2 Chronicles 2 9

2 Chronicles 2:9 kjv

Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderful great.

2 Chronicles 2:9 nkjv

to prepare timber for me in abundance, for the temple which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful.

2 Chronicles 2:9 niv

to provide me with plenty of lumber, because the temple I build must be large and magnificent.

2 Chronicles 2:9 esv

to prepare timber for me in abundance, for the house I am to build will be great and wonderful.

2 Chronicles 2:9 nlt

An immense amount of timber will be needed, for the Temple I am going to build will be very large and magnificent.

2 Chronicles 2 verses

2 Chronicles 2 9 Meaning

Solomon's declaration in 2 Chronicles 2:9 emphasizes his profound understanding of the monumental significance of the temple he was about to build for the Lord. This verse articulates that the vast amount of timber he requested was necessitated by the extraordinary scale and splendor intended for the temple. It was not merely a structure but was destined to be "exceedingly magnificent" (literally, "great and extraordinary to the highest degree"), gaining immense "fame and glory" that would reverberate "throughout all countries." This statement reflects Solomon's conviction that the physical grandeur of the temple should visibly correspond to the transcendent greatness and unique glory of God whom it was to honor, serving as a powerful witness to the nations of Yahweh's supreme identity.

2 Chronicles 2 9 Context

This verse is part of King Solomon's message to King Hiram of Tyre, a request for a large supply of cedar and cypress timber, along with skilled craftsmen, for the construction of the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 2 of 2 Chronicles details Solomon's extensive preparations for building the Temple, beginning with his decree and call for assistance. Verses 1-4 describe Solomon's decision to build a house for the Name of the Lord and a royal palace for himself. Verse 5 explicitly states Solomon's justification for needing great resources: "The house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods." Verse 9 then reiterates and expands upon this idea, explaining the reason for the request for an "abundance" of materials – the intended unparalleled magnificence of the structure. The broader historical context is post-Davidic kingdom, where Solomon inherits a peaceful, prosperous kingdom and focuses his resources on establishing the central place of worship, signifying God's covenant presence with His people and His sovereignty over the nations.

2 Chronicles 2 9 Word analysis

• Even to prepare me timber in abundance:

  • to prepare: Hebrew לְהָכִין (lehâkhîn), from כוּן (kûn), meaning "to be firm, to establish, to prepare." It implies readiness and suitability. Solomon expects not just raw logs but timber that can be readily used for building, reflecting a meticulous approach to the Temple's construction.
  • timber: Hebrew עֵצִים ('etsiym), plural of עֵץ ('ets), meaning "tree, wood." Here, it specifically refers to lumber for construction. The choice of cedar and cypress, known for their durability, fragrance, and resistance to decay, underscores the desire for longevity and quality befitting God's house.
  • in abundance: Hebrew לָרֹב (la-rôv), meaning "in great quantity, greatly, sufficiently." This adverb emphasizes the vast scale of the construction project, reflecting that a modest structure would not do justice to the God it honors. It justifies the exceptional request from Hiram.

• for the house which I am about to build:

  • house: Hebrew הַבַּיִת (hab-bayit), meaning "the house," referring specifically to the Temple. This term often refers to a physical dwelling, but in a religious context, it signifies a dedicated space for God's presence, highlighting its sacred function.
  • which I am about to build: The participle בּוֹנֶה (boneh) highlights Solomon's active role and the imminence of the construction. It also shows a continuity with David's intention to build, but now it's Solomon's immediate task.

• shall be exceedingly magnificent:

  • exceedingly magnificent: Hebrew יִהְיֶה גָּדוֹל וְהִפְלָא לְמָעְלָה (yihyeh gâdol v'hiphlâ lemâ'lâh). This phrase is rich:
    • גָּדוֹל (gâdol): "great, large, important." It describes the physical size and grandness.
    • וְהִפְלָא (v'hiphlâ): from פָּלָא (pâlâ'), meaning "to be wonderful, extraordinary, surpass comprehension." This conveys a sense of awe-inspiring wonder and miraculousness. The temple would be so magnificent it would seem almost supernatural, defying ordinary human building achievements. It reflects divine quality in human endeavor.
    • לְמָעְלָה (lemâ'lâh): "upwards, exceedingly, very high." This intensifies the preceding words, suggesting a peak or ultimate degree of magnificence. It implies not just a high structure but one that surpasses all others in its grandeur and quality.

• of fame and of glory:

  • fame: Hebrew לְגַדְלוּת (le'gadhlût), meaning "greatness, majesty." It denotes renown and recognition, emphasizing the temple's reputation.
  • glory: Hebrew וּלְתִפְאֶרֶת (u'le'tipheret), meaning "splendor, beauty, adornment, glory." This term encompasses both aesthetic beauty and the honor and magnificence that emanates from it, ultimately pointing to God's own intrinsic glory.

• throughout all countries:

  • throughout all countries: Hebrew לְכָל הָאֲרָצוֹת (lekol ha'aratsot), meaning "to all the lands/countries." This emphasizes the global reach of the temple's reputation. It suggests that the fame and glory of the temple (and thus the God it represents) will not be confined to Israel but will be known far and wide among the Gentile nations. This has missional implications, serving as a witness to the supremacy of Yahweh.

2 Chronicles 2 9 Bonus section

• The scale of resources Solomon sought for the Temple (gold, silver, bronze, iron, skilled workers, timber, stones) far exceeded any previous Israelite construction project, underscoring the "exceedingly magnificent" nature declared in this verse. The expenditure, as detailed in 1 Chronicles 29 and 2 Chronicles 2-4, indicates a level of commitment unmatched even by royal palaces.
• The desire for the Temple's "fame and glory throughout all countries" sets it apart from typical ancient Near Eastern temples, which primarily served local cultic needs. While magnificent, they typically did not boast a theological claim of attracting all nations to their specific deity's dwelling. This unique vision for Yahweh's temple speaks to the universal sovereignty of God revealed in the Bible.
• The emphasis on "exceedingly magnificent" and "glory" finds its ultimate fulfillment not in a building of stone and cedar, but in the Person of Jesus Christ. As John 1:14 declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Christ is the true "temple," embodying God's glory in a way no physical structure ever could.

2 Chronicles 2 9 Commentary

2 Chronicles 2:9 provides crucial insight into King Solomon's theological conviction and the underlying purpose of the First Temple's splendor. It directly links the need for lavish materials—specifically an abundance of high-quality timber—to the unparalleled magnificence (גָדוֹל וְהִפְלָא לְמַעְלָה) he intended for God's house. This was not mere human ambition or extravagant display, but a deeply felt conviction that the visible dwelling place of the Creator and King of the universe must physically reflect His infinite greatness and transcendent glory. The Temple's grandeur, therefore, served a theological purpose: to act as a tangible symbol of God's unique identity, setting Him apart from all other gods worshipped by surrounding nations (2 Chr 2:5).

The phrase "of fame and of glory throughout all countries" highlights an outward-looking aspect. The Temple was not just for Israel's worship; its splendor was designed to capture the attention and respect of foreign lands. This suggests an implicit evangelistic function, drawing Gentiles to inquire about the God of Israel. It echoes the promises of Abrahamic blessing to all nations and prefigures later prophecies where nations would come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord. This dedication of the best, with no expense spared, foreshadows the supreme sacrifice offered in the New Covenant and illustrates that God deserves nothing less than our utmost in worship and service. The New Testament spiritualizes this by teaching that the Church, built of living stones, becomes the glorious temple where God now dwells by His Spirit, destined to declare His praise to all peoples.