What a Construction Project!

2 Chronicles 4

How massive must have been the scope of this construction project? This was massive not only in terms of resources (e.g. "...for the weight of the brass could not be found out") but also in terms of man power. Much like when a large factory moves into a small town -- every one it seems is working there. There must have been many conversations in israel about work on the project and most people would at least know someone who was directly involved. Also look at the geographical scope . . . although the foot print of the temple was not exactly gigantic, the work being done for it structure and interior was spread all over the kingdom and even beyond. Notice Haram was contracted to do a lot of the construction (apparently from Tyre). Also many of the structures and instuments were cast "in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah."

We often think about the grand opening of the temple and the awsome way in which it was dedicated with the great presence of God and so forth, but the construction itself must have been absolutely magnificant and quite the buzz throughout the kinddom!

Meticulous Temple Details

2 Chronicles 3

You can't get away from the overt specificity regarding the dimensions of the temple Solomon built. What I think is espeically note worthy are the details regarding the cherubims in the "holy house." We are told in careful detail that the complete wing span of both cherubims is 20 cubits (remember one cubit is about 18 inches so that's about 30 feet). Even the direction of the faces of the cherubims (and their faces were inward) and the fact that they stood on their feet.

Also specific information as to when Solomon started the construction . . .

Verse 2 -- "And he began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of his reign."

I believe nothing is wasted in the scripture. This information is vital for something. The last thought is perhaps the most stiring -- the temple is being built "in mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father..." So much happens at this spot. This is a study all to itself and you can't help but get goose bumps when you start to piece it all together.

Tyre and Isreal's Special Bond

2 Chronicles 2

What jumps out of this chapter to me is the relationship between Huram and David. It must have been exceptional. Now Solomon is dealing with what appears to be the son of Huram by the same name (I'm not going to go look it up even though I am very tempted to do it). Solomon is asking Huram for a master craftsman from his country to become a key member of the temple design team. Huram says he has the perfect man in mind and is sending him to Solomon. He then refers to "Huram my father" so it would appear just from reading that this may be Huram II (or at least a junior of some sort).

Verse 13 -- "And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father’s..."

Also, isn't it interesting that this master craftsman, although from Huram's country of Tyre is also part Hebrew . . .

Verse 14 -- "The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre."

This speaks yet more to the relationship between the people of Tyre and Isreal (esp. the tribes on the other side of Jordan). This has to be a result of the relationship between David and Huram senior. I'm also struck by the faith of the junior Huram when he says . . .

Verse 12 -- "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth..."

Clearly the people of Tyre admired the children of Israel (Huram in particular) and had great respect for their God.