King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:1 Mean?

“Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. where: or, which was seen of David his father”

Context

Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite. where: or, which was seen of David his father

And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.

Now these are the things wherein Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. instructed: Heb. founded

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(*a*) **SITE AND DATE** (2Chronicles 3:1-2). (1) **At Jerusalem in mount Moriah.**—Nowhere else in the Old Testament is the Temple site so specified. (Comp. “the land of Moriah,” the place appointed for the sacrifice of Isaac, Genesis 22:2.) **Where the Lord appeared unto David his father.**—So LXX.; rather, who *appeared unto David his father.* Such is the meaning according to the common use of words. There is clearly an allusion to the etymology of MORIAH, which is assumed to signify “appearance of Jah.” (Comp. Genesis 22:14.) Translate, “in the mount of the Appearance of Jah, who appeared unto David his father.” The Vulgate reads: “in Monte Moria qui *demonstratus fuerat* David patri ejus;” but *nir’ah* never means *to be shown* or *pointed out.* The Syriac, misunderstanding the LXX. (Ἀμωρία)*,* renders “in the hill of the Amorites.” **In the place that David had prepared.**—This is no doubt correct, as the versions indicate. The Hebrew has suffered an accidental transposition. **In the threshingfloor of Ornan.**—1Chronicles 21:28; 1Chronicles 22:1.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.