2 Chronicles 3:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse 2 Chronicles 3:2 precisely records the commencement of one of the most monumental and theologically significant construction projects in ancient Israelite history: the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This detailed chronological marker—the second day of the second month in the fourth year of King Solomon's reign—underscores the deliberate, divinely ordained nature of the undertaking, marking the foundational moment for the physical dwelling place of God's presence among His people, a structure central to Israel's worship and national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the declaration of the Temple's location on Mount Moriah, the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, a site hallowed by Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac and David's altar to halt the plague ([2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Location of the Temple")). The precise dating in 2 Chronicles 3:2 serves as the narrative's launch point for the detailed description of the Temple's construction, dimensions, and adornments that follow in the remainder of chapter 3 and into chapter 4. It signals the transition from preparatory stages, extensively detailed in 1 Chronicles 22 and 28-29, to the active fulfillment of David's vision and God's promise. The Chronicler's emphasis on exact dates highlights the historical veracity and the providential timing of this pivotal event in Israel's history.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign, beginning around 970 BC, marked a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity for Israel, making it an opportune time for such a grand undertaking. The "fourth year of his reign" places the commencement of the Temple around 966 BC. The "second month" is known as Ziv (or Iyar), corresponding to April/May in the Gregorian calendar. Building projects of this scale were common among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, often serving as expressions of power, wealth, and devotion to their deities. However, for Israel, the Temple was unique: it was not merely a royal edifice but the designated dwelling place for Yahweh, built according to divine specifications. The use of specific dates reflects the meticulous record-keeping typical of ancient royal annals and underscores the importance of this event for the nation.

* **Key Themes:** The commencement of the Temple's construction in 2 Chronicles 3:2 powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it embodies **Divine Mandate and Obedience**, as Solomon's action is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for His name ([2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "2 Samuel 7:13 - God's Promise to David about the Temple")). Solomon's obedience to this command, building upon his father's extensive preparations ([1 Chronicles 22:2-5](/1_chronicles/22-2 "1 Chronicles 22:2-5 - David's Preparations for the Temple")), highlights the importance of generational faithfulness in God's work. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Significance of the Temple** itself as the central place of worship and the physical symbol of God's covenant presence among His people. Its construction was not just an architectural feat but a theological statement about God's immanence and His desire to dwell with humanity. Lastly, the precise dating emphasizes **Divine Order and Precision**, suggesting that God's plans unfold with deliberate timing and meticulous execution, reflecting His sovereignty over all human endeavors. This attention to detail implies that the work of God is not haphazard but unfolds according to a perfect, pre-ordained schedule, as also seen in the parallel account in [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "1 Kings 6:1 - The Start of Temple Construction").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **בָּנָה (Language, _banah'_):** The verb "to build" (used in "began to build") is fundamental here. It signifies not just the act of construction but also establishment, creation, and enduring presence. In biblical theology, building often implies the establishment of a lasting legacy or institution, whether a house, a city, or, in this case, a sacred dwelling for God. The initiation of this building project marks the beginning of a new era of worship and national identity for Israel.
* **שֵׁנִי (Language, _sheni'_):** "Second" (used for both the day and the month) emphasizes a deliberate, sequential timing. The repetition highlights the specificity. The "second month" (Ziv) was traditionally a time of good weather for building, following the spring rains. The "second day" further narrows the precision, indicating a specific, intentional start, not a random or arbitrary beginning.
* **רְבִיעִית (Language, _revi'it'_):** "Fourth" (referring to the year of reign) places this monumental event firmly within Solomon's early kingship. This timing is significant as it indicates that the Temple was a priority for Solomon, undertaken relatively early in his reign after he had consolidated his power and established peace, fulfilling the conditions necessary for such a massive undertaking as outlined in David's charge ([1 Kings 5:3-5](/1_kings/5-3 "1 Kings 5:3-5 - Solomon's Preparations for the Temple")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he began to build":** This phrase immediately identifies Solomon as the active agent, fulfilling the divine mandate given to his father, David. The emphasis is on the *initiation* of the work, marking a pivotal moment from planning and preparation to actual construction. The verb "began" (יָחֵל, _yakhel_) signifies the commencement of a long and arduous but divinely sanctioned task.
* **"in the second [day] of the second month":** This precise chronological marker provides the exact date of the Temple's commencement. The bracketed "[day]" in the KJV indicates an interpretive addition to clarify the Hebrew idiom, which literally translates as "in the second, in the second month." This level of detail underscores the historical accuracy and the careful record-keeping associated with such a significant national and religious undertaking. The second month, Ziv, was known for its favorable weather for construction.
* **"in the fourth year of his reign":** This temporal anchor places the event firmly within Solomon's rule. The "fourth year" suggests that Solomon had established his kingdom and secured peace, creating the necessary stability and resources for such a massive and costly project. This timing aligns with the divine promise that David's son, a man of peace, would build the Temple, unlike David, a man of war ([1 Chronicles 22:8-10](/1_chronicles/22-8 "1 Chronicles 22:8-10 - David's Inability to Build the Temple")).

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 3:2 is **Precision** or **Specific Chronology**. The Chronicler's meticulous detailing of the exact day, month, and year of the Temple's commencement serves to emphasize the historical accuracy and the divine orchestration of the event. This precise dating lends an air of **Verisimilitude** to the narrative, grounding the sacred history in concrete, verifiable time. Furthermore, the emphasis on a specific "beginning" can be seen as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the detailed description of the Temple's construction and dedication that follows, implying that this carefully planned start will lead to a grand and divinely blessed completion. The repetition of "second" for both day and month also subtly highlights the **Deliberateness** and orderliness of God's work and Solomon's obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The precise dating of the Temple's commencement in 2 Chronicles 3:2 is not merely a historical detail but carries profound theological weight. It signifies the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, where God assured David that his son would build a house for His name. This act of building underscores God's faithfulness to His word and His desire to dwell among His people. The Temple, initiated on this specific day, became the tangible expression of God's presence, the center of Israel's worship, and a place where atonement could be made, symbolizing the ongoing relationship between God and His chosen nation. It represented a physical space where heaven and earth converged, a microcosm of God's ordered creation, and a testament to the meticulous nature of divine providence.

* [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "Parallel Account of Temple Commencement")
* [2 Samuel 7:13](/2_samuel/7-13 "God's Promise to David about the Temple")
* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous record of the Temple's beginning in 2 Chronicles 3:2 offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as Solomon's grand undertaking had a precise, divinely appointed start, so too do significant spiritual endeavors in our lives require intentionality and a clear foundation. This verse reminds us that God's work, whether in our personal sanctification or in communal ministry, is not haphazard but unfolds according to His perfect timing and detailed plan. We are called to discern God's seasons for action, to prepare diligently, and to step forward in faith when His appointed time arrives, trusting that He orchestrates all things for His glory. Furthermore, Solomon's building upon David's vision exemplifies the importance of intergenerational faithfulness and cooperation in the Kingdom of God; we are often called to build upon the foundations laid by those who came before us, contributing our part to a larger, unfolding divine narrative. This verse encourages us to approach our spiritual callings with the same precision, dedication, and obedience that characterized the commencement of God's dwelling place in ancient Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What significant spiritual "building projects" in your life (e.g., character development, ministry, relationships) might need a more intentional and divinely aligned "beginning"?**
* **How does the precision of God's timing in this verse encourage or challenge your own patience and discernment in waiting for or acting on God's will?**
* **In what ways are you called to build upon the spiritual legacy of those who have gone before you, rather than starting entirely anew?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific date of the Temple's construction so precisely recorded in 2 Chronicles 3:2?**

Answer: The precise recording of the date—the second day of the second month in the fourth year of Solomon's reign—serves multiple crucial purposes. Historically, it underscores the veracity and importance of this monumental event, placing it firmly within the annals of Israelite history. Theologically, it highlights God's meticulous planning and sovereign timing; the commencement of His dwelling place was not arbitrary but occurred at a divinely appointed moment, after David's preparations and Solomon's consolidation of his kingdom, ensuring peace and resources for the project. This precision also emphasizes the orderly nature of God's work and Solomon's obedience to the divine mandate, reflecting the care and reverence due to such a sacred undertaking. It aligns with the Chronicler's broader aim to emphasize the legitimacy and divine approval of the Temple and its worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 3:2 details the beginning of a physical structure, its ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ. The Temple, initiated on this precise date, was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people, a place of sacrifice, prayer, and communion. However, the New Testament reveals that this physical temple was but a shadow of a greater reality. Jesus Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His body ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the ultimate, living Temple, the true meeting place between God and humanity, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "The Fullness of God in Christ")). The meticulous beginning of Solomon's Temple foreshadows the perfect, divinely ordained timing of Christ's incarnation and the establishment of the New Covenant, through which God now dwells not in a building made with hands, but in the hearts of believers by His Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Believers as the Temple of the Holy Spirit"); [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "The Church as a Holy Temple")). Thus, the historical moment of 2 Chronicles 3:2 points forward to the eternal reality of Christ, who is the true and perfect Temple, the ultimate means by which God's presence is made accessible to all who believe.

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 6:1

¶ 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.