2 Chronicles 3:6

And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold [was] gold of Parvaim.

And he garnished {H6823} the house {H1004} with precious {H3368} stones {H68} for beauty {H8597}: and the gold {H2091} was gold {H2091} of Parvaim {H6516}.

He also decorated the building with precious stones and gold from Parvayim,

He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim.

And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 3:6 (KJV)

2 Chronicles 3:6: "And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold [was] gold of Parvaim."

Context

This verse is part of the detailed account of King Solomon's construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, as recorded in 2 Chronicles chapter 3. Following the initial laying out of the dimensions and the use of cedar and fir wood, this verse highlights the extraordinary opulence and meticulous attention to detail in adorning God's dwelling place. The Temple was not merely a functional structure but a magnificent edifice designed to reflect the glory and majesty of the Lord, serving as the central place of worship for the nation of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Excellence in Worship: The use of "precious stones for beauty" and the finest "gold of Parvaim" underscores the biblical principle of offering God the very best. Solomon spared no expense, demonstrating a profound commitment to making God's house aesthetically magnificent, a testament to His supreme worth.
  • Divine Glory and Majesty: The lavish materials and intricate adornments were intended to symbolize the incomparable glory and majesty of the God of Israel. The Temple's splendor was a physical representation of God's holiness and power, inviting awe and reverence from all who entered.
  • Dedication and Sacrifice: The immense resources, time, and skill invested in the Temple's construction by Solomon and the people of Israel reflect their deep dedication and willingness to sacrifice for the worship of God. This act of building was an act of national devotion.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "garnished" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew root shaphar (שָׁפַר), which means to be fair, pleasant, or to beautify. It emphasizes the deliberate act of making the Temple visually appealing and glorious.
  • "Parvaim" (פַּרְוָ֑יִם) is a unique and somewhat obscure geographical reference. Its exact location is debated among scholars, but it is generally understood to be a distant, highly reputed source of exceptionally fine gold, possibly in the Arabian Peninsula or even India. This detail further highlights the exotic and superior quality of the materials used, signifying that the very best from across the known world was brought to adorn the Temple.

Significance and Application

While the physical Temple in Jerusalem no longer stands, the principles embodied in 2 Chronicles 3:6 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The verse reminds us:

  • To Offer Our Best to God: Just as Solomon offered the finest materials for the Temple, we are called to give our best to God in every aspect of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and worship. This is not out of obligation but out of a heart of reverence and love for His supreme worth, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:9.
  • Our Lives as Temples: The New Testament teaches that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. This shifts the focus from a physical building to our transformed lives. We are to "garnish" our lives with virtues and actions that bring beauty and honor to God, living in a way that reflects His glory.
  • The Value of Beauty in Worship: The emphasis on "beauty" in the Temple's adornment suggests that excellence and aesthetic quality can enhance our worship and devotion. Whether through art, music, or the care of our places of gathering, striving for beauty can be an act of worship that honors God.
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Cross-References

  • Revelation 21:18 (2 votes)

    And the building of the wall of it was [of] jasper: and the city [was] pure gold, like unto clear glass.

  • Revelation 21:21 (2 votes)

    And the twelve gates [were] twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city [was] pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:2 (2 votes)

    Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

  • Isaiah 54:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, [and] not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.

  • Isaiah 54:12 (2 votes)

    And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:8 (2 votes)

    And they with whom [precious] stones were found gave [them] to the treasure of the house of the LORD, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.