King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 3:7 Mean?

2 Chronicles 3:7 in the King James Version says “He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved ch...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.”

2 Chronicles 3:7 · KJV

Context

5

And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

6

And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim. garnished: Heb. covered

7

He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

8

And he made the most holy house, the length whereof was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.

9

And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He overlaid also the house, the beams, the posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, with gold; and graved cherubims on the walls.

This verse contributes to the narrative of Solomon's reign, specifically focusing on Building according to divine pattern on consecrated ground. 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 Temple Construction Begins point forward to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וַיְחַ֨ף1 of 12

“He overlaid”

H2645

to cover; by implication, to veil, to encase, protect

אֶת2 of 12
H853

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

הַבַּ֜יִת3 of 12

“also the house”

H1004

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

הַקֹּר֧וֹת4 of 12

“the beams”

H6982

a rafter (forming trenches as it were); by implication, a roof

הַסִּפִּ֛ים5 of 12

“the posts”

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

הַקִּירֽוֹת׃6 of 12

“and the walls”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

וְדַלְתוֹתָ֖יו7 of 12

“thereof and the doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

זָהָ֑ב8 of 12

“thereof with gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וּפִתַּ֥ח9 of 12

“and graved”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

כְּרוּבִ֖ים10 of 12

“cherubims”

H3742

a cherub or imaginary figure

עַל11 of 12
H5921

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

הַקִּירֽוֹת׃12 of 12

“and the walls”

H7023

a wall (as built in a trench)

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 3:7 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 3:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 6:20-22Ezekiel 7:20Exodus 26:11 Kings 6:29-35Exodus 26:29

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