2 Chronicles 2:14

The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

The son {H1121} of a woman {H802} of the daughters {H1323} of Dan {H1835}, and his father {H1} was a man {H376} of Tyre {H6876}, skilful {H3045} to work {H6213} in gold {H2091}, and in silver {H3701}, in brass {H5178}, in iron {H1270}, in stone {H68}, and in timber {H6086}, in purple {H713}, in blue {H8504}, and in fine linen {H948}, and in crimson {H3758}; also to grave {H6605} any manner of graving {H6603}, and to find out {H2803} every device {H4284} which shall be put {H5414} to him, with thy cunning men {H2450}, and with the cunning men {H2450} of my lord {H113} David {H1732} thy father {H1}.

the son of a woman who was one of the daughters of Dan, while his father was a man from Tzor. He is skilled in working gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and timber, as well as purple and blue dyed materials, fine linen and crimson material; he can do any kind of engraving; and he can make all the equipment necessary to accomplish any task assigned to him, with the help of your craftsmen and those of my lord David your father.

He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan, and his father is a man of Tyre. He is skilled in work with gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple, blue, and crimson yarn, and fine linen. He is experienced in every kind of engraving and can execute any design that is given him. He will work with your craftsmen and with those of my lord, your father David.

the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan; and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson, also to grave any manner of graving, and to devise any device; that there may be a place appointed unto him with thy skilful men, and with the skilful men of my lord David thy father.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 2:14 introduces us to Huram-abi (also known as Hiram in 1 Kings), a master craftsman sent by King Huram of Tyre to assist King Solomon in building the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights his extraordinary and diverse skill set, emphasizing the high level of artistry and technical proficiency required for such a monumental divine project.

Context of 2 Chronicles 2:14

This verse is part of King Solomon's preparations for building the Temple of the Lord, as detailed in 2 Chronicles chapter 2. Solomon had sent a request to King Huram of Tyre for timber and a skilled artisan, leveraging the established alliance and friendship that existed between Tyre and Israel, which had also benefited his father, King David. Huram-abi is presented as the answer to Solomon's specific need for someone "skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 2:7). His unique background, being the son of a woman from the tribe of Dan and a Tyrian father, signifies a blend of Israelite heritage and Phoenician craftsmanship, making him exceptionally qualified for the task of adorning God's house.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Collaboration: The arrival of Huram-abi underscores God's provision for the Temple's construction, utilizing international cooperation. Solomon's wisdom in seeking external expertise for a project of divine significance is evident. This collaboration between Israel and Tyre, represented by Solomon and Huram, is a testament to peaceful and productive alliances in service of a greater purpose.
  • Excellence in Craftsmanship: The extensive list of materials and skills attributed to Huram-abi—ranging from metals like gold and brass to textiles like purple and fine linen, and the ability to engrave and design—emphasizes the value placed on meticulous and high-quality work in service to God. The Temple was to be a place of beauty and glory, reflecting God's majesty.
  • The Value of Specialized Skills: Huram-abi's role highlights that specialized talents are crucial for complex undertakings. His diverse abilities were not merely decorative but essential for the structural and aesthetic integrity of the Temple, making him an invaluable asset to the project.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "skilful to work" translates the Hebrew word ḥāḵām (חָכָם), which means "wise," "skillful," or "expert." It goes beyond mere technical ability, implying an intelligent and discerning approach to craftsmanship. This term is often used in the context of divine wisdom, suggesting that Huram-abi's skills were not just human aptitude but perhaps divinely endowed or guided, much like the artisans who built the Tabernacle, Bezalel and Aholiab, were filled with the Spirit for craftsmanship in Exodus 31:3. The detailed enumeration of materials and processes ("grave any manner of graving, and to make any device") further stresses the comprehensive and artistic nature of his expertise.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 2:14 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God Uses Diverse Talents: Just as Huram-abi's unique blend of skills was vital for the Temple, God calls and equips individuals with a wide array of talents, backgrounds, and experiences to contribute to His work. Every skill, whether artistic, technical, organizational, or relational, can be consecrated for God's glory.
  • Excellence for God's Glory: The emphasis on Huram-abi's supreme skill encourages us to perform our work, whatever it may be, with excellence as if working heartily for the Lord and not for men. Our best efforts honor Him.
  • Collaboration in Ministry: The partnership between Solomon and Huram, and the integration of Huram-abi's skills with "thy cunning men," illustrates the power of collaboration in advancing God's kingdom. The church thrives when people with different gifts work together in unity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 2:7

    Send me now therefore a man cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and that can skill to grave with the cunning men that [are] with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.
  • 1 Kings 7:13

    ¶ And king Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.
  • 1 Kings 7:14

    He [was] a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father [was] a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
  • Exodus 31:3

    And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
  • Exodus 31:4

    To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
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