThen Solomon began to build the LORD’s house at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared to David his father, which he prepared in the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
2verseHe began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.
3verseNow these are the foundations which Solomon laid for the building of God’s house: the length by cubits after the first measure was sixty cubits, and the width twenty cubits.
4verseThe porch that was in front, its length, across the width of the house, was twenty cubits, and the height one hundred twenty; and he overlaid it within with pure gold.
5verseHe made the larger room with a ceiling of cypress wood, which he overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains.
6verseHe decorated the house with precious stones for beauty. The gold was gold from Parvaim.
7verseHe also overlaid the house, the beams, the thresholds, its walls, and its doors with gold, and engraved cherubim on the walls.
8verseHe made the most holy place. Its length, according to the width of the house, was twenty cubits, and its width twenty cubits; and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.
9verseThe weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. He overlaid the upper rooms with gold.
10verseIn the most holy place he made two cherubim by carving, and they overlaid them with gold.
11verseThe wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: the wing of the one was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.
12verseThe wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits, joining to the wing of the other cherub.
13verseThe wings of these cherubim spread themselves out twenty cubits. They stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house.
14verseHe made the veil of blue, purple, crimson, and fine linen, and ornamented it with cherubim.
15verseAlso he made before the house two pillars thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.
16verseHe made chains in the inner sanctuary, and put them on the tops of the pillars; and he made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.
17verseHe set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.
The Location and Significance of the Temple’s Construction
Verse 3:1 states that the temple’s location is “the threshing floor of Araunah, Mount Moriah.” This is the place where Abraham offered Isaac, and where David had built an altar to the Lord—so it carries special spiritual traditions and historical meaning. This choice of location symbolically shows the continuity of Israel’s faith and God’s guidance.
The Temple’s Design and Decorations
- The temple’s length, width, and height are mentioned in detail (vv. 2–4). Inside, various decorations are made and plated with pure gold, including pomegranates and groupings (angels) made of olive wood.
- Assyrian and Phoenician architectural elements appear in harmony, reflecting the progress of culture and art of the time.
- The emphasis is in the grandeur and purity meant for God alone. It is also that the very best was used for every decoration and material.
The Most Holy Place and the Two Pillars
The Most Holy Place (the place that is most holy) is where God’s presence dwells. Inside, two great cherubim are placed, overlaid with gold, and space is prepared for the ark of the covenant. Also, two pillars named Jachin and Boaz are set up in front of the temple (vv. 15–17). These two pillars symbolize that God firmly establishes his people and gives them strength.
Points to Ponder
- Let us reflect on what attitude and heart we bring when offering things to God and when doing work for him.
- We need to remember that every part of the process of building the temple was meant to reveal God’s holiness and glory.
- In the specific place and plan, and in the use of the finest materials, we can also reflect on whether God is at the center of our lives.
Try Applying It to Me
- Let us reflect on whether my heart is being prepared as God’s dwelling place, and whether in everyday choices I am offering God the very best.
- Let us also examine whether the center of our life of faith is not outward appearance, but the truth and holiness within.
- Let us take time to give thanks for how God has guided the foundation of my life, and to reaffirm a life centered on God going forward.
