2 Chronicles 2:1

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

And Solomon {H8010} determined {H559} to build {H1129} an house {H1004} for the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068}, and an house {H1004} for his kingdom {H4438}.

Shlomo then decided to build a house for the name of ADONAI and a royal palace for himself.

Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the Name of the LORD and a royal palace for himself.

Now Solomon purposed to build a house for the name of Jehovah, and a house for his kingdom.

2 Chronicles 2:1 introduces us to King Solomon's foundational decision to embark on two monumental building projects: a sacred edifice dedicated to the LORD and a royal palace for his own reign. This verse sets the stage for the detailed accounts of construction, resource gathering, and international cooperation that follow in the book of 2 Chronicles.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of David's preparations for the Temple and Solomon's ascension to the throne (2 Chronicles 1). Solomon inherited a divine mandate to build the Temple, a task his father King David had longed to undertake but was forbidden to due to his involvement in warfare (1 Chronicles 22:8). Solomon's determination here signifies his obedience to God's will and his commitment to fulfilling his father's vision and God's covenantal promises. It marks the beginning of a significant era in Israelite history, characterized by peace, prosperity, and the establishment of a central place of worship.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate and Human Obedience: Solomon's "determination" is a direct response to God's command and David's legacy. It highlights the importance of leaders aligning their plans with divine purpose.
  • Priority of God's House: The Temple, "an house for the name of the LORD," is mentioned first, indicating its supreme importance over the king's own palace. This reflects the spiritual priority in a God-centered kingdom.
  • Kingship and God's Glory: The dual building projects symbolize the intertwined nature of spiritual and temporal authority in ancient Israel. A strong kingdom was seen as blessed by God, and God's presence was central to its identity.
  • Fulfillment of Promise: This resolve directly fulfills God's promise to David that his son would be the one to build a house for His name.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "determined" (`אמר` - 'amar) implies a firm, settled decision or resolution, not just a casual thought. It suggests Solomon had given serious consideration and commitment to this monumental undertaking. The phrase "house for the name of the LORD" is crucial. It does not imply a literal dwelling for an omnipresent God, but rather a place where God's character, authority, and presence would be invoked, honored, and uniquely manifested among His people. This concept is echoed in Solomon's prayer at the Temple's dedication (1 Kings 8:27).

Practical Application

Solomon's resolve in 2 Chronicles 2:1 offers several timeless lessons. It reminds us of the importance of intentionality and commitment when pursuing God-given tasks. Just as Solomon prioritized building for God's name, we are called to prioritize spiritual matters and God's glory in our lives, even amidst our own personal and professional endeavors. This verse also speaks to the legacy of faith, as Solomon completed what his father David had envisioned, demonstrating how one generation can build upon the faithfulness of the previous one. Our resources and efforts should reflect a balance, serving both God's kingdom and our earthly responsibilities, always with the former taking precedence.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 5:5

    And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God, as the LORD spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:10

    He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I [will be] his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

  • 1 Kings 9:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished the building of the house of the LORD, and the king's house, and all Solomon's desire which he was pleased to do,

  • 1 Kings 8:18

    And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart.

  • Deuteronomy 12:5

    ¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

  • 1 Kings 8:20

    And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.

  • 1 Kings 7:1

    ¶ But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.

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