2 Chronicles 2:16

KJV

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And we will cut {H3772} wood {H6086} out of Lebanon {H3844}, as much as thou shalt need {H6878}: and we will bring {H935} it to thee in floats {H7513} by sea {H3220} to Joppa {H3305}; and thou shalt carry it up {H5927} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and we will cut wood from the L'vanon, as much as you need; we will float it to you as rafts by sea to Yafo, and you will take it up to Yerushalayim."

Berean Standard Bible

We will cut logs from Lebanon, as many as you need, and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa. Then you can take them up to Jerusalem.”

American Standard Version

and we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need; and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse from 2 Chronicles details King Hiram of Tyre's practical commitment to King Solomon, outlining the precise logistical plan for supplying the vast quantities of timber from Lebanon required for the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the meticulous planning and international cooperation essential for such a monumental sacred undertaking, showcasing the ancient world's sophisticated trade and engineering capabilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct response from King Hiram to King Solomon's request for timber and skilled craftsmen for the construction of the Temple, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 2:3-10](/2_chronicles/2-3 "2 Chronicles 2:3-10 - Solomon's Request to Hiram"). Following Solomon's appeal, Hiram, a long-standing ally of David and now Solomon, expresses his joy and praises the Lord God of Israel for Solomon's wisdom ([2 Chronicles 2:11-15](/2_chronicles/2-11 "2 Chronicles 2:11-15 - Hiram's Affirmative Reply")). Verse 16 specifically transitions from the general agreement to the concrete, actionable plan for timber delivery, forming the practical core of Hiram's commitment. This account closely parallels the narrative found in [1 Kings 5:8-9](/1_kings/5-8 "1 Kings 5:8-9 - Hiram's Agreement in 1 Kings"), highlighting the unified historical record of this significant collaboration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East relied heavily on natural resources, and Lebanon was famed for its majestic cedar and fir trees, highly coveted for their durability, aromatic qualities, and resistance to decay. These "cedars of Lebanon" were a premium building material, used for palaces, temples, and ships across the region. The method of "floats by sea" (Hebrew: בְּדוֹבְרוֹת יָם, _bəḏōḇərōṯ yām_) refers to bundles or rafts of logs tied together and towed by ships along the Mediterranean coastline. This was an efficient and common practice for transporting large quantities of timber over water. Joppa (modern-day Jaffa), located on the Mediterranean coast, served as the primary port for Jerusalem, being the closest and most practical harbor. From Joppa, the timber would then be laboriously transported overland, uphill, to the capital city, Jerusalem, a significant logistical challenge given the volume and weight of the materials. The relationship between Israel and Tyre was one of strategic alliance and mutually beneficial trade, with Tyre providing materials and expertise in exchange for agricultural products from Israel, as mentioned in [1 Kings 5:11](/1_kings/5-11 "1 Kings 5:11 - Solomon's Payment to Hiram").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It illustrates **Divine Provision and International Collaboration**, showing how God orchestrates resources and partnerships, even from outside Israel, to accomplish His sacred purposes. The detailed logistical plan highlights the theme of **Diligence and Meticulous Planning** in God's service, emphasizing that significant spiritual endeavors require careful thought and hard work, not just faith. Furthermore, the immense scale of the operation—cutting, floating, and transporting vast quantities of timber over significant distances—underscores the **Grandeur and Importance of the Temple Project**, signifying the dedication and reverence given to constructing a dwelling place for the Lord's name. This international cooperation also speaks to the broader theme of **God's Universal Sovereignty**, demonstrating His ability to use all nations and their resources for His glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lebanon (Hebrew, _ləḇānōwn_):** A mountainous region to the north of Israel, renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its vast forests of cedar and fir trees. These trees, particularly the "cedars of Lebanon," were highly prized for their strength, resistance to insects and rot, fragrant aroma, and impressive size, making them ideal for monumental construction projects like the Temple. Their acquisition signified both wealth and access to premium materials.
* **floats (Hebrew, בְּדוֹבְרוֹת, _bəḏōḇərōṯ_):** This term specifically refers to rafts or bundles of logs that were tied together and towed by ships. This method was the most practical and efficient way to transport large quantities of timber by sea in the ancient world, allowing for bulk movement of materials that would be impossible to carry on individual vessels. It speaks to the advanced maritime and engineering knowledge of the Tyrians.
* **Joppa (Hebrew, יָפוֹ, _yāp̄ō_):** A significant ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast, located approximately 35 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Joppa served as the primary maritime gateway for goods entering and leaving Judah, making it the logical disembarkation point for the timber. The subsequent overland journey from Joppa to Jerusalem was arduous, involving a significant uphill climb, further emphasizing the scale of the logistical challenge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need":** This clause signifies Hiram's full commitment to Solomon's request, promising an unlimited supply of timber from the famed Lebanese forests. It highlights the vast scale of the Temple project and Hiram's willingness to meet Solomon's demands, demonstrating the strength of their alliance and the abundant natural resources at Tyre's disposal. The phrase "as much as thou shalt need" underscores the comprehensive nature of the agreement, ensuring no shortage for the sacred construction.
* **"and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa":** This specifies the primary method of transport for the timber. The use of "floats by sea" indicates an efficient, large-scale maritime operation, leveraging Tyre's renowned naval expertise. Delivering the timber to Joppa, the closest port to Jerusalem, was a strategic logistical decision that minimized the overland journey, despite its inherent difficulties. This part of the verse details the international leg of the supply chain.
* **"and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem."** This final clause delineates Israel's responsibility in the logistical chain. Once the timber arrived at Joppa, it became Solomon's charge to arrange for its overland transport from the coast up to the elevated city of Jerusalem. This uphill haul would have been a massive undertaking, requiring substantial manpower, beasts of burden, and well-maintained roads, underscoring the immense effort and resources Israel devoted to the Temple's construction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Practicality** and **Detailing** to convey the meticulous planning involved in the Temple's construction. It moves beyond a mere statement of agreement to outline the precise, step-by-step logistical process: cutting, floating, and overland transport. This detailed approach emphasizes the **Monumental Scale** of the undertaking, allowing the reader to grasp the sheer effort and resources required. The mention of specific geographical locations like **Lebanon**, **Joppa**, and **Jerusalem** grounds the narrative in historical reality, lending **Credibility** to the account and highlighting the ancient world's interconnected trade routes. The division of labor between Hiram's people ("we will cut," "we will bring") and Solomon's people ("thou shalt carry") illustrates **Collaboration** and a clear division of responsibilities, essential for the success of such a grand project.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a mere logistical detail, carries profound theological weight. It illustrates God's sovereign provision, often working through unexpected channels and international partnerships to fulfill His purposes. The building of the Temple, a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, was not solely an Israelite endeavor but a collaborative effort orchestrated by divine wisdom. This highlights that God's work often requires human diligence, meticulous planning, and the leveraging of diverse gifts and resources—both internal and external—for the greater glory of His kingdom. The detailed plan for transporting the timber underscores the principle that even the most sacred tasks demand practical wisdom and hard work, reflecting a commitment to excellence in all endeavors dedicated to the Lord.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God's Provision")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Working Heartily for the Lord")
* [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Collaboration in Rebuilding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed logistics of 2 Chronicles 2:16 serve as a powerful reminder that God's grand plans often unfold through careful human planning, diligent effort, and strategic collaboration. Just as the construction of the physical Temple required immense resources, skilled labor, and precise execution from diverse sources, so too does the building of God's spiritual kingdom today. We are called to be good stewards of the resources, talents, and relationships God provides, recognizing that He often works through partnerships and unexpected avenues. This verse encourages us to approach our callings—whether in ministry, work, or personal life—with both faith in God's provision and a commitment to excellence, meticulous planning, and hard work. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate capabilities and embrace collaboration, understanding that the body of Christ thrives when its diverse members work together for a common, divinely inspired purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or ministry am I being called to meticulous planning and diligent effort, even in seemingly mundane tasks?**
* **How might God be calling me to collaborate with others, even those from different backgrounds or with different skill sets, to accomplish His purposes?**
* **What resources, both internal and external, might God be providing that I have not yet fully recognized or utilized for His glory?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate a commitment to excellence in my daily work, viewing it as an offering "as unto the Lord"?**

### FAQ
**Why was Lebanon's timber so prized for the Temple?**

Answer: Lebanon was renowned for its forests of cedar and fir trees, particularly the "cedars of Lebanon." These trees were highly prized throughout the ancient Near East for several reasons: their exceptional durability and strength, making them ideal for large construction projects; their natural resistance to decay and insect infestation, ensuring longevity; their aromatic properties, which provided a pleasant fragrance; and their impressive size, allowing for long, straight beams suitable for grand structures. The acquisition of such timber was a mark of wealth and prestige, and its use in the Temple underscored the sacredness and grandeur of the edifice.

**What was the significance of Joppa in this logistical plan?**

Answer: Joppa (modern-day Jaffa) was the most important and practical port city on the Mediterranean coast for accessing Jerusalem. While the timber was cut in Lebanon, it was transported by sea in "floats" (rafts of logs) down the coastline to Joppa. From this port, the timber then had to be hauled overland, uphill, approximately 35 miles to Jerusalem. Joppa's strategic location as the closest major harbor to the capital made it the indispensable gateway for all heavy and bulky materials arriving by sea for the Temple's construction, highlighting its critical role in ancient Israeli trade and infrastructure. It served as the crucial link between maritime transport and overland delivery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The detailed account of building the First Temple, particularly the international collaboration and meticulous logistics in [2 Chronicles 2:16](/2_chronicles/2-16 "Hiram's Promise of Timber"), ultimately points beyond a physical structure to the ultimate Temple: Jesus Christ. While Solomon’s Temple was a dwelling place for God’s name, a place of sacrifice and worship, it was only a shadow of the true and living Temple. Jesus declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "Jesus on the Temple")," referring to "[the temple of his body](/john/2-21 "Jesus' Body as Temple")" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus and the Temple")). Just as the finest materials and skilled labor were gathered for the earthly Temple, so too was the perfect sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God") required to build the spiritual Temple of God, the Church. We, as believers, are now "[living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones")" being built into a "[spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "Spiritual House")" with Christ as the "[cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ as Cornerstone")" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Built on Christ")). The provision of timber from Lebanon foreshadows the lavish spiritual resources and diverse gifts provided by Christ through the Holy Spirit for the building up of His body ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11 "Gifts for the Church")). The painstaking transport of timber to Jerusalem reflects the journey of faith and the diligent work of discipleship required to build up the Church, which is the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "God's Spirit in Believers")). Thus, this ancient logistical detail ultimately highlights God's ultimate plan to dwell among His people through Christ, the perfect and eternal Temple.

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

Joshua 19:46

And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

1 Kings 5:8

And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: [and] I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.

1 Kings 5:9

My servants shall bring [them] down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive [them]: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

Ezra 3:7

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Acts 10:32

Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Acts 9:36

¶ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.