King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 2:8 Mean?

2 Chronicles 2:8 in the King James Version says “Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timb...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants, algum: or, Almuggim, I.Kin.10.11.”

2 Chronicles 2:8 · KJV

Context

6

But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him? is able: Heb. hath retained, or, obtained strength

7

Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide. to grave: Heb. to grave gravings

8

Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants, algum: or, Almuggim, I.Kin.10.11.

9

Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great. wonderful: Heb. great and wonderful

10

And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy 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 · 20 words
וּֽשְׁלַֽח1 of 20

“Send”

H7971

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

לִי֩2 of 20
H0
עֲצֵ֣י3 of 20

“timber”

H6086

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

אֲרָזִ֜ים4 of 20

“me also cedar”

H730

a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)

בְּרוֹשִׁ֣ים5 of 20

“fir trees”

H1265

a cypress (?) tree; hence, a lance or a musical instrument (as made of that wood)

וְאַלְגּוּמִּים֮6 of 20

“and algum trees”

H418

sticks of algum wood

לְבָנ֑וֹן7 of 20

“in Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

כִּ֚י8 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲנִ֣י9 of 20
H589

i

יֽוֹדְעִ֔ים10 of 20

“can skill”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֲשֶׁ֤ר11 of 20
H834

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

עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃12 of 20

“and behold my servants”

H5650

a servant

יֽוֹדְעִ֔ים13 of 20

“can skill”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

לִכְר֖וֹת14 of 20

“to 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

עֲצֵ֣י15 of 20

“timber”

H6086

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

לְבָנ֑וֹן16 of 20

“in Lebanon”

H3844

lebanon, a mountain range in palestine

וְהִנֵּ֥ה17 of 20
H2009

lo!

עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃18 of 20

“and behold my servants”

H5650

a servant

עִם19 of 20
H5973

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

עֲבָדֶֽיךָ׃20 of 20

“and behold my 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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 5:62 Chronicles 9:10-111 Kings 10:11

Places in This Verse

LebanonRegion · Modern: Jezzine · 33.54°N, 35.58°E57 verses across 16 books
View all places in 2 Chronicles 2 →

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