2 Chronicles 3:1

¶ Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Then Solomon {H8010} began {H2490} to build {H1129} the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} at Jerusalem {H3389} in mount {H2022} Moriah {H4179}, where the LORD appeared {H7200} unto David {H1732} his father {H1}, in the place {H4725} that David {H1732} had prepared {H3559} in the threshingfloor {H1637} of Ornan {H771} the Jebusite {H2983}.

Then Shlomo began to build the house of ADONAI in Yerushalayim on Mount Moriyah, where ADONAI had appeared to David his father. Provision had been made for this at the place David had chosen, the threshing-floor of Ornan the Y'vusi.

Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. This was the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Then Solomon began to build the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem on mount Moriah, whereJehovahappeared unto David his father, which he made ready in the place that David had appointed, in the threshing-floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 3:1 marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history: the official commencement of the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. This verse highlights King Solomon's obedience to God's command and his father David's vision for a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the worship of the LORD.

Context

After years of preparation by King David, including the collection of vast resources and detailed architectural plans, his son Solomon takes up the mantle. This verse states that Solomon's reign saw the start of this monumental construction project. The chosen site, Mount Moriah, is of profound significance. It is identified as the very place where Abraham was commanded to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, a testament to God's faithfulness and provision. Furthermore, the specific spot was the threshingfloor of Ornan (also called Araunah) the Jebusite, which David had purchased. It was here that the LORD appeared to David, instructing him through a prophet, and where David built an altar and offered sacrifices to stop a devastating plague, thereby sanctifying the site.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse signifies the realization of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the LORD (see 2 Samuel 7:13).
  • Sanctity of Place: Mount Moriah's selection underscores the idea that certain locations are divinely chosen and consecrated for sacred purposes due to past divine encounters and acts of worship.
  • Continuity and Legacy: Solomon's act of building directly continues David's fervent desire and extensive preparations, emphasizing the importance of generational faithfulness in God's work.
  • Divine Presence: The "house of the LORD" (Bet Yahweh in Hebrew) was intended to be a physical symbol of God's presence among His people, a central place for worship and communion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the house of the LORD" (Hebrew: Bet Yahweh) is a common designation for the Temple, emphasizing its sacred purpose as God's dwelling place among His people, not as a physical confinement but as a place of His manifest presence. The name "Moriah" itself is thought by some scholars to be related to the Hebrew root meaning "to see" or "to choose," possibly signifying "seen by Yahweh" or "chosen by Yahweh," reinforcing the site's divine selection.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers today of the importance of obedience to God's calling and the value of building upon the spiritual foundations laid by previous generations. Just as Solomon built a physical temple, Christians are called to be "temples of the Holy Spirit", where God's presence dwells. The historical significance of Mount Moriah also highlights that God often uses specific times and places for profound spiritual encounters, and we should be attentive to His leading in our own lives, recognizing that every act of obedience contributes to His larger divine plan.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 22:14 (6 votes)

    And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.

  • 1 Chronicles 21:18 (6 votes)

    ¶ Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

  • Genesis 22:2 (4 votes)

    And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

  • 2 Samuel 24:18 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Gad came that day to David, and said unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Araunah the Jebusite.

  • 2 Samuel 24:25 (3 votes)

    And David built there an altar unto the LORD, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the LORD was intreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.

  • 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.

  • 1 Kings 6:14 (3 votes)

    So Solomon built the house, and finished it.