And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shall need ,.... Both cedar and fir, 1 Kings 5:8 , and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa ; a port in the Mediterranean sea, the same that Jonah went down to; see Gill on 1 Kings 5:9 , and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem ; in land carriages, about forty miles off. read more
In floats by sea to Joppa - See the note on 1 Kings 5:9 , and on the parallel places, for other matters contained in this chapter. read more
This chapter, in a homiletic point of view, invites attention to Those methods (or some of them) of religious enterprise which go to ensure success and to issue in real usefulness. For we may notice here— I. THE REPEATED RECORD , ON THE PART OF SOLOMON , OF HIS RESOLUTION OR DETERMINATION . "Solomon determined." The enterprise "of building a house to the Name of the Lord" had been set before him. He knew it had been in his father's mind. He had heard it in... read more
Lessons from the labourers. The interesting particulars we have of the labours of building the temple give us a variety of suggestions. I. THE VALUE OF A WISE INTERMINGLING . 1 . Of blood. The principal architect and engineer supplied by King Hiram was a man of mixed blood; his father was a man of Tyro, but his mother was a Jewess (see 1 Kings 7:14 ), and he appears to have been a man of unusual ability. The mixture of races is proved to be of a very distinct... read more
Joppa , This was one of the most ancient of towns, and is referred to by Pliny ('Hist. Nat.,' 2 Chronicles 5:13 ), as "Joppa Phoenicum, antiquior terrarum inundatione, ut ferunt." Its name ( יָפוֹ , "beauty") is said to have been justified by the beautiful groves in its neighbourhood. It is mentioned Joshua 19:46 as Japho, where also we learn the circumstances under which the Dan tribe were possessed of it. It is remarkable that it is not mentioned again till our present verse, not... 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
1. Preparations for building the temple ch. 2Though he gave some attention to the materials Solomon used in the temple, the writer’s primary interest was the communications between Solomon and Hiram (Huram). Solomon’s letter to Hiram (2 Chronicles 2:3-10) reveals that he had a sincere desire to glorify God. He did not regard building the temple as a duty David had imposed on him. Furthermore, his conception of Yahweh was appropriate and realistic (2 Chronicles 2:5). Hiram’s reply (2 Chronicles... read more
Solomon’s Negotiations with HiramThis chapter substantially reproduces 1 Kings 5, with some differences in numbers, names, and expressions.1. An house for his kingdom] The description of this, which is given at length in 1 Kings 7, is omitted by the Chronicler.5. Is great] i.e. in magnificence, but not in actual dimensions—the external length and breadth being only 120 x 45 ft., less than many parish churches. It was not intended to hold an assemblage of worshippers, but to be a sanctuary for... read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 2:11-18
Here we have, I. The return which Huram made to Solomon's embassy, in which he shows a great respect for Solomon and a readiness to serve him. Meaner people may learn of these great ones to be neighbourly and complaisant. 1. He congratulates Israel on having such a king as Solomon was (2 Chron. 2:11): Because the Lord loved his people, he has made thee king. Note, A wise and good government is a great blessing to a people, and may well be accounted a singular token of God's favour. He does not... read more