2 Chronicles 3:2

And he began to build in the second [day] of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.

And he began {H2490} to build {H1129} in the second {H8145} day of the second {H8145} month {H2320}, in the fourth {H702} year {H8141} of his reign {H4438}.

He began building in the fourth year of his reign, on the second day of the second month.

Solomon began construction on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign.

And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 3:2 (KJV) precisely marks the beginning of one of the most significant construction projects in ancient Israelite history: the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse states, "And he began to build in the second [day] of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign."

Context

The "he" in this verse refers to King Solomon, son of David, who was divinely chosen to construct the magnificent House of the Lord. Following David's extensive preparations and vision, Solomon commenced the work on a precisely noted date: the second day of the second month (often identified as the month of Ziv or Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to April/May), in the fourth year of his reign. This detailed timing underscores the methodical and deliberate nature of the project, which was undertaken on Mount Moriah, the very place where Abraham offered Isaac.

The parallel account in 1 Kings 6:1 confirms this exact timeframe, emphasizing the historical accuracy and importance of this moment. It was the culmination of a long-held desire by David to build a permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people, fulfilling God's promise to David that his son would build the Temple.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate and Obedience: Solomon's act of building was a direct fulfillment of God's command and David's legacy. It highlights the importance of obedience to divine instruction and the continuation of faithful leadership across generations.
  • Significance of the Temple: The commencement of its construction signifies the establishment of the central place of worship for Israel, a physical symbol of God's covenant presence among His people. It was designed to be a place of prayer, sacrifice, and communion with the Almighty.
  • Precision and Order: The specific dating (day, month, and year of reign) reflects the meticulous planning and orderly execution of this monumental task. It suggests that God's work is not haphazard but is accomplished with purpose and precision.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's addition of "[day]" in brackets indicates that while the Hebrew text literally says "in the second of the second month," the context clearly implies the second day of that month. This was a common way of expressing dates in ancient Hebrew, assuming the day was understood.

Practical Application

This verse, though historical, offers timeless principles:

  • The Importance of Foundation: Just as the Temple required careful planning and a specific start date, significant spiritual undertakings in our lives, whether personal or communal, require a solid foundation and intentional beginning.
  • God's Timing: The "fourth year of his reign" indicates that even major projects, ordained by God, unfold according to His perfect timing. We are called to be patient and discerning concerning God's appointed seasons for action.
  • Legacy and Cooperation: Solomon built on the vision and preparations of his father, David. This illustrates the importance of intergenerational faithfulness and cooperation in advancing God's kingdom, where one generation builds upon the efforts of the last.
  • God's Dwelling Today: While the physical Temple is no longer the center of worship, believers are now understood to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. This verse reminds us of the sacredness of God's presence, which now resides within His people, calling us to live lives that honor Him.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 6:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which [is] the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD.