Question 1

What is Solomon’s main purpose in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Solomon’s main purpose here is to get ready to build a house for the name of the Lord. He decides to make the temple before focusing on his own royal house, which shows that worship comes first. He explains that the temple will be used for incense, the bread of the Presence, and daily and festival sacrifices as God commanded. To do this well, he gathers a huge workforce, asks Huram of Tyre for skilled craftsmen and timber, and organizes everything so that God will be honored properly.

Question 2

Why does Solomon say heaven cannot contain God yet still build a house?

Accepted Answer

Solomon says that “heaven and the heaven of heavens” cannot contain God to show that God is far greater than any place or building. God is not limited to the temple. At the same time, Solomon still builds a house for God’s name as a set place of worship and sacrifice. He makes it clear that the temple is not a box to hold God, but a place where people come to offer sacrifices and pray. It is a sign of honor and obedience, not a way to control or contain God.

Question 3

What role does Huram king of Tyre play in Solomon’s temple plans?

Accepted Answer

Huram king of Tyre answers Solomon’s request with favor. He blesses the Lord, saying God has loved Israel by giving them a wise king. Huram agrees to provide cedar, fir, and algum wood from Lebanon, and to send a very skilled craftsman. He arranges to float the timber by sea to Joppa so it can be carried up to Jerusalem. In return, he asks Solomon to send the wheat, barley, wine, and oil that were promised. Huram’s part shows cooperation between nations in serving God’s purposes.

Question 4

Who is the skilled craftsman that Huram sends, and what can he do?

Accepted Answer

Huram sends a man named Huram, whose mother was from the tribe of Dan and whose father was from Tyre. This craftsman is described as very gifted and full of understanding. He can work in gold, silver, brass, iron, stone, and timber. He is also skilled with purple, blue, fine linen, and crimson materials, and can do all kinds of engraving and designs. He is sent to work together with the craftsmen David had already provided in Judah and Jerusalem, so that the temple work will be excellent in every detail.

Question 5

Why does Solomon ask for such skilled workers and fine materials?

Accepted Answer

Solomon asks for highly skilled workers and the best materials because he believes God’s house should be great and well made. He says the house he is building is great because “great is our God above all gods.” Since the temple is for God’s honor, he does not want it to be careless or cheap. By calling for experts in metal, wood, cloth, and carving, and by using fine cedar and other trees from Lebanon, Solomon shows respect for God’s worship and a desire to give God the best of what they have.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about God’s greatness and human humility?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows God’s greatness in several ways. Solomon says God is greater than all other gods, and that even the highest heavens cannot contain him. This lifts God far above human power or buildings. At the same time, Solomon speaks humbly about himself, asking, “Who am I then, that I should build him an house?” He knows he is small compared to God. His words teach that even wise and powerful people should be lowly before God, honoring him with their work while knowing they can never match his greatness.

Question 7

Why are so many workers, including strangers, used in building the temple?

Accepted Answer

Solomon counts 153,600 strangers living in the land and assigns them to the heavy work: bearing burdens, cutting stone or timber in the mountains, and overseeing the tasks. The job is huge, so many hands are needed. Using these non-Israelite residents shows how wide the project is and how others are drawn into serving this worship purpose. They are organized carefully, with clear roles and leaders. This shows that building God’s house required planning, effort, and the labor of many different people working together.

Question 8

What was the temple meant to be used for in this passage?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, Solomon explains that the temple is mainly for worship. It is “for the name of the Lord” and will be used to dedicate offerings to him. Inside, there will be sweet incense, the continual bread set before God, and burnt offerings every morning and evening. Extra offerings will be made on Sabbaths, new moons, and the special feasts of the Lord. These practices were given to Israel as a lasting rule. So the temple is described as a set place where God’s people obey and honor him in their regular worship.

2 Chronicles 2:1

And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom.

Preparations for the Temple

Hiram’s Reply to Solomon

Preparations for the Temple

Cross References

2 Chronicles 2:1

And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the Lord, and an house for his kingdom.

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Preparations for the Temple

Hiram’s Reply to Solomon

Preparations for the Temple

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