2 Chronicles Chapter 2 — Preparations for the Temple
Solomon begins construction on the Temple by organizing a vast workforce and requesting timber and skilled craftsmen from King Huram of Tyre.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
2 Chronicles 2:5
“The house which I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.”
This verse explains the theological motivation behind the Temple's intended size and magnificence.
2 Chronicles 2:11
“Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon, “Because the LORD loves his people, he has made you king over them.””
This shows a foreign leader acknowledging the God of Israel and Solomon's divine appointment.
2 Chronicles 2:6
“But who is able to build him a house, since heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain him? Who am I then, that I should build him a house, except just to burn incense before him?”
Solomon expresses humility and the understanding that no physical building can truly house the infinite God.
Chapter Summary
2 Chronicles Chapter 2 details the logistical and diplomatic preparations for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and Solomon's own palace. King Solomon organizes a massive workforce of 153,600 men, including 70,000 burden bearers, 80,000 stone cutters in the mountains, and 3,600 overseers. To secure the necessary materials, Solomon sends a message to King Huram of Tyre, requesting cedar, cypress, and algum wood from Lebanon. He also asks for a master craftsman skilled in metalwork, engraving, and fine textiles. In exchange for these resources and services, Solomon provides Huram's servants with large quantities of wheat, barley, wine, and oil. King Huram responds in writing, praising the God of Israel for Solomon's wisdom and agreeing to the trade. He sends a skilled artisan named Huram-abi and arranges for timber to be transported by sea in rafts to Joppa, where Solomon's men can carry it to Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solomon needed high-quality timber from Lebanon and a master craftsman skilled in metalwork and textiles. King Huram possessed these resources and was a former ally of Solomon's father, David.
The text lists a total of 153,600 workers, consisting of 70,000 burden bearers, 80,000 stone cutters, and 3,600 overseers to manage the labor.
Huram-abi was a master artisan sent by the King of Tyre. He was of mixed heritage, with a mother from the tribe of Dan and a father from Tyre, and was expert in working with various metals, stones, wood, and fine fabrics.
Solomon provided the workers with 20,000 cors of beaten wheat, 20,000 cors of barley, 20,000 baths of wine, and 20,000 baths of oil.
Study Note
The use of 'algum trees' in verse 8, likely a high-quality wood like sandalwood, signifies the global reach of Solomon's trade network and the precious nature of the Temple's materials.
Related Chapters
1 Kings 5
This parallel passage provides a similar account of the treaty between Solomon and King Huram.
2 Chronicles 3
The next chapter begins the actual construction of the Temple on Mount Moriah.
2 Chronicles 1
The previous chapter establishes Solomon's wisdom and wealth which enabled these preparations.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.