2 Chronicles 2:16

And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

And we will cut {H3772} wood {H6086} out of Lebanon {H3844}, as much as thou shalt need {H6878}: and we will bring {H935} it to thee in floats {H7513} by sea {H3220} to Joppa {H3305}; and thou shalt carry it up {H5927} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

and we will cut wood from the L'vanon, as much as you need; we will float it to you as rafts by sea to Yafo, and you will take it up to Yerushalayim."

We will cut logs from Lebanon, as many as you need, and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa. Then you can take them up to Jerusalem.โ€

and we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need; and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Commentary

In 2 Chronicles 2:16, King Hiram of Tyre confirms his agreement with King Solomon of Israel to supply the vast quantities of timber needed for the construction of the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. This verse details the logistical plan for delivering the precious wood from Lebanon to the building site.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial exchange between King Solomon and King Hiram, detailing the preparations for building the First Temple, a monumental task that required immense resources and skilled labor. Solomon had sent a request to Hiram for cedar and fir timber from Lebanon, along with skilled craftsmen (as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 2:3-9). Hiram, a long-time ally of David and now Solomon, responds favorably, acknowledging the God of Israel and Solomon's wisdom (2 Chronicles 2:11-15). Verse 16 specifically outlines the practical arrangements for transporting the timber: it would be cut in Lebanon, floated by sea to Joppa (modern-day Jaffa), and then transported overland up to Jerusalem. This demonstrates the intricate planning and international cooperation involved in this sacred project, echoing similar accounts in 1 Kings 5:8-9.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Collaboration: The building of God's house involved not only the resources of Israel but also the specialized skills and materials from a neighboring kingdom, highlighting how God orchestrates diverse elements for His purposes. This collaboration underscores the principle that God often provides through human partnerships and resources beyond our immediate reach.
  • Logistics and Diligence: The detailed plan for cutting, floating, and transporting the timber emphasizes the meticulous effort and careful planning required for significant endeavors, especially those dedicated to God.
  • International Relations and Trade: This verse illustrates a historical example of mutually beneficial trade and political alliance between Israel and Tyre, showcasing the strategic importance of resources like Lebanese cedar.
  • The Grandeur of the Temple Project: The sheer scale of the operation, involving vast quantities of material transported over significant distances, underscores the immense importance and dedication given to constructing a dwelling place for the Lord's name.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "floats by sea" (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐึผื“ื•ึนื‘ึฐืจื•ึนืช ื™ึธื, bษ™แธลแธ‡ษ™rลแนฏ yฤm) refers to rafts or bundles of logs tied together, which would then be towed by ships along the coastline. This was a common and efficient method for transporting large quantities of timber over water in the ancient world. Lebanon was renowned for its majestic cedar trees (often called "cedars of Lebanon"), which were highly prized for their durability, fragrance, and beauty, making them ideal for temple construction. Joppa (modern-day Jaffa) served as a vital port city on the Mediterranean coast, being the closest practical harbor to Jerusalem, from which the timber would then be hauled uphill to the capital.

Practical Application

This verse offers several valuable lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God uses diverse resources: Just as God used Hiram and the resources of Tyre for His Temple, He continues to use various people, skills, and even unexpected sources to accomplish His will. We are called to be resourceful and open to partnerships in ministry and life.
  • Great tasks require careful planning: Building God's kingdom, whether through personal spiritual growth or collective ministry, often requires diligent planning, hard work, and attention to detail, much like the logistics of building the Temple. As Colossians 3:23 teaches, we should work heartily as unto the Lord.
  • Collaboration is powerful: The successful completion of the Temple was a testament to effective collaboration. The church, as the body of Christ, thrives when believers work together, leveraging their unique gifts and strengths for a common divine purpose, much like the different parts of the body working in unity.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 19:46 (4 votes)

    And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.

  • 1 Kings 5:8 (3 votes)

    And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: [and] I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.

  • 1 Kings 5:9 (3 votes)

    My servants shall bring [them] down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt appoint me, and will cause them to be discharged there, and thou shalt receive [them]: and thou shalt accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

  • Ezra 3:7 (2 votes)

    They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

  • Acts 10:32 (2 votes)

    Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

  • John 1:3 (2 votes)

    All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

  • Acts 9:36 (2 votes)

    ยถ Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.