King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:15 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:15 in the King James Version says “Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his serv...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:”

2 Chronicles 2:15 · KJV

Context

13

And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

14

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

15

Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

16

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem. as much: Heb according to all thy need Joppa: Heb. Japho

17

And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the numbering wherewith David his father had numbered them; and they were found an hundred and fifty thousand and three thousand and six hundred. the strangers: Heb. the men the strangers

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, the oil, and the wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants:

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Mobilizing resources for God's house. The Chronicler presents Solomon's faithfulness in temple building and worship as paradigmatic for post-exilic Israel. Unlike the Kings account which includes Solomon's failures, Chronicles emphasizes his positive example during his faithful years.

Theologically, the passage demonstrates that wholehearted seeking of God results in His manifest blessing and presence. The temple construction and dedication represent the climax of God's dwelling with Israel, foreshadowing the incarnation when God would dwell among humanity in Christ. The elaborate preparations and careful adherence to divine pattern emphasize that worship must occur on God's terms.

Cross-references to the tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17), and Messianic prophecies illuminate how Solomon's temple points toward Christ as the true meeting place between God and humanity. The material glory of Solomon's kingdom anticipates the greater glory of the Messianic age.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reign of Solomon (970-930 BCE) represents Israel's golden age of peace and prosperity. The temple construction began in Solomon's fourth year (966 BCE), exactly 480 years after the Exodus according to 1 Kings 6:1. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective (450-400 BCE), emphasizing themes relevant to the restored community: temple worship, Levitical service, and covenant faithfulness.

Archaeological evidence confirms Solomon's extensive building projects and international trade relationships. The temple's design incorporated Phoenician architectural elements, evidenced by parallel structures discovered in Syria and Lebanon. Solomon's alliance with Hiram of Tyre provided both materials (Lebanese cedar) and craftsmen for the construction.

The post-exilic audience, having returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple, needed encouragement that God's presence and blessing could be restored through faithful worship. The Chronicler presents Solomon's reign as paradigmatic—when leaders and people seek God wholeheartedly, He dwells among them and prospers them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen understanding of God's presence as the source of true blessing and success?
  2. What does this passage teach about the importance of following God's prescribed patterns in worship and service?
  3. How does Solomon's example in Preparation for Temple Building point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְ֠עַתָּה1 of 10
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

הַֽחִטִּ֨ים2 of 10

“Now therefore the wheat”

H2406

wheat, whether the grain or the plant

וְהַשְּׂעֹרִ֜ים3 of 10

“and the barley”

H8184

barley (as villose)

הַשֶּׁ֤מֶן4 of 10

“the oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

וְהַיַּ֙יִן֙5 of 10

“and the wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אָמַ֣ר7 of 10

“hath spoken”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנִ֔י8 of 10

“which my lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

יִשְׁלַ֖ח9 of 10

“of let him send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לַֽעֲבָדָֽיו׃10 of 10

“unto his servants”

H5650

a servant

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 2:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 2:101 Kings 5:11

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