2 Chronicles 2:13

KJV

And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,

KJV (with Strong's)

And now I have sent {H7971} a cunning {H2450} man {H376}, endued {H3045} with understanding {H998}, of Huram {H2361} my father's {H1},

Complete Jewish Bible

Now I am sending a man of skill and understanding, my master craftsman Huram,

Berean Standard Bible

So now I am sending you Huram-abi, a skillful man endowed with creativity.

American Standard Version

And now I have sent a skilful man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 2:13, King Huram of Tyre responds to King Solomon's request for assistance in building the First Temple, announcing the dispatch of a master craftsman. This verse introduces a highly skilled individual, described as "cunning" and "endued with understanding," who is presented as a gift from Huram, signifying the crucial international collaboration and divine provision of expertise necessary for the monumental sacred project.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the correspondence between King Solomon of Israel and King Huram of Tyre, initiated by Solomon's grand vision for building the Temple of the Lord. Solomon had sent a detailed request for skilled labor, particularly for workers in various precious materials and those adept at carving and dyeing, as outlined in [2 Chronicles 2:3-10](/2_chronicles/2-3 "Solomon's Request to Huram"). Huram's response, beginning in [2 Chronicles 2:11](/2_chronicles/2-11 "Huram's Reply to Solomon"), expresses his delight and willingness to assist. Verse 13 specifically introduces the chief artisan, Huram-abi, whose extensive skills are further elaborated in [2 Chronicles 2:14](/2_chronicles/2-14 "Description of Huram-abi's Skills"), setting the stage for the detailed accounts of the Temple's construction found in subsequent chapters, such as [2 Chronicles 3](/2_chronicles/3 "The Building of the Temple") and [1 Kings 6-7](/1_kings/6 "Construction of Solomon's Temple"). The immediate literary flow emphasizes Huram's commitment to fulfilling Solomon's request by providing the highest caliber of craftsmanship available.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem was a monumental undertaking, reflecting Israel's burgeoning national identity and theological centrality. At this time, Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state, was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its maritime trade, advanced metallurgy, and exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in timber, stone, and intricate metalwork. The alliance between Solomon and Huram was a strategic political and economic partnership, leveraging Tyre's specialized expertise and resources, which Israel largely lacked, for a project of immense national and religious significance. The concept of a "cunning man" or master craftsman (Hebrew: *ḥākām*) held high esteem in ancient societies, as these individuals possessed rare and vital skills essential for large-scale architectural and artistic endeavors, often considered divinely inspired. This exchange highlights the interconnectedness of ancient kingdoms and the practical necessity of international cooperation for projects beyond a single nation's immediate capabilities.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision**, demonstrating how God orchestrates the availability of necessary resources and gifted individuals, even from outside the Israelite covenant community, to accomplish His purposes in building His dwelling place. Secondly, it highlights the **Value of Expertise and Craftsmanship**, recognizing specialized human skill and artistic ability as essential and consecrated for sacred undertakings. God often works through and elevates human talent, as seen in the commissioning of Bezalel and Oholiab for the tabernacle in [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "God Equips Bezalel and Oholiab"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **International Cooperation and Alliance**, showcasing the importance of collaboration and mutual assistance between nations for shared goals, even when those goals are primarily religious in nature. This partnership between Solomon and Huram reflects a period of peace and prosperity, where the nations could contribute to a project that ultimately glorified God, as Solomon himself acknowledged God's greatness in [2 Chronicles 2:5-6](/2_chronicles/2-5 "Solomon's Awe of God's Greatness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cunning (Hebrew, _ḥākām'_):** In KJV English, "cunning" (from Old English *cunnan*, "to know") does not imply deceit or trickery, but rather denotes exceptional skill, ingenuity, and expert knowledge. The Hebrew word *ḥākām* refers to one who is wise, skillful, or a master craftsman. It signifies not merely intellectual wisdom, but practical wisdom applied to a craft or art, indicating a person highly proficient and adept in their field. This man was a master artisan, possessing a deep understanding of his trade.
* **Endued with understanding (Hebrew, _bināh'_):** This phrase complements "cunning," emphasizing not just technical skill but also discernment, insight, and intelligence. *Bināh* suggests the ability to comprehend, differentiate, and apply knowledge effectively. It implies a capacity for problem-solving, creative design, and the ability to grasp complex instructions, making this craftsman not just a laborer but a visionary and an executor of intricate designs.
* **Of Huram my father's:** This phrase has been interpreted in a few ways. It could mean the craftsman was named after King Huram's own father, indicating a familial connection or a namesake. More likely, it suggests that this master craftsman had served King Huram's father (the previous king of Tyre), establishing his long-standing reputation, proven expertise, and perhaps even his advanced age and experience within the Tyrian royal court. It signifies that the craftsman was a trusted and highly valued asset within the Tyrian kingdom, not merely a common laborer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now I have sent a cunning man,"**: This opening clause marks Huram's direct and decisive action in response to Solomon's request. The phrase "And now" (Hebrew: *wĕ‘attāh*) indicates a transition from Huram's general affirmation of help to the specific fulfillment of Solomon's need for skilled labor. The active verb "sent" underscores Huram's commitment and the immediate provision of the required expertise.
* **"endued with understanding,"**: This descriptive phrase immediately follows, qualifying the nature of the "cunning man." It highlights that the individual is not merely skilled in a physical sense but possesses profound intellectual and perceptive abilities. This "understanding" is crucial for the complex and precise work required for the Temple, implying an individual capable of both executing and conceptualizing intricate designs.
* **"of Huram my father's,"**: This final clause identifies the master craftsman's origin and connection. It emphasizes that this individual comes from a lineage or association with King Huram's own royal house, specifically his father's reign. This detail serves to vouch for the craftsman's credentials, experience, and the high regard in which he is held, assuring Solomon of the quality and reliability of the expert being provided.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Emphasis** is placed on the quality of the craftsman through the double descriptors "cunning man" and "endued with understanding," highlighting his exceptional skill and intellect. This dual description serves to underscore the high value placed on his abilities and the critical role he will play in the Temple's construction. The phrase "of Huram my father's" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "Huram my father's" stands for the established reputation and skilled lineage associated with the Tyrian royal court, lending authority and credibility to the craftsman. Furthermore, the introduction of this specific individual serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the detailed description of Huram-abi's diverse talents that immediately follows in [2 Chronicles 2:14](/2_chronicles/2-14 "The Extensive Skills of Huram-abi"), building anticipation for the full scope of his contribution. The selection of such a highly qualified individual also implicitly conveys the **Symbolism** of the best being offered for God's work, reflecting the reverence and importance attached to the Temple project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates God's providential care, demonstrating that He often uses diverse means and people, even from outside the covenant community, to accomplish His divine purposes. Just as God equipped Bezalel and Oholiab with divine wisdom and skill for the Tabernacle, here He provides a master craftsman through a foreign king for the Temple. This highlights that all true skill and wisdom ultimately originate from God, and He can grant them to anyone He chooses for His glory. It teaches us that God's kingdom work is not limited by human boundaries or national affiliations, but transcends them, bringing together various talents for a singular, sacred objective. The collaboration between Israel and Tyre, facilitated by this skilled individual, serves as a testament to God's ability to unite disparate entities for His grand design, emphasizing that the building of His dwelling place requires both divine anointing and human excellence.

* [Exodus 35:30](/exodus/35-30 "God Equips Bezalel and Oholiab with Skill") - Describes how God filled Bezalel and Oholiab with skill, intelligence, and knowledge for the work of the Tabernacle, paralleling the divine gifting of craftsmen for sacred purposes.
* [1 Kings 7:13](/1_kings/7-13 "Hiram of Tyre and His Skills") - Provides a more detailed account of Huram-abi's (Hiram's) background and extensive array of skills, confirming his unparalleled expertise.
* [Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Gifts for the Church's Building") - Discusses how Christ gives various gifts to people for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ, reflecting the spiritual application of diverse skills for God's kingdom.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sending of a "cunning man, endued with understanding" for the Temple's construction holds profound implications for believers today. It reminds us that God values excellence and specialized skill, not just piety, in the service of His kingdom. Just as Huram-abi was essential for the physical Temple, God continues to provide individuals with diverse talents—whether in leadership, teaching, administration, creative arts, or practical service—to build His spiritual house, the Church. We are called to recognize, appreciate, and utilize the unique gifts and expertise that God has given to individuals within and outside our immediate circles, understanding that these talents, when consecrated, become powerful tools for divine purposes. This verse encourages us to be open to collaboration, seeking assistance from others who possess skills we lack, and conversely, to be willing to offer our own "cunning" (skilled) abilities to serve others and God's purposes, trusting that God will provide all necessary resources and people to accomplish His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "cunning" or specialized skills has God given me, and how am I currently using them for His kingdom?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I need to humbly seek out the "cunning" and "understanding" of others, rather than trying to do everything myself?**
* **How can I better recognize and value the diverse gifts and expertise of those around me, both within and outside the church, seeing them as potential instruments for God's purposes?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's provision for His work, and how does that impact my trust in Him for future endeavors?**

### FAQ
**Who was this "cunning man" and why was he so important?**

Answer: The "cunning man" referred to in 2 Chronicles 2:13 is Huram-abi (also known as Hiram-abi in 1 Kings). He was a master craftsman of unparalleled skill and understanding, specifically in working with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, and various dyes and fabrics, as well as in engraving and devising intricate designs. His importance stemmed from the fact that Israel, despite its wealth, lacked the specialized expertise required for the highly technical and artistic aspects of Temple construction, particularly in metallurgy and elaborate ornamentation. Huram-abi's mixed heritage—his mother was from the tribe of Dan (or Naphtali, depending on the account), and his father was a Tyrian—likely contributed to his unique blend of skills and knowledge, making him the ideal individual to lead the artistic and technical aspects of the Temple's construction, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 2:14](/2_chronicles/2-14 "Huram-abi's Extensive Skills").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 2:13 speaks of a human master craftsman building a physical temple, it profoundly foreshadows the ultimate Master Builder, Jesus Christ. Just as Huram-abi was "cunning" and "endued with understanding," Christ is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and skill, the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). He is the true architect and builder of God's spiritual house, the Church, which is not made with human hands but is a living temple composed of believers ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones in God's Spiritual House")). Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone upon which this spiritual edifice is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ, the Chief Cornerstone")), perfectly joining together diverse individuals—Jew and Gentile, skilled and unskilled—into one unified structure for God's dwelling place by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "A Holy Temple in the Lord")). The provision of Huram-abi by King Huram, a Gentile king, for the physical Temple, subtly points to God's broader plan to include all nations in His redemptive work through Christ, who breaks down dividing walls and unites humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Ultimately, the wisdom and understanding embodied in Huram-abi find their perfect and eternal fulfillment in Christ, through whom God's ultimate dwelling place, His redeemed people, is being meticulously and divinely constructed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 4:16

The pots also, and the shovels, and the fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did Huram his father make to king Solomon for the house of the LORD of bright brass.