King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:16 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:16 in the King James Version says “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;...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

2 Chronicles 2:16 · KJV

Context

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

18

And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in flotes by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

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 · 17 words
וַֽ֠אֲנַחְנוּ1 of 17
H587

we

נִכְרֹ֨ת2 of 17

“And we will cut”

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

עֵצִ֤ים3 of 17

“wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

מִן4 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַלְּבָנוֹן֙5 of 17

“out of Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

כְּכָל6 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

צָרְכֶּ֔ךָ7 of 17

“as much as thou shalt need”

H6878

need

וּנְבִיאֵ֥ם8 of 17

“and we will bring”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְךָ֛9 of 17
H0
רַפְסֹד֖וֹת10 of 17

“it to thee in floats”

H7513

a raft (as flat on the water)

עַל11 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָ֣ם12 of 17

“by sea”

H3220

a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif

יָפ֑וֹ13 of 17

“to Joppa”

H3305

japho, a place in palestine

וְאַתָּ֛ה14 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תַּֽעֲלֶ֥ה15 of 17

“and thou shalt carry it up”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֹתָ֖ם16 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃17 of 17

“to Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 2:16 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 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 19:461 Kings 5:8-9Ezra 3:7John 1:3Acts 10:32Acts 9:36

Places in This Verse

Great SeaBody of Water · Modern: Mediterranean Sea · 31.80°N, 34.17°E36 verses across 14 books
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
JoppaSettlement · Modern: Jaffa · 32.05°N, 34.75°E14 verses across 5 books
LebanonRegion · Modern: Jezzine · 33.54°N, 35.58°E57 verses across 16 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 2 →

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