1 Chronicles 3
2 Chronicles 3 focuses on how Solomon begins building the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. This chapter records the location and timing of the temple’s construction, its detailed design and decorations, and the making of the Most Holy Place and the two pillars. In this way, it powerfully shows the temple being built—the center of Israel’s faith at the beginning of Solomon’s reign—continuing from what was emphasized in 1 Chronicles.
1verseNow these were the sons of David, who were born to him in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Daniel, of Abigail the Carmelitess;
2versethe third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;
3versethe fifth, Shephatiah of Abital; the sixth, Ithream by Eglah his wife:
4versesix were born to him in Hebron; and he reigned there seven years and six months. He reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem;
5verseand these were born to him in Jerusalem: Shimea, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon, four, by Bathshua the daughter of Ammiel;
6verseand Ibhar, Elishama, Eliphelet,
7verseNogah, Nepheg, Japhia,
8verseElishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.
9verseAll these were the sons of David, in addition to the sons of the concubines; and Tamar was their sister.
10verseSolomon’s son was Rehoboam, Abijah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son,
11verseJoram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son,
12verseAmaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son,
13verseAhaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son,
14verseAmon his son, and Josiah his son.
15verseThe sons of Josiah: the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, and the fourth Shallum.
16verseThe sons of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, and Zedekiah his son.
17verseThe sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son,
18verseMalchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.
19verseThe sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei. The sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah; and Shelomith was their sister;
20verseand Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab Hesed, five.
21verseThe sons of Hananiah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah; the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shecaniah.
22verseThe son of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. The sons of Shemaiah: Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah, and Shaphat, six.
23verseThe sons of Neariah: Elioenai, Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.
24verseThe sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah, and Anani, seven.
The Location and Significance of the Temple’s Construction
Verse 3:1 states that the temple’s location is “the threshing floor of Araunah, Mount Moriah.” This is the place where Abraham offered Isaac, and where David had built an altar to the Lord—so it carries special spiritual traditions and historical meaning. This choice of location symbolically shows the continuity of Israel’s faith and God’s guidance.
The Temple’s Design and Decorations
- The temple’s length, width, and height are mentioned in detail (vv. 2–4). Inside, various decorations are made and plated with pure gold, including pomegranates and groupings (angels) made of olive wood.
- Assyrian and Phoenician architectural elements appear in harmony, reflecting the progress of culture and art of the time.
- The emphasis is in the grandeur and purity meant for God alone. It is also that the very best was used for every decoration and material.
The Most Holy Place and the Two Pillars
The Most Holy Place (the place that is most holy) is where God’s presence dwells. Inside, two great cherubim are placed, overlaid with gold, and space is prepared for the ark of the covenant. Also, two pillars named Jachin and Boaz are set up in front of the temple (vv. 15–17). These two pillars symbolize that God firmly establishes his people and gives them strength.
Points to Ponder
- Let us reflect on what attitude and heart we bring when offering things to God and when doing work for him.
- We need to remember that every part of the process of building the temple was meant to reveal God’s holiness and glory.
- In the specific place and plan, and in the use of the finest materials, we can also reflect on whether God is at the center of our lives.
Try Applying It to Me
- Let us reflect on whether my heart is being prepared as God’s dwelling place, and whether in everyday choices I am offering God the very best.
- Let us also examine whether the center of our life of faith is not outward appearance, but the truth and holiness within.
- Let us take time to give thanks for how God has guided the foundation of my life, and to reaffirm a life centered on God going forward.
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