And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men ,.... Of whom, and the difference of the last number in this text from 1 Kings 5:15 , see the notes there. See Gill on 1 Kings 5:15 . See Gill on 1 Kings 5:16 . read more
A great project: the building of a temple. I. THE PROJECT CONCEIVED . ( 2 Chronicles 2:1 .) A project: 1 . Not new, but old. Not taken up by Solomon for the first time, but one his father David had years before meditated, though not permitted to execute it, because he had been "a man of war, and had shed blood '( 1 Chronicles 28:3 ). 2 . Not self-devised, but delegated, Not assumed out of vanity or from purely political motives, but handed down to him in circumstances... read more
This chapter, in a homiletic point of view, invites attention to Those methods (or some of them) of religious enterprise which go to ensure success and to issue in real usefulness. For we may notice here— I. THE REPEATED RECORD , ON THE PART OF SOLOMON , OF HIS RESOLUTION OR DETERMINATION . "Solomon determined." The enterprise "of building a house to the Name of the Lord" had been set before him. He knew it had been in his father's mind. He had heard it in... read more
The presence of this verse here, and the composition of it, may probably mark some corruptness of text or error of copyists, as the first two words of it are the proper first two words of 2 Chronicles 2:17 , and the remainder of it shows the proper contents of 2 Chronicles 2:18 , which are not only in other aspects apparently in the right place there, but also by analogy of the parallel ( 1 Kings 5:15 , 1 Kings 5:16 ). The contents of this verse will therefore be considered with 2... read more
Human labour. Concerning the work in which we are engaged as men of action and production, we have here four suggestions. I. THE AMPLITUDE OF MATERIAL WITH WHICH GOD HAS SUPPLIED US . We have mention made ( 2 Chronicles 2:7 ) of different metals—gold, silver, brass, iron; and this enumeration is far from being exhaustive. We have reference ( 2 Chronicles 2:8 ) to different trees; and these are only a reminder of all the kinds of timber to be had in the forests... read more
Construction of the temple (2:1-7:22)With the help of King Hiram of Tyre, Solomon prepared materials and arranged a workforce to build the planned temple (2:1-18; see notes on 1 Kings 5:1-18). Construction went on for seven years, until the temple, its furniture, its courtyard, and all other articles and decorations connected with it were completed according to plan (3:1-5:1; see notes on 1 Kings 6:1-7:51). The temple was then dedicated to God (5:2-7:22; see notes on 1 Kings 8:1-9:9). read more
And Solomon, &c. The 11th Seder ends here. See note on p. 366. men. Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 . three thousand and six hundred. Compare 1 Kings 5:16 . read more
1. Preparations for building the temple ch. 2Though he gave some attention to the materials Solomon used in the temple, the writer’s primary interest was the communications between Solomon and Hiram (Huram). Solomon’s letter to Hiram (2 Chronicles 2:3-10) reveals that he had a sincere desire to glorify God. He did not regard building the temple as a duty David had imposed on him. Furthermore, his conception of Yahweh was appropriate and realistic (2 Chronicles 2:5). Hiram’s reply (2 Chronicles... read more
Solomon’s Negotiations with HiramThis chapter substantially reproduces 1 Kings 5, with some differences in numbers, names, and expressions.1. An house for his kingdom] The description of this, which is given at length in 1 Kings 7, is omitted by the Chronicler.5. Is great] i.e. in magnificence, but not in actual dimensions—the external length and breadth being only 120 x 45 ft., less than many parish churches. It was not intended to hold an assemblage of worshippers, but to be a sanctuary for... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 2:1-10
Solomon's wisdom was given him, not merely for speculation, to entertain himself (though it is indeed a princely entertainment), nor merely for conversation, to entertain his friends, but for action; and therefore to action he immediately applies himself. Observe, I. His resolution within himself concerning his business (2 Chron. 2:1): He determined to build, in the first place, a house for the name of the Lord. It is fit that he who is the first should be served?first a temple and then a... read more