2 Chronicles 2:4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

Behold, I build {H1129} an house {H1004} to the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, to dedicate {H6942} it to him, and to burn {H6999} before {H6440} him sweet {H5561} incense {H7004}, and for the continual {H8548} shewbread {H4635}, and for the burnt offerings {H5930} morning {H1242} and evening {H6153}, on the sabbaths {H7676}, and on the new moons {H2320}, and on the solemn feasts {H4150} of the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}. This is an ordinance for ever {H5769} to Israel {H3478}.

Here, I am about to build a house for the name of ADONAI my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before Him incense made of sweet spices; the house will also be for the continuing showbread and for the burnt offerings presented every morning and evening, on the shabbats, at every Rosh-Hodesh, and at the designated times of ADONAI our God. This is a perpetual regulation for Isra'el.

Behold, I am about to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God to dedicate to Him for burning fragrant incense before Him, for displaying the showbread continuously, and for making burnt offerings every morning and evening as well as on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD our God. This is ordained for Israel forever.

Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Jehovah my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him incense of sweet spices, and for the continual showbread, and for the burnt-offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Jehovah our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

In 2 Chronicles 2:4, King Solomon articulates his profound purpose for building the Temple in Jerusalem to Hiram, King of Tyre. This verse outlines the specific, divinely ordained rituals and offerings that would be performed within this sacred structure, emphasizing its role as the center of Israelite worship and a perpetual ordinance for the nation.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of Solomon's communication regarding the construction of the First Temple, a monumental undertaking envisioned by his father, King David (2 Samuel 7:13). The Temple was to be a permanent dwelling place for the "name of the LORD," signifying God's manifest presence and authority among His people, replacing the portable Tabernacle. The detailed list of rituals—sweet incense, continual shewbread, and burnt offerings on specific days (sabbaths, new moons, solemn feasts)—underscores adherence to the Mosaic Law, which formed the bedrock of Israel's covenant relationship with God. These practices were not arbitrary but were specific commandments given by God through Moses, ensuring proper worship and atonement for sins.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Dedicated Worship: Solomon's declaration, "I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him," highlights a singular focus on honoring God and providing a consecrated space for His worship. It's a testament to Israel's devotion.
  • Divine Ordinances: The meticulous listing of sacrifices and observances (incense, shewbread, burnt offerings, sabbaths, new moons, feasts) emphasizes the importance of following God's precise instructions for worship. This adherence was crucial for maintaining the covenant.
  • Continuity and Perpetuity: The phrase "continual shewbread" and "an ordinance for ever to Israel" points to the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people and the perpetual need for worship and communion with Him.
  • Atonement and Communion: The various offerings, particularly the burnt offerings, served as means of atonement for sin and a way for the people to draw near to God in worship and fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

  • "House to the name of the LORD": This Hebrew idiom (bayit l'shem YHWH) doesn't imply God is confined to a building, but rather that the Temple is where His character, reputation, and glory are uniquely revealed and honored. It signifies a place where His presence is manifest and His authority acknowledged.
  • "Sweet incense": The Hebrew qetoret sammim refers to a specific, sacred blend of spices prescribed in the Law (Exodus 30:34-38). Its smoke ascending symbolized the prayers of God's people rising to Him.
  • "Continual shewbread": Known as lechem panim in Hebrew, meaning "bread of presence" or "bread of the face," these twelve loaves representing the twelve tribes were always kept before the Lord in the Holy Place (Leviticus 24:5-9), symbolizing God's perpetual provision and communion with His people.
  • "Ordinance for ever": The Hebrew chuqqat olam denotes a perpetual statute or lasting decree, highlighting the enduring nature of these divine commands for Israel's worship, even though the Temple system itself would eventually be fulfilled in Christ.

Related Scriptures

  • For the divine vision of the Temple given to David, see 1 Chronicles 28:10.
  • The importance of God's 'name' dwelling in the Temple is further emphasized in 1 Kings 8:29.
  • For the ultimate fulfillment of the sacrificial system, understand the perfect sacrifice of Christ in Hebrews 9:12.

Practical Application

While the physical Temple and its specific rituals are no longer practiced today—having been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice and the true temple (John 2:21)—the principles of 2 Chronicles 2:4 remain highly relevant for believers. We are now called to be the "temple of the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 6:19), and our worship is to be spiritual and heartfelt. This verse encourages us to be intentional and consistent in our devotion to God, offering spiritual sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and lives dedicated to His glory (Hebrews 13:15). It reminds us that our lives should be a constant act of worship, adhering to God's ordinances and seeking His presence in all we do.

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.

  • Exodus 30:7

    And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

  • Exodus 25:30

    And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.

  • Exodus 29:38

    ¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

  • Exodus 29:42

    [This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:1

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

  • Leviticus 23:1

    ¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

  • Leviticus 23:17

    Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; [they are] the firstfruits unto the LORD.

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