2 Chronicles 3:3

KJV

Now these [are the things wherein] Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now these are the things wherein Solomon {H8010} was instructed {H3245} for the building {H1129} of the house {H1004} of God {H430}. The length {H753} by cubits {H520} after the first {H7223} measure {H4060} was threescore {H8346} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} twenty {H6242} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the foundations Shlomo laid for building the house of God: the length in old-standard cubits was sixty cubits [105 feet] and the width twenty cubits [thirty-five feet].

Berean Standard Bible

The foundation that Solomon laid for the house of God was sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide, according to the old standard.

American Standard Version

Now these are the foundations which Solomon laid for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was threescore cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 3:3 initiates the detailed account of Solomon's construction of the First Temple, specifically outlining the foundational dimensions of the main sanctuary. This verse underscores that these measurements were not arbitrary but were divinely "instructed," emphasizing the sacred precision and adherence to God's revealed plan for His dwelling place, setting the stage for the magnificent edifice to be built in Jerusalem as the central place of worship for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate precursor to the detailed architectural description of Solomon's Temple, which spans the remainder of 2 Chronicles 3 and extends into 2 Chronicles 4. It follows the extensive preparations made by King David and subsequently by Solomon, including the gathering of materials, the organization of labor, and the confirmation of the Temple's location on Mount Moriah, specifically the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, as noted in [2 Chronicles 3:1](/2_chronicles/3-1 "2 Chronicles 3:1 - Location of the Temple"). By stating that Solomon "was instructed," the Chronicler emphasizes the divine origin of the Temple's design, echoing the meticulous blueprint given for the [Tabernacle in the wilderness](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Tabernacle's Divine Pattern"). This verse, therefore, establishes the divine authority and precision behind the subsequent architectural details, setting a reverent tone for a sacred undertaking that was not of human devising but divine command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of a permanent temple in Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying a shift from the nomadic worship of the Tabernacle to a fixed, central place of worship. In the ancient Near East, temple building was a common practice, with rulers often constructing grand edifices to honor their deities and solidify their own power. However, Israel's Temple was unique in that its design was explicitly revealed by God, not merely a product of human architectural innovation or a king's personal ambition. The "cubit" (Hebrew: *ʾammah*) was a standard unit of linear measurement in the ancient world, though its precise length could vary regionally. The phrase "the first measure" likely refers to a standard or established cubit, perhaps a "royal cubit" or the commonly accepted sacred measure, ensuring accuracy and adherence to a consistent divine blueprint. This precision was crucial for a structure intended to house the very presence of God, distinguishing it from pagan temples.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes emerging from 2 Chronicles 3:3 include **Divine Instruction and Authority**, as the text explicitly states Solomon "was instructed" by God, highlighting that the Temple's design was not a human invention but a divinely revealed plan. This underscores God's sovereignty over worship and His desire for order and excellence in His dwelling place. Another significant theme is the **Grandeur and Sacredness of God's Dwelling**. The substantial dimensions—sixty cubits in length and twenty cubits in breadth—for the main hall (the *hekal* or Holy Place) signify the scale and importance of this structure dedicated to the Lord. It was to be a prominent and impressive edifice, a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people, as further detailed in [1 Kings 6](/1_kings/6 "1 Kings 6 - Construction of Solomon's Temple"). Furthermore, the mention of "the first measure" points to **Adherence to Established Standards and Divine Precision**, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God's detailed specifications, a principle also evident in the construction of the [Tabernacle](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and later reiterated in prophetic visions of future temples, such as [Ezekiel 40](/ekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - Vision of the New Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Instructed (Hebrew, _yâçad'_):** This verb, derived from H3245, carries the primary meaning "to found," "to lay a foundation," or "to establish." In this context, it signifies that the architectural plans and specifications for the Temple were not Solomon's own ingenious design but were divinely revealed and given to him by God. It strongly implies a pre-ordained blueprint, underscoring the sacred origin and ultimate authority behind the entire building project, emphasizing that Solomon was merely executing a divinely established plan.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** From H1004, this term broadly means "a house" but encompasses a wide range of applications, including family, home, palace, and significantly, "temple." When combined with "of God" (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), it designates the structure as God's dwelling place, His sacred abode among His people. This emphasizes its unique status and purpose, distinguishing it from ordinary buildings and highlighting its role as the central locus of Israelite worship and divine presence.
* **Measure (Hebrew, _middâh'_):** From H4060, this feminine noun refers to "extension," "height," "breadth," or "a measure" (including its standard). The phrase "after the first measure" indicates adherence to a specific, perhaps longer or more authoritative, cubit (H520, _ʼammâh_) that was a recognized standard for sacred structures. This highlights the meticulous detail and precision required by God for His Temple, ensuring that its dimensions conformed to a divinely sanctioned standard rather than arbitrary human calculations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now these [are the things wherein] Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and authority behind the Temple's construction. It asserts that Solomon did not conceive the design on his own but received specific, detailed instructions from God. The phrase "house of God" highlights the sacred purpose of the edifice as a dwelling place for the Lord's presence among His people, emphasizing its unique status compared to other ancient Near Eastern temples and setting the stage for the meticulous details to follow.
* **"The length by cubits after the first measure [was] threescore cubits":** This specifies the primary dimension of the Temple's main sanctuary, the *hekal* or Holy Place. "Threescore cubits" translates to 60 cubits (approximately 90-105 feet or 27-32 meters, depending on the cubit's precise length). The phrase "after the first measure" indicates adherence to a standardized or traditional unit of measurement, possibly a "royal cubit" (which was slightly longer than the common cubit) or a consistent measure established for sacred structures, ensuring precision and fidelity to the divine blueprint.
* **"and the breadth twenty cubits":** This provides the second key dimension of the main sanctuary, specifying its width as 20 cubits (approximately 30-35 feet or 9-11 meters). Together with the length, these foundational measurements define the substantial size of the central area where priestly service would take place, underscoring the grandeur and significance of God's intended dwelling and demonstrating the detailed nature of the divine instructions given to Solomon.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 3:3 is **Precision** through the explicit statement of exact measurements. The detailed enumeration of "threescore cubits" and "twenty cubits" for the Temple's dimensions emphasizes the meticulous nature of God's instructions and the importance of adherence to divine specifications for the sacred space. This numerical exactitude serves to underscore the divine blueprint, contrasting it with any human improvisation or estimation. Furthermore, the phrase "Solomon was instructed" employs **Emphasis** on divine authority, highlighting that the Temple's design was not born of human ingenuity but was a direct revelation from God. This sets a reverent tone for the entire building narrative, framing the construction as an act of obedience to a perfect, divinely ordained plan, thereby elevating the Temple's significance beyond mere architecture to a sacred manifestation of God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous detail and divine instruction for the Temple's dimensions in 2 Chronicles 3:3 speak volumes about God's character. It reveals a God of order, precision, and intentionality, who is deeply concerned with the details of His dwelling place and the worship rendered to Him. This divine blueprint for a physical structure foreshadows God's equally precise and perfect plan for salvation and the establishment of His spiritual dwelling—the Church. Just as the Temple was built according to specific, revealed measurements, so too is God's redemptive work executed with absolute perfection and according to His eternal counsel. This verse reminds us that God's ways are not haphazard but are characterized by divine wisdom and purposeful design, inviting us to trust in His perfect plans for our lives and for His kingdom, recognizing that every detail serves His overarching purpose.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Tabernacle's Divine Pattern")
* [1 Kings 6:2](/1_kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy of the Heavenly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The emphasis on divine instruction and precise measurements for the Temple's construction in 2 Chronicles 3:3 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the source of our blueprints for life, ministry, and the Church. Are we building according to human wisdom, trends, or convenience, or are we meticulously seeking and adhering to God's revealed will? Just as God had a specific design for His physical dwelling, He has a divine design for our spiritual lives and for the collective body of Christ. This calls for a posture of humility and diligent study of Scripture, ensuring that our actions, beliefs, and structures align with God's perfect standards. It reminds us that excellence in worship and service is not merely about grandeur, but about faithfulness to God's specific instructions, recognizing that even the seemingly small details are significant in His eyes, contributing to a structure that truly honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on divine instruction for the Temple's construction challenge our tendency to rely on human wisdom or popular trends in spiritual matters?**
* **In what areas of your personal life or ministry do you sense God calling for greater precision and adherence to His revealed will, rather than approximation or convenience?**
* **What does the grandeur implied by the Temple's dimensions teach us about the reverence and excellence due to God in our worship and service today?**

### FAQ

**What does "the first measure" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The first measure" (Hebrew: *bamiddah harishonah*) likely refers to a standard or established unit of measurement, possibly a "royal cubit" which was slightly longer than the common cubit (perhaps 20-21 inches compared to 18 inches). It could also simply mean the original, standard, or authoritative cubit used for sacred architecture, ensuring consistency with previous divine blueprints (like the Tabernacle) or a recognized sacred standard of the time. This phrase emphasizes that the dimensions were not arbitrary but conformed to a known and accepted precise standard, underscoring the meticulous nature of the divine instructions for the Temple and highlighting the importance of fidelity to God's exact specifications.

**How do these dimensions compare to the Tabernacle or other ancient structures?**

Answer: The dimensions given in 2 Chronicles 3:3 for the main hall (Holy Place) of Solomon's Temple—sixty cubits long and twenty cubits wide—show a significant increase in scale compared to the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle's Holy Place was thirty cubits long and ten cubits wide, as detailed in [Exodus 26:15-25](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Tabernacle Construction Details"), meaning Solomon's Temple was exactly double the length and double the breadth of the Tabernacle's main sanctuary. This demonstrates a progression in the grandeur of God's dwelling among His people, reflecting a new era of settled worship. While other ancient Near Eastern temples were also built with specific dimensions, the divine instruction and the sacred purpose of the Temple of Yahweh set it apart, making its precise measurements a reflection of God's unique design and His increasing revelation of His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise dimensions and divine instruction for Solomon's Temple in 2 Chronicles 3:3 find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The physical Temple was God's dwelling place among His people, a meticulously designed structure to house His presence and facilitate worship. However, in the New Covenant, God's ultimate dwelling is not in a building made with hands, but in the person of Jesus Christ. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," literally "tabernacled among us." Christ is the true and perfect Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence, fulfilling all the types and shadows of the Old Testament sanctuary. His body was the Temple that would be destroyed and raised in three days, as He Himself prophesied in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), signifying the end of the old sacrificial system and the inauguration of a new way of worship through Him. The divine precision seen in the Temple's blueprint foreshadows the perfect, unblemished life and sacrifice of Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's redemptive plan down to the smallest detail. Through Him, believers are now living stones, being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones Building a Spiritual House"), with Christ Himself as the cornerstone, uniting Jew and Gentile into one new man, as revealed in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone and Spiritual Temple"). Thus, the meticulous design of the earthly Temple points forward to the perfect, divinely ordained person and work of Christ, who is the ultimate reality of God's dwelling with humanity and the foundation of His spiritual kingdom.

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 Chronicles 28:11

¶ Then David gave to Solomon his son the pattern of the porch, and of the houses thereof, and of the treasuries thereof, and of the upper chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours thereof, and of the place of the mercy seat,

1 Chronicles 28:19

All [this, said David], the LORD made me understand in writing by [his] hand upon me, [even] all the works of this pattern.

1 Kings 6:2

And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD, the length thereof [was] threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty [cubits], and the height thereof thirty cubits.

1 Kings 6:3

And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits [was] the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house; [and] ten cubits [was] the breadth thereof before the house.