2 Chronicles 2:9

KJV

Even to prepare me timber in abundance: for the house which I am about to build [shall be] wonderful great.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even to prepare {H3559} me timber {H6086} in abundance {H7230}: for the house {H1004} which I am about to build {H1129} shall be wonderful {H6381} great {H1419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to prepare me an abundant supply of timber, for the house I am about to build must be magnificent and wonderful.

Berean Standard Bible

to prepare for me timber in abundance, because the temple I am building will be great and wonderful.

American Standard Version

even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Solomon, in his communication with Hiram, King of Tyre, articulates the immense scale and profound significance of the Temple he is commissioned to build for the Lord in Jerusalem. This verse specifically highlights Solomon's request for "timber in abundance," justifying the vast quantity and quality of materials by declaring that the edifice dedicated to God "shall be wonderful great," emphasizing its unparalleled grandeur and majesty as a testament to the divine glory it is intended to house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of King Solomon's detailed letter to King Hiram of Tyre, seeking assistance for the monumental task of building the Temple. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 2:1-8) establish Solomon's firm resolve to build a "house for the name of the Lord his God" (2 Chronicles 2:1) and a "house for the Lord, great and magnificent" (2 Chronicles 2:5). Solomon explicitly states that "the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods" (2 Chronicles 2:5). This sets the stage for the specific request in 2 Chronicles 2:9 for abundant timber, directly linking the lavish materials to the magnificent scale of the intended structure. The subsequent verses (2 Chronicles 2:10-16) detail the specific provisions Solomon offers Hiram's workers and Hiram's affirmative and praising response, underscoring the international cooperation and vast resources involved in this divine enterprise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Temple was a pivotal event in ancient Israelite history, marking a transition from a portable tabernacle to a permanent, central place of worship in Jerusalem. This period, during Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC), was a golden age for Israel, characterized by unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international influence. Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city-state, was renowned for its skilled craftsmen, especially in stonemasonry and timber work, and its vast cedar forests. The alliance between Israel and Tyre, established during David's reign (see [2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Alliance with David") and [1 Kings 5:1](/1_kings/5-1 "1 Kings 5:1 - Hiram's Alliance with Solomon")), was crucial for obtaining the specialized labor and high-quality materials not readily available in Israel. The scale of the Temple project, as implied by "wonderful great," would have been a testament to Israel's elevated status and a significant architectural feat for the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Magnificence and Honor**, emphasizing that the Temple's unparalleled grandeur was a direct reflection of the glory and supremacy of the God of Israel. Solomon's commitment to building a "wonderful great" house demonstrates the human desire to offer the absolute best to the Almighty, echoing the call for excellence in worship found throughout the Old Testament. Secondly, it underscores **Solomon's Vision and Leadership**, portraying him as a proactive and ambitious king who understood the spiritual and national significance of the Temple. His detailed request for "timber in abundance" showcases his foresight in securing the necessary resources and expertise for such a monumental undertaking. Lastly, the verse touches upon the theme of **Abundance and Provision**, illustrating how God provides for His purposes, often through human collaboration and even international alliances, as seen in the vast quantities of materials and skilled labor supplied by Hiram. This foreshadows the immense wealth and wisdom God would grant Solomon throughout his reign, enabling him to complete this extraordinary project (see [1 Kings 10:23-25](/1_kings/10-23 "1 Kings 10:23-25 - Solomon's Great Wealth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Timber in abundance (Hebrew, _‘etsim larov'_):** The Hebrew phrase literally means "wood in multitude" or "wood in great quantity." The term _larov_ (לרב) signifies "in abundance, greatly, much." This is not merely a request for sufficient wood but for an overwhelming supply, indicative of the colossal scale of the Temple project. It speaks to the vastness of the undertaking and Solomon's intention to spare no expense or effort in constructing a dwelling worthy of God's name. This emphasis on "abundance" contrasts with the more modest materials often used for secular buildings, underscoring the sacred and unique nature of the Temple.
* **Wonderful great (Hebrew, _gadol lema'lah'_):** The Hebrew _gadol_ (גדול) means "great, large, mighty," while _lema'lah_ (למעלה) means "upward, above, beyond, exceedingly." Combined, _gadol lema'lah_ conveys a sense of "exceedingly great," "great beyond measure," or "supremely great." It is a superlative expression, indicating a magnitude and splendor that transcends ordinary human standards. This phrase is not just a description of size but of unparalleled magnificence, reflecting the divine majesty and the honor due to the God of Israel. It sets the Temple apart as a unique and awe-inspiring structure, designed to evoke reverence and wonder.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even to prepare me timber in abundance:"** This clause articulates Solomon's specific need for the construction. The verb "prepare" (הכין, _hekhin_) implies not just gathering but making ready and fitting for purpose. The request for "timber in abundance" highlights the vast quantities of wood required, particularly cedar, fir, and algum wood, as mentioned in the broader context of the chapter (2 Chronicles 2:8). This underscores the monumental scale of the Temple project and Solomon's meticulous planning to ensure all necessary resources are secured.
* **"for the house which I am about to build [shall be] wonderful great."** This clause provides the justification and motivation for the preceding request. The phrase "the house which I am about to build" refers directly to the Temple, which was the central focus of Solomon's reign and the fulfillment of David's desire. The declaration that it "shall be wonderful great" serves as the ultimate rationale for the extraordinary resources and skilled labor being sought. It signifies that the Temple's grandeur will be unparalleled, reflecting the supreme greatness and glory of the God to whom it is dedicated, thus demanding the finest and most abundant materials possible.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "wonderful great," which emphasizes the Temple's extraordinary scale and magnificence beyond typical human constructions. This exaggeration serves to highlight the divine recipient of the building and the unparalleled honor intended for Him. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct statement of the Temple's grandeur as the reason for the request for "timber in abundance," creating a cause-and-effect relationship that underscores the project's spiritual significance. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, as Solomon's declaration of a "wonderful great" house anticipates the actual splendor and renown of the completed Temple, which would indeed become a marvel of the ancient world and a symbol of God's presence among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 2:9 powerfully articulates the principle that God's dwelling place, whether a physical structure or the spiritual community of believers, should reflect His supreme greatness and be built with utmost dedication and excellence. Solomon's vision for a "wonderful great" Temple was not born of human pride but of a profound understanding of God's majesty and the desire to honor Him appropriately. This commitment to excellence in service and worship is a recurring biblical theme, reminding us that our offerings to God, whether material, spiritual, or vocational, should be our very best, reflecting His worthiness. The abundance of materials sought also speaks to God's boundless provision for His purposes, often working through human cooperation and the resources of the world.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Rebuilding the Temple with Glory")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Best to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Solomon's unwavering commitment to building a "wonderful great" house for the Lord serves as a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. While we no longer construct physical temples in the same manner, the underlying principle of giving our absolute best to God remains eternally relevant. This verse beckons us to examine the quality of our devotion, the sincerity of our worship, and the excellence of our service. Are we offering God our leftovers, or are we, like Solomon, striving to dedicate our finest talents, resources, and efforts to His kingdom? It calls us to cultivate a grand vision for God's work in and through our lives, understanding that our God is "wonderful great" and deserves nothing less than our wholehearted pursuit of His glory. Just as the Temple was a focal point for God's presence, our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, should be built up in such a way that they reflect His magnificent character and draw others to His awe-inspiring presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you holding back from giving your absolute best to God?**
* **How does the concept of a "wonderful great" God influence your vision for your personal walk with Him and your involvement in His kingdom work?**
* **Considering that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, what practical steps can you take to make your life more "wonderful great" in purity, devotion, and service to God?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for the Temple to be "wonderful great"?**

Answer: The Temple's "wonderful great" scale and magnificence were crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it was intended to reflect the supreme greatness and glory of the God of Israel, who is "above all gods" (2 Chronicles 2:5). A grand structure visually communicated God's unparalleled majesty and worthiness of the highest honor. Secondly, it served as a central place of worship and national identity for Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people and His covenant faithfulness. The grandeur would inspire awe and reverence, reinforcing the sanctity of the space and the seriousness of approaching a holy God. Finally, it was a fulfillment of God's promise to David and a testament to Solomon's wisdom and the prosperity of his reign, demonstrating God's blessing upon His chosen king and nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 2:9 describes a physical structure of unparalleled grandeur, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The Temple, for all its "wonderful great" glory, was merely a shadow pointing to the true dwelling place of God among humanity. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), referring to the temple of His body. He is the ultimate "wonderful great" Temple, the perfect embodiment of God's presence and glory on earth, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ not only rebuilt the "temple" of His body but also established a new spiritual Temple, the church, composed of believers, where God's Spirit now resides ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - Believers as God's Temple")). Thus, the vision of a "wonderful great" house for God is fully realized in Christ, who is the cornerstone of this new spiritual edifice ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone of the Church")), and in His body, the Church, which continues to grow into a holy temple in the Lord, reflecting His glory to the world.

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

1 Kings 9:8

And at this house, [which] is high, every one that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and to this house?

2 Chronicles 2:5

And the house which I build [is] great: for great [is] our God above all gods.

2 Chronicles 7:21

And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house?