Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 3

Verse 1

CONTENTS

The information in this Chapter, is in respect to the building of the temple. Here is an account of the spot, the time in which it was begun, the dimensions, extent, and ornaments of it.

2 Chronicles 3:1

Though we have a more particular account in 1 Kings 6:0 , (to which once for all I refer the Reader) of this temple, and the building of it by Solomon; yet, as the Holy Ghost hath been pleased to have it recorded again in this book of the Chronicles, it evidently implies the importance of the thing itself; and how highly it ought to be regarded. I should not think myself justified, therefore, in passing it hastily by. And first, Reader, consider the hallowed spot in Mount Moriah. A spot rendered forever memorable, being the place the Lord pointed out to Abraham, for the offering of his son Isaac. And as this was evidently intended to shadow forth the offering of the Lord Jesus Christ; what spot could be more suited for the temple (which was also a type of Christ) to be erected upon? Mount Moriah was one of those several mounts around Jerusalem. Mount Calvary stood near it. And what is observable moreover is, that neither Abraham nor Solomon had any hand in the choice of the place. God himself appointed both. Jesus is of the Lord's own providing. Genesis 22:2 . And, secondly, what rendered this place more memorable was, that it was in the place in which the Lord had answered by fire. 1 Chronicles 22:18-19 .

Verse 2

It was thought an object of moment, to mark down the time also when this great work was begun. Believers in Jesus love to dwell particularly on the first temple-work building of grace in their souls. Some can trace these things more fully than others. Some, like the blind man whose eyes the Lord had opened, can hardly tell the time, or method by which the Lord began the work in their hearts. But it is a blessed thing when a poor sinner can say, One thing I know, that where, as I was blind, now I see. Reader! would you know this for yourself, whether the temple work building is begun in your heart? Ask yourself this question; Have you seen Jesus in his glory and suitableness to you as a poor sinner? When Jesus is truly seen, truly known, and truly felt, the day of conversion is arrived, the day of Jubilee is come. The God of the Hebrews hath met with us. Like Jacob, it may be said, He found him in Bethel; and there he spake with us. Hosea 12:4 .

Verses 3-9

I have no doubt but that some interesting things are included in the dimensions, extent, and ornament. But all that we can speak of these things is, that as they were all belonging to a temple that was a type of Jesus, they were all suitably costly. Perhaps they represented the graces of his Person, and the gifts of his Spirit. But what ornaments of gold, or silver, or precious stones, are competent to resemble those!

Verses 10-17

As to the most holy, and the vail of the temple, we, who live under gospel times, can have a clearer apprehension of their significance, since the Son of God hath come, and opened a new and living way for us through the vail, and hath entered into the most holy place, even into heaven itself, there to appear in the presence of God for us. Jesus is the true Temple, in whom dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Until he came and opened this way by his blood, there could be no approach to God. The vail formed a total separation. It was formed not only for separation, but for concealment: for none but the high priest, and he only once in a year, and that not without blood, could venture within it. And this evidently pointed out the darkness of the dispensation until the gospel. And what was this separation, but an intimation, that by the breach of the law man was separated from God; that God's perfections were injured, and that our unholy nature would forever have kept up this distance, had not Jesus interposed. By the obedience and death of the Lord Jesus, the law was satisfied; the justice of God appeased, and the sin which separated between God and us, done away by the blood of Jesus, which cleanseth the sinner, and by the righteousness of Jesus, which justifieth the sinner. So that now a new and living way is opened by his blood, and poor sinners are authorized, nay, even commanded to draw nigh with true hearts in full assurance of faith. Hebrews 10:19-20 , etc.

Verse 17

REFLECTIONS

How is it possible, dearest Jesus, to behold the account of this temple; to behold the hallowed spot oh which it was built; to mark the dimensions; to observe the most holy place, and the vail, which at thy crucifixion was rent in twain, as a token that all separation between God and his people was forever done away; without having our very souls led out to thee, and to mark all the lovely features of thy Person and work, thus shadowed forth in the ancient building of Solomon's temple? Do I behold thee, thou dearest Lord, in substance of our flesh, entering into the temple! Do I see thee going on to Mount Calvary for a sacrifice! Do I hear thee say, Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days! Do I behold the vail of the temple rent at thy death and shall I not in all these, see that everything in Solomon's temple was intended to typify, and represent thy Person, and offices, and relations, and characters! Yes! blessed Jesus, this, with all its superb furniture and ornaments, was but the shadow; it is thou that art the substance, and in thee most plainly is set forth the whole to which these things ministered. Condescend, Holy Saviour! to bring my soul from the ministry of these things, to be more and more acquainted with thee. And as the mind of Jehovah was thus occupied in directing the structure of an earthly house, to represent thy glory, oh! that thou wouldest lead forth my soul to the beholding in it, what sets forth the heavenly temple of thy body. Lord grant that I may be growing up to thee in all things. Be thou my God, my holy one, the foundation, the top stone, the all in all, of the spiritual building, that I may be found in thee, and united to thee forever.