2 Chronicles 3:5

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 3:5 provides a glimpse into the opulent and meticulously crafted interior of King Solomon's Temple, specifically detailing the ceiling of the main sanctuary, known as the Holy Place. This verse underscores the immense value and reverence attributed to God's dwelling place among His people.

Context

This verse is situated within the detailed narrative of the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a monumental undertaking initiated by King Solomon. Following the general layout and dimensions outlined in preceding verses, 2 Chronicles 3 focuses on the intricate materials and decorative elements. The "greater house" refers to the nave or sanctuary, the larger chamber of the Temple that priests would enter daily for service, distinct from the smaller, most sacred inner chamber, the Most Holy Place (mentioned in verse 8).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unwavering Dedication and Cost: The use of "fir tree" (often identified as cypress or juniper) for the ceiling, which was then entirely "overlaid with fine gold," speaks volumes about the unparalleled dedication and resources King Solomon and Israel poured into the Temple. This was not merely construction but an act of lavish worship, signifying that only the most precious and beautiful materials were suitable for the house of the Lord.
  • Symbolism of Materials and Decoration:
    • Fine Gold: Symbolizes purity, divinity, royalty, and immense value. Its extensive use throughout the Temple, much like in the earlier Tabernacle (see Exodus 25:11), emphasized the sacredness and the glory of God's presence.
    • Fir Tree: Durable and often aromatic, this wood provided a sturdy and fragrant base for the golden overlay, representing the finest natural resources dedicated to God.
    • Palm Trees: A common motif in ancient Near Eastern and biblical art, palm trees often symbolize victory, righteousness, fruitfulness, and flourishing. Their presence suggests a desire for God's blessings and life within His house.
    • Chains: These could have been decorative garlands, perhaps intricate gold chains, adding to the overall splendor and intricate design of the ceiling.
  • Anticipation of God's Glory: The extreme beauty and preciousness of the Temple's interior were designed to create an atmosphere of awe and reverence, preparing the way for the physical manifestation of God's glory to fill the Temple upon its completion and dedication.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "fir tree" is berosh (ื‘ึฐึผืจื•ึนืฉื‚), often associated with cypress or juniper, trees known for their strength and pleasant scent. The phrase "fine gold" is zahav sagur (ื–ึธื”ึธื‘ ืกึธื’ื•ึผืจ), which denotes gold of the highest purity, indicating the exceptional quality of the materials used and the immense wealth invested in this sacred project.

Practical Application

While the physical Temple no longer stands, the principles behind its construction remain relevant. This verse inspires us to consider the quality of our offering to God. It encourages us to give our best in worship, service, and resources, reflecting a heart that truly values His presence and purposes. As believers, we are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit, and our lives should be dedicated to God, reflecting His glory and purity in all we do, just as the Temple was adorned with the finest materials.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 6:21 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

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