2 Chronicles 2 16

2 Chronicles 2:16 kjv

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 2:16 nkjv

And we will cut wood from Lebanon, as much as you need; we will bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa, and you will carry it up to Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 2:16 niv

and we will cut all the logs from Lebanon that you need and will float them as rafts by sea down to Joppa. You can then take them up to Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 2:16 esv

And we will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa, so that you may take it up to Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 2:16 nlt

We will cut whatever timber you need from the Lebanon mountains and will float the logs in rafts down the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Joppa. From there you can transport the logs up to Jerusalem."

2 Chronicles 2 verses

2 Chronicles 2 16 Meaning

This verse details the agreement made by King Hiram of Tyre with King Solomon of Israel for the supply of timber for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Hiram pledges that his servants will harvest trees from Lebanon, providing as much wood as Solomon requires. This timber will then be transported by sea, bound together in large rafts, along the coast to the port city of Joppa. From Joppa, Solomon's own servants will then take over the responsibility of transporting the timber inland, uphill, to the capital city of Jerusalem where the Temple would be built.

2 Chronicles 2 16 Context

This verse is part of King Hiram of Tyre's elaborate response to King Solomon's request for help in building the Temple in Jerusalem. In the preceding verses (2 Chr 2:1-15), Solomon sets forth his grand ambition to build a magnificent Temple for the Lord and a palace for himself, seeking skilled artisans and prime timber from Hiram, knowing Hiram's relationship with his father, David. Hiram's reply begins with praise for the Lord and admiration for Solomon's wisdom. Verse 16 specifies the practical logistics of Hiram's assistance: how the timber, primarily the famed cedars and cypress wood (mentioned in 2 Chr 2:8), would be acquired and delivered. The broader historical context is the zenith of the Israelite monarchy under Solomon, marked by extensive international trade and alliances, facilitating massive architectural projects that fulfilled David's desire to build a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God. The cooperation between these two ancient kingdoms, Tyre (Phoenicia) and Israel, highlights their intertwined economies and a period of relative peace and prosperity in the region.

2 Chronicles 2 16 Word analysis

• And we will cut wood: This refers to Hiram's specialized laborers, the Tyrians/Phoenicians. "Cut" (כָּרַת, karat) implies skilled felling and initial processing of large trees. This indicates an active role and expertise.
• from Lebanon: (הַלְּבָנוֹן, Ha-L'vanon). A mountain range to the north of Israel, renowned for its forests, especially the resilient, fragrant, and straight-grained cedarwood (Arz). These cedars were highly prized building materials throughout the ancient Near East, symbolizing strength, endurance, and luxury. Their use for the Temple underscored its magnificence and divine significance.
• as much as you need: (כָּל צָרְכֶּךָ, kol tsor'chekha). This indicates an open-ended, generous commitment from Hiram, ensuring Solomon would not face shortages for such a monumental project. It highlights the full scope of the alliance.
• and bring it to you: Refers to the transport service provided by Hiram's maritime-savvy people. This highlights their expertise in logistics and sea trade.
• in rafts: (בְּרַפְסֹדוֹת, b'rafsodot). Logs were tied together to form large floating platforms. This was a common and efficient method for transporting large quantities of timber by sea along the coast. It minimized wear and tear on roads and was cost-effective for heavy loads.
• by sea: (יָּם, yam). The Mediterranean Sea provided a natural highway for the Tyrian mariners, connecting the forested regions of Lebanon directly to the Israelite coast, significantly simplifying the logistics of transporting vast quantities of heavy timber.
• to Joppa: (יָפוֹ, Yafo). An ancient coastal city and the primary port of Judah/Israel for Jerusalem. Strategically located approximately 35-40 miles (55-65 km) northwest of Jerusalem. It served as the crucial receiving point for maritime shipments intended for the capital. Its identification underscores the precise geographical planning.
• then you will carry it up: This signifies the transfer of responsibility for transport. After the sea journey handled by Tyrians, Solomon's men would manage the final, uphill leg of the journey to Jerusalem, demonstrating division of labor. "Carry it up" (תַעֲלֵהוּ, ta'alehu) literally implies an ascent, reflecting Jerusalem's elevated position.
• to Jerusalem: (לִירוּשָׁלַם, li'Yerushalaim). The capital city of Israel, the spiritual and political center, and the designated site for the Temple. The final destination for these divinely purposed materials.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And we will cut wood from Lebanon, as much as you need": This phrase captures Hiram's extensive and generous commitment to supplying high-quality timber. It highlights the vast natural resources of Lebanon and the skill of the Phoenicians in timber harvesting.
• "and bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa; then you will carry it up to Jerusalem": This sequence meticulously outlines the sophisticated logistical chain. It emphasizes the collaboration between two kingdoms—Phoenician naval mastery for sea transport to the closest accessible port, and Israelite inland labor for the final journey to the sacred building site in the elevated capital. This efficient multi-stage transport system was crucial for the massive scale of the Temple project.

2 Chronicles 2 16 Bonus section

• The strategic use of Joppa as the receiving port for the timber, rather than a more northern port, reflects its geographical suitability as the nearest convenient port for land transport to Jerusalem. This also has biblical resonance, as Joppa remained an important gateway to Israel throughout its history.
• The reliance on Phoenician craftsmanship and resources for such a sacred project illustrates a principle of divine wisdom: God often uses the "best" available resources, even from unexpected sources, to accomplish His will. This pragmatic cooperation prefigures broader biblical themes of Gentiles being incorporated into God's plan and contributing to His work, ultimately fulfilled in the Church (Eph 2:19-22).
• The vast quantities of timber transported hint at the truly immense scale of Solomon's building endeavors. This was not just the Temple, but also his personal palace and other structures mentioned in the parallel accounts in 1 Kings. Such large-scale logistical operations speak to the sophisticated organizational capacity of Solomon's kingdom under God's blessing.

2 Chronicles 2 16 Commentary

2 Chronicles 2:16 encapsulates the vital logistical arrangements for Solomon's Temple construction, underscoring the deep collaboration between King Solomon of Israel and King Hiram of Tyre. This verse is not merely a dry record of a supply chain; it reveals several layers of significance. Practically, it highlights the superior maritime and timber harvesting skills of the Phoenicians, whose expertise was indispensable for obtaining the coveted Lebanon cedars. These specific materials were chosen not just for their grandeur and durability but also, by divine design, to contribute to the unique beauty and symbolic weight of God's house.

The agreement also demonstrates a divinely orchestrated international partnership. God uses both His people (Israel) and outside nations (Tyre) and their distinct resources to accomplish His will. This provision of materials from an external source, facilitated by a powerful foreign king, points to God's ultimate sovereignty over all creation and nations, orchestrating even distant resources for the glory of His kingdom. The meticulous process described – from felling trees in Lebanon, floating them as rafts to Joppa, and then an uphill overland journey to Jerusalem – showcases the extraordinary scale of the Temple project and the careful planning involved, truly a massive undertaking reflecting God's glorious presence among His people. It implicitly celebrates God's provision for His people and His purposes, even through channels beyond immediate Israelite resources.