Solomon Begins the Temple

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PASSAGE:  2Chronicles 3:1-17

COMMENT: Solomon began to build the temple for which he is famous. Here we learn of the general dimensions, the coverings, the cherubim, and the pillars. Most people tend to see portions of scripture like this as difficult and boring. However, many hidden treasures are reserved to those who take the time to look for them.

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

1.                   Solomon began to build in the second day of the ___________ month, in the _________ year of his reign.

2.                   The greater house (that is, the main tabernacle area) had a ceiling made of _______ tree, which was overlaid with gold with engravings of _________ trees and ________.

3.                   The weight of the nails was ________ shekels of gold.

4.                   Solomon made the veil of ________, and purple, and __________, and fine linen.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1.                   Solomon built the temple at Jerusalem in mount Moriah. Moriah is only mentioned by name in two places in the Bible: Genesis 22:2 and 2Chronicles 3:1. What three important things are recorded as happening here? What are the connections between these three events?

2.                   This chapter speaks of the “greater house” (v.5) and the “most holy house” (v.8). This refers to the two major sections of the temple—also found in the tabernacle. Look at these passages: Exodus 26:33-34; 1Kings 6:5; Hebrews 9:2-3. What are some others names given to these two sections of the tabernacle or temple? Try to explain the significance of these names.

3.         Cherubim are mentioned either by the name cherub or by cherubims nine times in this chapter (v.7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14). They are mentioned a total of 93 times in the Bible. In this passage, they are symbolic of the heavenly beings. Read the verses mentioned above and tell the different places in the temple where the cherubim could be found. Now look up and read the following: Genesis 3:24; 2Kings 19:15; Psalm 18:10; Ezekiel 10:1-15; 28:14-16. What can you say about the appearance of the cherubim? What can you say about their work or duties for God?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

1.                   Verse six tells us that the gold used for the temple of Solomon was “gold of Parvaim.” This is the only place in the Bible where Parvaim is mentioned. However, we often find that the quality of gold is determined by the place from which it comes. Genesis 2:11-12 refers to the gold of Havilah by saying “the gold of that land was good.” David stated that he had gathered “of the gold of Ophir” (1Chronicles 29:4) for the house of the Lord. Ophir probably refers to the region of the Arabian peninsula at present-day Yemen. It was known for its gold even in the days of Job (Job 22:24; 28:16). Other verses refer to the gold of Sheba (Psalm 72:15) and the gold of Uphaz (Daniel 10:5). Why was gold known for the place from whence it came? Can you think of any spiritual application to this phenomenon? How would this apply to 1Corinthians 3:12-15 where man’s works are compared to various objects—one of which is gold? Is our gold known by what kind it is?

2.                   Verse 17 states, “And he reared up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.” Solomon placed two tall pillars in front of the temple and called them Jachin and Boaz. Jachin means stability (or “he will establish”) and Boaz means strength (by most authorities). Compare this with Isaiah 33:6 where stability and strength are used in the English text (though not the same Hebrew words as Jachin and Boaz). Consider that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1Corinthians 6:19). What are some practical applications you can make from these two pillars?

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