King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:3 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:3 in the King James Version says “And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars t... — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. Huram: or, Hiram

2 Chronicles 2:3 · KJV


Context

1

And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

2

And Solomon told out threescore and ten thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore thousand to hew in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

3

And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me. Huram: or, Hiram

4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel. sweet: Heb. incense of spices

5

And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him cedars to build him an house to dwell therein, even so deal with me.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 20 words
וַתִּֽשְׁלַֽח1 of 20

and didst send

H7971

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

שְׁלֹמֹ֔ה2 of 20

And Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

אֶל3 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

חוּרָ֥ם4 of 20

to Huram

H2361

churam, the name of an israelite and two syrians

מֶֽלֶךְ5 of 20

the king

H4428

a king

צֹ֖ר6 of 20

of Tyre

H6865

tsor, a place in palestine

לֵאמֹ֑ר7 of 20

saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר8 of 20
H834

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

עָשִׂ֙יתָ֙9 of 20

As thou didst deal

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִם10 of 20
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

דָּוִ֣יד11 of 20

with David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

אָבִ֔י12 of 20

my father

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וַתִּֽשְׁלַֽח13 of 20

and didst send

H7971

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

ל֣וֹ14 of 20
H0
אֲרָזִ֔ים15 of 20

him cedars

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

לִבְנֽוֹת16 of 20

to build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

ל֥וֹ17 of 20
H0
בַ֖יִת18 of 20

him an house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לָשֶׁ֥בֶת19 of 20

to dwell

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בּֽוֹ׃20 of 20
H0

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 2:3 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 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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