II Chronicles Chapter 2
Please read: II Chronicles 2 –
While it is true that Solomon built a great palace for himself and several other buildings, the focus is upon the temple. The temple would not be just for the Israelites but would serve as a testimony of the greatness of God to all the nations. Solomon purposed to make the temple the greatest and most beautiful building that he could make it. This required a lot of labor. He knew that he would need skilled craftsman, men that exceeded the talents of the men of Israel. He sought the talent of highly skilled craftsmen in their neighbor to the north, of Lebanon and Tyre. Relationships with these people had already been forged by David, and Solomon drew upon those ties to request what he needed for the building projects.
In the letter written to King Hiram of Tyre it is evident that Solomon had a deep relationship with God. He did not hold back when he talked about his great mission for the building of the temple and its purpose. And whether or not the king of Tyre was a believer, he certainly showed respect for the God of Israel in his responding letter to Solomon.
“He (Solomon) never conceived it as a place to which God would be confined. He did expect, and he received, manifestations of the Presence of God in that house. Its chief value was that it afforded man a place in which he should offer incense; that is, the symbol of adoration, praise, worship, to God.” [Morgan]
Let's Reflect
1. In Solomon’s letter to King Hiram, what statement did he write about God that no man on earth can refute?
2. In verse 6 Solomon showed humility in speaking of the greatness of God. How did he express God’s greatness?
3. The skilled workers requested by Solomon included workers who could manipulate gold, silver, and bronze. It also included skilled workers of cloth. What in particular did he request of those types of craftspeople?
4. Solomon also needed a lot of what particular resource that would come from Lebanon?
5. In return Solomon would give them wheat, barley and 20,000 baths of wine. A “bath” was approximately equal to 6 gallons. What was the other product of Israel promised for the lumber?
6. In his response letter, what did King Hiram say about God that seems to indicate belief in God? Perhaps David had been a great influence in his life, and he had believed in the one true God.
7. There was one man who was trained and skilled in many things that Hiram sent to Solomon. What was his name?
8. The lumber that would come from Lebanon would be taken “up to Jerusalem.” Jerusalem sat on a hill, so no matter what direction people came from if they were going to Jerusalem, it was considered that they were going up. How would be the process for the lumber to get from Lebanon to Jerusalem?
9. Who were the majority of the workers who prepared and built the temple and the palace?
10. Did you notice that the king of Tyre accepted the payment suggested in Solomon’s letter? Did he ask for more than was offered? I think the King of Tyre had a great deal of respect for David and for the building of the temple that Solomon was going to be starting.
