2 Chronicles 2:1 kjv
And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
2 Chronicles 2:1 nkjv
Then Solomon determined to build a temple for the name of the LORD, and a royal house for himself.
2 Chronicles 2:1 niv
Solomon gave orders to build a temple for the Name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself.
2 Chronicles 2:1 esv
Now Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the LORD, and a royal palace for himself.
2 Chronicles 2:1 nlt
Solomon decided to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD, and also a royal palace for himself.
2 Chronicles 2 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Kgs 5:5 | "And behold, I purpose to build a house unto the name of the Lord my God..." | Solomon's prior statement of intent. |
| 1 Chr 17:1 | "Now it came to pass... David said to Nathan the prophet, 'Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under curtains.'" | David's initial desire to build God's house. |
| 2 Sam 7:13 | "He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." | God's promise to David about Solomon building the temple. |
| 1 Chr 22:7 | "Then David said to Solomon, 'My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the Lord my God.'" | David confirms his desire and intent to Solomon. |
| 1 Kgs 3:5-13 | "At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, 'Ask what I shall give you.'" | God granting Solomon wisdom, preparing him for the task. |
| Ex 25:8 | "And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." | Earlier divine instruction for a dwelling place. |
| Ps 127:1 | "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." | Emphasizes God's ultimate authority in construction. |
| Hag 1:4 | "Is it time for you, O yourselves, to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?" | Later prophecy condemning neglect of God's house. |
| Isa 56:7 | "...for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." | The universal purpose of God's house. |
| Mt 21:13 | "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of robbers.'" | Jesus reaffirming the temple's purpose. |
| Jn 2:19-21 | "Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' But He was speaking of the temple of His body." | Jesus as the ultimate spiritual temple. |
| Eph 2:19-22 | "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens... being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." | Believers as the new spiritual temple. |
| 1 Cor 6:19 | "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...?" | Individual believers as temples of God. |
| Heb 9:11 | "But Christ came as a High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands..." | Christ fulfilling the typology of the physical temple. |
| Ex 40:34-35 | "Then the cloud covered the tabernacle of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle." | God's glory filling previous dwelling places. |
| 1 Kgs 8:10-11 | "And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord..." | God's glory filling Solomon's newly built temple. |
| Ps 132:13-14 | "For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place: 'This is My resting place forever; Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.'" | God's specific choice of the location. |
| 1 Chr 28:10 | "Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it." | David's charge to Solomon to build. |
| Prov 24:27 | "Prepare your work outside; get it ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house." | Wisdom principle of proper preparation before building. |
| Lk 14:28-30 | "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost...?" | Parable highlighting the importance of planning and determination. |
2 Chronicles 2 verses
2 Chronicles 2 1 Meaning
Solomon, demonstrating profound wisdom and divine intent, resolutely committed to construct a magnificent sanctuary dedicated to the Lord's Name and, subsequently, a royal palace for his kingdom. This foundational verse sets the stage for 2 Chronicles, emphasizing the primary significance of the Temple as the focal point of worship and the establishment of a godly monarchy.
2 Chronicles 2 1 Context
2 Chronicles opens in a period of peace and prosperity under Solomon's reign, immediately following David's detailed preparations for the Temple's construction (as documented in 1 Chronicles). This verse serves as the narrative transition from the preceding books' focus on the lineage and establishment of David's kingdom to the central theme of 2 Chronicles: the building and history of the Temple in Jerusalem. The book of 2 Chronicles often emphasizes the spiritual state of the kings in relation to the Temple and covenant faithfulness. Thus, Solomon's initial act of firm determination to build a house for the Lord first underscores a right-hearted orientation towards God, reflecting wisdom granted to him and a continuation of God's covenant promises established with David regarding his dynasty and a place of worship. Historically, in the ancient Near East, kings often built magnificent palaces and temples for their own glory or to consolidate political power, but Solomon's stated intent highlights the Temple's primary purpose for God's "Name," reflecting true worship and divine mandate rather than human ambition.
2 Chronicles 2 1 Word analysis
And Solomon: Marks the narrative's continuation from David's final preparations to his son's active reign. Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה - Shelomoh), meaning "peaceful" or "peace," aptly rules over a period of peace, enabling grand construction projects.
determined (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): Literally meaning "and he said," but in this context, it denotes more than simple verbalization. It implies a resolute, decisive will or an inner commitment, a firm and unwavering resolve. This verb highlights Solomon's active, intentional choice, setting his heart to accomplish the task. It conveys the concept of having made up one's mind definitively.
to build (לִבְנ֣וֹת - livnot): The infinitive construct form, indicating the purpose or goal. It signifies a concrete, planned action, not merely contemplation. This action of "building" is foundational to Solomon's legacy.
a house for the LORD (בַּ֤יִת לַיהוָה֙ - bayit la-YHWH):
- House (בַּ֤יִת - bayit): A versatile Hebrew term that can mean a dwelling, a family, a lineage, a palace, or a temple. Here, its immediate pairing with "LORD" (YHWH, God's personal covenant Name) unequivocally identifies it as a sacred edifice, a Temple, meant to honor God's Name and presence.
- for the LORD: Emphasizes the Temple's divine ownership and sacred purpose. It was not for Solomon's glory but dedicated exclusively to the God of Israel. This distinguishes it sharply from pagan temples.
and an house for his kingdom:
- and an house (וּבַ֤יִת - u'bayit): Again, "house," but now in apposition, indicating a distinct yet related structure.
- for his kingdom (לְמַמְלַכְתּוֹ֙ - l'mamlakhto): This refers to a royal palace, the administrative center for his reign. Its construction, alongside the Temple, demonstrates the holistic nature of governance in Israel, where civil authority was inextricably linked to the divine covenant. The ordering – Temple first, then palace – implies a right prioritization, placing God's dwelling above the king's.
Words-group analysis:
- "Solomon determined to build": This phrase reveals Solomon's immediate commitment and proactive leadership upon assuming the throne. It underlines that the building of the Temple was not a casual undertaking but a foundational objective, indicative of his dedication and wisdom to prioritize God's command given to his father, David.
- "a house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom": This pairing reveals the dual architectural priorities of Solomon's reign. The juxtaposing of the sacred "house for the LORD" and the secular "house for his kingdom" (the royal palace) is crucial. While both were monumental undertakings, the placing of "for the LORD" first signals the spiritual precedence and the source of his kingdom's stability. It highlights that Solomon's authority and success derived from his allegiance to God, emphasizing a theocentric worldview.
2 Chronicles 2 1 Bonus section
- The term "determined" (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer) is key here. It doesn't mean a verbal decree to others as much as a settled, inner conviction. Solomon had received instruction, had inherited David's passion, and now, with wisdom from God, he solidified this resolve within himself.
- This verse counters any implicit theological challenge that might suggest human structures could contain or define God. Instead, the Temple functions as the dedicated space where God's "Name" — His revealed character, presence, and authority — is uniquely manifested and honored among His people. It is a place for human access to God, not for God's confinement.
- The emphasis on "building" suggests active involvement, not just delegation. Solomon would be intimately involved in this grand endeavor.
2 Chronicles 2 1 Commentary
2 Chronicles 2:1 is a pivotal verse, establishing the foundational theme of the entire book: the centrality of the Temple in the life and history of Israel. Solomon's "determination" signifies a resolute decision, born not merely of a grand ambition but as a fulfillment of God's promises to David. The use of "house" (bayit) for both the Temple and the palace underscores their architectural similarity as prominent structures, yet the clear distinction "for the LORD" versus "for his kingdom" establishes their vastly different purposes and hierarchies of importance. By committing to build the Temple first, Solomon properly orders his priorities, demonstrating a covenant-conscious kingship. This initial decision is key to understanding the narrative arc of Chronicles, which meticulously tracks how adherence to Temple worship and covenant obedience shaped the destiny of the kings of Judah and their kingdom. The verse is an anchor for the Chronicler's theology: national well-being and kingly success are directly linked to faithfulness to God's covenant and His designated place of worship.