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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3 verses 1–9
Here is, I. The place where the temple was built. Solomon was neither at liberty to choose nor at a loss to fix the place. It was before determined (Ch1 22:1), which was an ease to his mind. 1. It must be at Jerusalem; for that was the place where God had chosen to put his name there. The royal city must be the holy city. There must be the testimony of Israel; for there are set the thrones of judgment, Psa 122:4, Psa 122:5. 2. It must be on Mount Moriah, which, some think, was that very place in the land of Moriah where Abraham offered Isaac, Gen 22:2. So the Targum says expressly, adding, But he was delivered by the word of the Lord, and a ram provided in his place. That was typical of Christ's sacrifice of himself; therefore fitly was the temple, which was likewise a type of him, built there. 3. It must be where the Lord appeared to David, and answered him by fire, Ch1 21:18, Ch1 21:26. There atonement was made once; and therefore, in remembrance of that, there atonement was made once; and therefore, in remembrance of that, there atonement must still be made. Where God has met with me it is to be hoped that he will still manifest himself. 4. It must be in the place which David has prepared, not only which he had purchased with his money, but which he had purchased with his money, but which he had pitched upon divine direction. It was Solomon's wisdom not to enquire out a more convenient place, but to acquiesce in the appointment of God, whatever might be objected against it. 5. It must be in the threshold floor of Ornan, which, if (as a Jebusite) it gives encouragement to the Gentiles, obliges us to look upon temple-work as that which requires the labour of the mind, no less than threshing-work dos that of the body.
II. The time when it was begun; not till the fourth year of Solomon's reign, Ch2 3:2. Not that the first three years were trifled away, or spent in deliberating whether they should build the temple or no; but they were employed in the necessary preparations for it, wherein three years would be soon gone, considering how many hands were to be got together and set to work. Some conjecture that this was a sabbatical year, or year of release and rest to the land, when the people, being discharged from their husbandry, might more easily lend a hand to the beginning of this work; and then the year in which it was finished would fall out to be another sabbatical year, when they would likewise have leisure to attend the solemnity of the dedication of it.
III. The dimensions of it, in which Solomon was instructed (Ch2 3:3), as he was in other things, by his father. This was the foundation (so it may be read) which Solomon laid for the building of the house. This was the rule he went by, so many cubits the length and breadth, after the first measure, that is, according to the measure first fixed, which there was no reason to make any alteration of when the work came to be done; for the dimensions were given by divine wisdom, and what God does shall be for ever; nothing can be put to it, or taken from it, Ecc 3:14. His first measure will be the last.
IV. The ornaments of the temple. The timber-work was very fine, and yet, within, it was overlaid with pure gold (Ch2 3:4), with fine gold (Ch2 3:5). and that embossed with palm-trees and chains. It was gold of Parvaim (Ch2 3:6), the best gold. The beams and posts, the walls and doors, were overlaid with gold, Ch2 3:7. The most holy place, which was ten yards square, was all overlaid with fine gold (Ch2 3:8), even the upper chambers, or rather the upper floor or roof - top, bottom, and sides, were all overlaid with gold. Every nail, or screw, or pin, with which the golden plates were fastened to the walls that were overlaid with them, weighed fifty shekels, or was worth so much, workmanship and all. A great many precious stones were dedicated to God (Ch1 29:2, Ch1 29:8), and these were set here and there, where they would show to the best advantage. The finest houses now pretend to no better garnishing than good paint on the roof and walls; but the ornaments of the temple were most substantially rich. It was set with precious stones, because it was a type of the new Jerusalem, which has no temple in it because it is all temple, and the walls, gates, and foundations of which are said to be of precious stones and pearls, Rev 21:18, Rev 21:19, Rev 21:21.
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SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 3:8 provides a meticulous account of the Most Holy Place within Solomon's Temple, detailing its precise cubical dimensions and the astonishing quantity of fine gold used to completely overlay its interior. This innermost sanctuary, known as the Holy of Holies, served as the earthly dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the very presence and glory of God among His people. The lavish materials and exact craftsmanship underscore the unparalleled sacredness, divine perfection, and immense reverence attributed to this consecrated space, reflecting Israel's profound awe for the Almighty.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within 2 Chronicles 3, which meticulously chronicles King Solomon's monumental undertaking of constructing the Temple in Jerusalem, a project envisioned and initiated by his father, King David. Chapters 2 through 4 of 2 Chronicles provide comprehensive details regarding the preparations, acquisition of materials, and the construction of various components of the Temple, from its foundational elements to its intricate inner furnishings. Specifically, 2 Chronicles 3:1-7 outlines the overall dimensions of the main sanctuary and its initial adornments. Verse 8 then shifts focus to the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies), highlighting its unique perfect-cube dimensions and the immense wealth invested in its beautification. This detailed description serves to emphasize the supreme significance of this particular chamber as the apex of the Temple's holiness, preceding the subsequent descriptions of the veil and the cherubim in 2 Chronicles 3:14.
Historical & Cultural Context: Solomon's Temple, constructed around the 10th century BCE, represented the zenith of Israelite national and religious life, serving as the central worship edifice that superseded the portable Tabernacle. Its construction was an undertaking of immense scale, reflecting the nation's prosperity under Solomon and its deep commitment to YHWH. The concept of a "most holy house" or inner sanctuary was deeply embedded in Israelite religious tradition, directly paralleling the design of the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies, as described in Exodus 26:33-34. The use of vast quantities of gold was not merely for aesthetic grandeur but held profound symbolic meaning, signifying divine presence, purity, and ultimate value. In the ancient Near East, gold was a precious metal universally associated with royalty, divinity, and sacred spaces. Its lavish application in the Temple, particularly in the Most Holy Place, communicated the incomparable glory, majesty, and worthiness of the God of Israel, setting Him apart from all other deities worshipped by surrounding nations.
Key Themes: The construction of the Temple, and specifically the Most Holy Place, contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Chronicles. First, it powerfully illustrates the theme of God's Dwelling Presence. The Temple was envisioned as the earthly locus where God's glory would uniquely reside among His people, serving as a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness (1 Kings 8:10-11). Second, the immense value and meticulous detail underscore the theme of Divine Holiness and Awe. The "most holy house" was the epitome of sacred space, accessible only to the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement, emphasizing God's absolute transcendence, His purity, and the profound reverence due to Him. Finally, the unparalleled expenditure reflects the theme of Worship and Dedication. The extraordinary resources devoted to the Temple's construction demonstrate Israel's profound commitment to honoring YHWH and providing a suitable, albeit symbolic, dwelling for His name, even as Solomon himself humbly acknowledged that "heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee" (1 Kings 8:27).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The description in 2 Chronicles 3:8 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound significance of the Most Holy Place. Symbolism is paramount, as the "fine gold" represents divine purity, glory, and immense value, befitting the dwelling place of God. The cubical dimensions (implied by the twenty-cubit length and breadth, and consistent with parallel accounts of height) symbolize perfection, completeness, and divine order, echoing the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and powerfully foreshadowing the New Jerusalem. The sheer quantity of "six hundred talents" of gold functions as Hyperbole, emphasizing the extraordinary, almost unimaginable, wealth and resources dedicated to this sacred space, thereby magnifying the reverence and awe due to God. This exaggeration serves to impress upon the reader the unparalleled magnificence of the Temple's innermost sanctuary. The meticulous detailing of dimensions and materials also contributes to a strong sense of Verisimilitude, lending credibility and weight to the historical account of Solomon's grand construction and the profound theological truths it embodies.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 3:8 profoundly illustrates the Israelite understanding of God's holiness and the sacredness of His presence. The Most Holy Place, meticulously crafted and overlaid with an unimaginable quantity of gold, was not merely an architectural marvel but a tangible expression of theological truth: God is supremely holy, utterly pure, and worthy of the utmost reverence and dedication. The perfect cubical dimensions further underscore this perfection and completeness associated with the divine presence. While God is omnipresent and cannot be contained by any structure, the Temple served as a designated space where His glory was uniquely manifested, inviting His people to approach Him with awe and respect, understanding the immense privilege of His dwelling among them. This physical structure, therefore, became a powerful symbol of the covenant relationship and God's commitment to His people, a constant reminder of His immanence and transcendence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Most Holy Place in 2 Chronicles 3:8, with its precise dimensions and lavish gold overlay, speaks volumes about the value God places on holiness and the reverence due to His presence. For ancient Israel, this chamber was the ultimate symbol of God's nearness, yet also His inapproachable holiness, a place where His glory resided in a unique way. While we no longer worship in a physical temple, the principles of dedication, reverence, and the pursuit of holiness remain profoundly relevant for believers today. As followers of Christ under the New Covenant, our bodies are now considered the temple of the Holy Spirit, and collectively, the church is God's dwelling place. This profound truth calls us to live lives consecrated to God, understanding that His Spirit resides within us. Our "temple" should be adorned not with physical gold, but with spiritual purity, righteous living, and a heart wholly devoted to Him, reflecting the immeasurable worth of His indwelling presence. We are to approach God not with fear of a physical barrier, but with awe and respect for His holiness, striving to honor Him in every aspect of our being, offering Him our very best.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the "most holy house" being a perfect cube?
Answer: The "most holy house," or Holy of Holies, being a perfect cube (20 cubits in length, breadth, and implied height, as seen in 1 Kings 6:20) is deeply symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern thought, and particularly within biblical symbolism, the cube represents perfection, completeness, and stability. It signifies a sacred, divinely ordered space, perfectly balanced and whole. This cubical form was first seen in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle (though its dimensions were smaller, it was also a cube), and significantly, it is also a prominent feature of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:16. This recurring motif suggests that the presence of God, whether in the earthly sanctuary or the heavenly city, is characterized by ultimate perfection, unblemished holiness, and divine order, reflecting His own perfect nature.
Why was so much gold used to overlay the Most Holy Place, amounting to six hundred talents?
Answer: The use of an extraordinary amount of fine gold (six hundred talents, equivalent to roughly 45,000 pounds or 20,400 kg) to overlay the Most Holy Place served multiple profound purposes, all emphasizing the supreme significance of this sacred space. Firstly, gold was the most precious and incorruptible metal known in the ancient world, universally symbolizing purity, royalty, and divinity. Its lavish application underscored the unparalleled glory, majesty, and worthiness of YHWH, the God of Israel. No expense was spared for the dwelling place of the Almighty, indicating His supreme value. Secondly, it communicated the immense value and profound reverence the Israelites placed on God's presence among them. It was an act of profound dedication and worship, reflecting a desire to honor God with the very best of their resources. Finally, it visually distinguished the Holy of Holies as the most sacred and set-apart area, reinforcing its holiness and the awe required to approach God's presence. The sheer opulence was a testament to God's incomparable glory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical Temple, and particularly the Most Holy Place described in 2 Chronicles 3:8, serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The Temple was where God's presence uniquely dwelt among His people, but it was a dwelling limited by physical space, human access, and the temporary nature of the Old Covenant. Jesus, however, is the true and ultimate Temple, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). He Himself declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," speaking of the temple of His own body (John 2:19-21). The immense value of fine gold overlaying the Holy of Holies foreshadows the infinite worth, perfect purity, and divine glory of Christ, who is truly God dwelling among us in human flesh. Furthermore, the thick veil that separated the Most Holy Place from the rest of the Temple, symbolizing the barrier between sinful humanity and a holy God, was dramatically torn from top to bottom at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51). This profound event signified that through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, believers now have direct, unhindered access to the very presence of God, having been made holy and righteous by His precious blood (Hebrews 10:19-20). Thus, Christ Himself is our new and living way into the true Most Holy Place, the very presence of God in heaven, fulfilling and surpassing the symbolic purpose of the earthly sanctuary.