Verse 1

B. The Building of the Temple2:1-5:1

Solomon was a model of the ultimate Davidic temple builder. Consequently the writer gave his temple construction much attention. This was Solomon"s major accomplishment from this writer"s point of view.

Verses 1-18

1. Preparations for building the temple ch2

Though 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 2:11-16) shows that in Solomon"s day, Israel was drawing Gentile nations to Yahweh. This was part of God"s purpose for Israel and was something the ideal Son of David would accomplish (cf. Exodus 19:5-6; Haggai 2:7; Zechariah 8:22-23). 2 Chronicles 2:11-12 are not in the parallel passage in1Kings5. [Note: On the similarities between the building of the tabernacle and the building of Solomon"s temple, see Payne, p444; Roddy Braun, "The Message of Chronicles: Rally "Round the Temple," Concordia Theological Monthly, 42:8 (September1971):502-14; and Raymond B. Dillard, "The Chronicler"s Song of Solomon," Westminister Theological Journal43 (1981):289-300.]