John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 3:1-17
See Chapter Introduction read more
See Chapter Introduction read more
The building of the temple. I. THE SITE . 1 . Central At Jerusalem. (1) Natural. Jerusalem, the metropolis of the kingdom, the political and religious centre of the country, was entitled to contain the chief symbol round which the political and religious life of the nation was in future to revolve. (2) Appropriate. As the king had a palace in the capital, it was fitting the king's King, Jehovah, should there have a temple. (3) Convenient. Since the temple was to be... read more
The veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen (so Exodus 26:31 , Exodus 26:33 , Exodus 26:35 ; Exodus 36:35 ; Exodus 40:3 , Exodus 40:21 ). It is remarkable that our parallel ( 1 Kings 6:1-38 .) does not make mention of the veil, though a feature of which so much was always made. On the other hand, it is remarkable that our present passage does not make mention of the folding "doors of olive tree," which, with "the veil," intercepted the approach to the oracle ( 1... read more
This is an important addition to the description in Kings, where the veil is not mentioned. It was made of exactly the same colors as the veil of the tabernacle Exodus 26:31. read more
2 Chronicles 3:14. And he made the veil, &c. The inner veil, which parted between the holy and the most holy place. This denoted the darkness of that dispensation, and the distance at which the worshippers were kept. But at the death of Christ this veil was rent; for through him we are brought nigh, and have boldness, or παρρησια , liberty, Hebrews 10:19, not only to look, but to enter into the holiest. And wrought cherubims thereon Hebrew, ויעל , vajagnal, he caused to ascend; ... read more
Construction of the temple (2:1-7:22)With the help of King Hiram of Tyre, Solomon prepared materials and arranged a workforce to build the planned temple (2:1-18; see notes on 1 Kings 5:1-18). Construction went on for seven years, until the temple, its furniture, its courtyard, and all other articles and decorations connected with it were completed according to plan (3:1-5:1; see notes on 1 Kings 6:1-7:51). The temple was then dedicated to God (5:2-7:22; see notes on 1 Kings 8:1-9:9). read more
the vail. Not mentioned in 1 Kings 6:0 . read more
"And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubim thereon."(See the chapter heading for our perplexity regarding this verse.) Significantly, it is not stated that this veil sealed off the Holy of Holies, although it may be implied. Certainly that is what should have been done; but 1 Kings 6 indicates that olive-wood doors were used. One thing is certain, the Herodian temple had the veil. read more
Particulars relating to the TempleThis and the following chapter abbreviate what is recorded in 1 Kings 6, 7.1. Moriah] Here the designation of the Temple hill, but in Genesis 22:2 of the ’land’ in which was situated the hill where Isaac was to be sacrificed. Where the Lord appeared unto] better ’which was shown unto,’ i.e. by the acceptance of the king’s sacrifice (1 Chronicles 21:28; 1 Chronicles 22:1).3. These are the things, etc.] RV ’these are the foundations which Solomon laid’: the v.... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 3:10-17
Here is an account of 1. The two cherubim, which were set up in the holy of holies. There were two already over the ark, which covered the mercy-seat with their wings; these were small ones. Now that the most holy place was enlarged, though these were continued (being appurtenances to the ark, which was not to be made new, as all the other utensils of the tabernacle were), yet those two large ones were added, doubtless by divine appointment, to fill up the holy place, which otherwise would... read more