2 Chronicles 3 explained: Solomon Builds the Temple

Where and when (vv. 1-2)

Solomon builds on Mount Moriah, at the threshing floor (a flat place for separating grain) that David bought after the LORD appeared to him there and stopped a deadly plague. Jewish tradition also links Moriah with the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac, so the site carried deep memories.

The building's size (vv. 3-4)

Measured in cubits (about a forearm's length), the main building was roughly 90 feet long and 30 feet wide, about twice the size of the tent of worship Israel used in the wilderness. The standard Hebrew text makes the front porch 120 cubits high, a soaring tower, but some ancient versions read 20, which many scholars find more likely, so translations differ.

Gold on every surface (vv. 4-7)

The wooden walls, beams and doors were covered in gold and decorated with carved palm trees, chains, precious stones and cherubim, which are winged guardian figures. No one knows for sure where Parvaim was, but the name marks the gold as the finest available.

The innermost room (vv. 8-13)

The Most Holy Place, a perfect cube according to 1 Kings, was lined with an enormous weight of gold and held two huge gold-covered cherubim whose outstretched wings reached from wall to wall. They stood like attendants guarding the spot where the ark, the sacred chest of the covenant, would rest.

The curtain (v. 14)

A richly colored woven curtain with cherubim on it closed off the innermost room, marking it as set apart and hard to approach. Christians later read the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death as a sign that the way to God had been opened.

Two great pillars (vv. 15-17)

Two tall decorated pillars stood at the entrance, named Jakin, probably meaning "he establishes," and Boaz, probably meaning "in him is strength." Their exact purpose is unclear, and their height here differs from 1 Kings, perhaps because the two are counted together or because of copying differences.

Key verse: 2 Chronicles 3:1

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the temple's details are mainly a historical record of a sacred building or are meant to carry symbolic meaning pointing to Christ and heaven.

Something to think about

Why do you think people so often pour their finest materials and skill into places they consider sacred, and is there any place that feels set apart to you?