2 Chronicles 3:5

KJV

And the greater house he cieled with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set thereon palm trees and chains.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the greater {H1419} house {H1004} he cieled {H2645} with fir {H1265} tree {H6086}, which he overlaid {H2645} with fine {H2896} gold {H2091}, and set {H5927} thereon palm trees {H8561} and chains {H8333}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The larger house he covered with cypress-wood, which he overlaid with fine gold and embossed with palm trees and chains.

Berean Standard Bible

He paneled the main room with cypress, which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains.

American Standard Version

And the greater house he ceiled with fir-wood, which he overlaid with fine gold, and wrought thereon palm-trees and chains.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 3:5 offers a meticulous glimpse into the lavish interior of King Solomon's Temple, specifically detailing the ceiling of the "greater house," or the Holy Place. This verse describes the use of choice fir wood overlaid with the purest gold, further adorned with intricate carvings of palm trees and decorative chains. It powerfully underscores the unparalleled reverence, immense value, and profound dedication attributed to God's dwelling place among His people, reflecting a commitment to offer only the most precious and beautiful for the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the construction of Solomon's Temple, a monumental undertaking detailed from [2 Chronicles 2](/2_chronicles/2 "2 Chronicles 2 - Preparations for Temple Building") through [2 Chronicles 7](/2_chronicles/7 "2 Chronicles 7 - Dedication of the Temple"). Following the general layout and dimensions established in preceding verses (e.g., [2 Chronicles 3:3-4](/2_chronicles/3-3 "2 Chronicles 3:3-4 - Temple Dimensions and Porch")), 2 Chronicles 3 focuses on the intricate materials and decorative elements of the Temple's interior. The "greater house" specifically refers to the nave or sanctuary, the larger, main chamber of the Temple that priests would enter daily for service, distinguishing it from the smaller, most sacred inner chamber, the Most Holy Place, which is described in [2 Chronicles 3:8](/2_chronicles/3-8 "2 Chronicles 3:8 - The Most Holy Place"). This verse highlights the opulence of the public-facing areas, setting the tone for the entire structure's sacred grandeur.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Solomon's reign (c. 970-931 BC) was a period of unprecedented peace, prosperity, and international trade for Israel, allowing for the accumulation of vast resources necessary for such an ambitious architectural project. The construction of a permanent Temple in Jerusalem was a fulfillment of David's desire to build a "house of rest" for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's stable presence among His people, a significant shift from the portable Tabernacle. In the ancient Near East, grand temples were common, often built with the finest materials to honor their deities. However, Israel's Temple was unique in its dedication to Yahweh, the one true God, and the lavishness was an expression of covenant faithfulness and worship. The use of imported fir wood and vast quantities of gold reflects Solomon's extensive trade networks and the immense wealth of his kingdom, all channeled into this sacred endeavor.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, illustrating the physical manifestation of God's desired presence among His people, a concept first introduced with the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among His People")). Secondly, it highlights **Lavish Worship and Unwavering Dedication**, demonstrating that Israel offered its absolute best—the most precious materials and skilled craftsmanship—for the Lord's house, signifying His supreme worthiness. This theme of giving one's finest is recurrent throughout scripture. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Symbolism of Sacred Space**, where every material and decoration, from the "fine gold" to the "palm trees," carried profound theological meaning, intended to evoke awe, reverence, and an understanding of God's glory and purity. The Temple's beauty was designed to prepare the people for the anticipated **Glory of God** that would eventually fill the structure upon its dedication, as seen in [2 Chronicles 7:1-3](/2_chronicles/7-1 "2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - God's Glory Fills the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fir tree (Hebrew: בְּרוֹשׂ, _berosh_):** This term typically refers to cypress or juniper wood, known for its durability, strength, and often aromatic qualities. Its selection for the Temple's ceiling indicates a commitment to using high-quality, long-lasting materials as the structural base, signifying the enduring nature of God's dwelling and the finest natural resources dedicated to His service.
* **Fine gold (Hebrew: זָהָב סָגוּר, _zahav sagur_):** This specific phrase denotes gold of the highest purity, often translated as "pure gold" or "refined gold." Its extensive use throughout the Temple, particularly as an overlay on the entire ceiling, symbolizes several key theological concepts: divine purity, the unblemished holiness of God, royalty, immense value, and the radiant glory of His presence. It signifies that only the most perfect and precious was deemed suitable for the Lord's house.
* **Palm trees (Hebrew: תְּמֹרִים, _temorim_):** Palm trees were a common decorative motif in ancient Near Eastern art and held rich symbolic meaning in biblical contexts. They often represent righteousness, flourishing, victory, fruitfulness, and life. Their presence on the Temple ceiling suggests a desire for God's blessings, prosperity, and the vibrant life that springs from His presence within His house.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the greater house he cieled with fir tree":** This clause identifies the specific part of the Temple being described – the "greater house," which is the Holy Place or nave. It specifies the primary structural material used for its ceiling: durable fir wood. This highlights the foundational quality of the craftsmanship, providing a sturdy and beautiful base for further adornment.
* **"which he overlaid with fine gold":** This phrase reveals the extraordinary opulence and symbolic significance of the ceiling. The fir wood was not merely used as a structural element but was completely covered with the purest gold. This act of overlaying with "fine gold" transformed the natural material into a radiant surface, emphasizing the sacredness, purity, and divine glory associated with God's dwelling place.
* **"and set thereon palm trees and chains":** This final clause details the intricate decorative elements that adorned the golden ceiling. The "palm trees" were likely carved or embossed motifs, adding symbolic meaning related to life, flourishing, and righteousness. The "chains" could refer to decorative garlands, perhaps intricate gold chains or interwoven patterns, further enhancing the splendor and intricate design, contributing to the overall atmosphere of awe and reverence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes significant use of **Symbolism**. The "fine gold" is not merely a material; it profoundly symbolizes purity, divinity, royalty, and the unapproachable glory of God. Its pervasive use throughout the Temple, as seen here on the ceiling, visually communicated the sacredness and supreme worthiness of the One worshipped within. The "fir tree," while a literal material, also carries symbolic weight, representing the finest of creation dedicated to the Creator. The "palm trees" are rich in symbolic meaning, representing victory, righteousness, and flourishing life, suggesting the blessings and vitality associated with God's presence. The "chains" could symbolize connection, unity, or intricate beauty, further enhancing the sense of divine order and splendor. The overall description evokes a sense of **Awe** and **Magnificence**, intended to impress upon the reader the unparalleled grandeur and sacredness of the Temple.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The lavishness described in 2 Chronicles 3:5, particularly the extensive use of "fine gold" and symbolic adornments, conveys a profound theological message: God is worthy of the absolute best. This dedication of immense resources and exquisite craftsmanship was not for human comfort but as an act of worship, reflecting Israel's understanding of God's supreme holiness, glory, and value. The Temple, as God's dwelling place, was to be a microcosm of heavenly perfection and beauty, a tangible representation of His presence among His people. This commitment to excellence in sacred space foreshadows the New Testament concept of offering our "firstfruits" and our very lives as a "living sacrifice" to God, reflecting a heart that truly values His presence and purposes above all else.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among His People")
* [1 Kings 6:21-22](/1_kings/6-21 "1 Kings 6:21-22 - Gold Overlay in the Temple")
* [Haggai 2:7-9](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7-9 - The Latter Glory of the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical Temple no longer stands, the principles behind its construction and adornment remain profoundly relevant for believers today. 2 Chronicles 3:5 challenges us to consider the quality of our offering to God, not just in terms of material possessions, but in every aspect of our lives. Just as the Temple was adorned with the finest materials, reflecting God's glory and purity, we are called to dedicate our best in worship, service, and resources. As believers, we are now understood as "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")), and the church collectively is built together into a "holy temple in the Lord" ([Ephesians 2:21](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - The Church as a Holy Temple")). This verse inspires us to cultivate lives that are spiritually "overlaid with fine gold"—marked by purity, integrity, and a radiant reflection of Christ's character. Our "fir tree" foundations should be strong in faith, and our lives should be adorned with the "palm trees" of righteousness and fruitfulness, demonstrating God's beauty and life to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the lavishness of Solomon's Temple, as described in this verse, challenge our understanding of what it means to honor God with our resources and our best efforts?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as "temples of the Holy Spirit," ensure that our inner lives and outward actions are "overlaid with fine gold" that reflects God's purity and glory?**
* **What "palm trees" (spiritual fruit, righteous living, acts of victory) should we be cultivating to adorn our lives for God's honor?**
* **Are there aspects of our worship, service, or personal lives that we might be holding back from offering to God's "greater house" (our lives, the church) with the same dedication seen in the Temple's construction?**

### FAQ
**Why was so much gold used in the Temple, and what did it signify?**

Answer: The extensive use of "fine gold" in the Temple, as seen in 2 Chronicles 3:5 and throughout the construction accounts (e.g., [1 Kings 6:21-22](/1_kings/6-21 "1 Kings 6:21-22 - Gold Overlay in the Temple")), was not merely for aesthetic appeal but carried profound theological significance. Gold, being a precious, incorruptible, and radiant metal, universally symbolized purity, divinity, royalty, and immense value in the ancient world. In the Temple, it underscored the absolute holiness and glory of God, emphasizing that only the most perfect and valuable materials were suitable for His dwelling place. It served as a visual representation of the divine presence, reflecting light and creating an atmosphere of awe and reverence, much like the gold used in the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:11](/exodus/25-11 "Exodus 25:11 - Gold on the Ark of the Covenant")). This lavishness communicated the immeasurable worthiness of the God of Israel and His transcendent nature, setting apart His dwelling as uniquely sacred and glorious.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple, with its "fir tree" foundation overlaid with "fine gold" and adorned with "palm trees," served as a magnificent foreshadowing of the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity: Jesus Christ. While the Temple was a house built by human hands, Christ is the true and perfect Temple, the very embodiment of God's presence. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The gold-overlaid interior of Solomon's Temple, symbolizing purity and divine glory, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's sinless perfection and inherent deity. He is the "greater house" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction and Resurrection")), the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Fullness")). The "palm trees" symbolizing victory and flourishing point to Christ's triumph over sin and death, bringing eternal life and righteousness to all who believe. Furthermore, through Christ, believers become living stones in a spiritual temple ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), collectively forming the body of Christ, a holy dwelling place for God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")). Thus, the physical splendor of 2 Chronicles 3:5 ultimately points to the infinitely greater spiritual glory and perfection found in Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and in His redeemed people.

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 6:21

So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold.

1 Kings 6:22

And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that [was] by the oracle he overlaid with gold.

1 Kings 6:15

¶ And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar, both the floor of the house, and the walls of the cieling: [and] he covered [them] on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir.

1 Kings 6:17

And the house, that [is], the temple before it, was forty cubits [long].