2 Chronicles 2
-The greatness of God is partially described along with the
intricacies of trade with a like-minded nation (2 Chronicles 2:12) engulfs the
bulk of this second chapter. Solomon enlisted all of the aliens of
the land of Israel, which numbered 153,600, and they were used as the labor
force for the extensive Temple building project and the building of Solomon’s
royal palace (2 Chronicles 2:1-2, 17-18). God’s greatness is expressed in His
superiority to all other gods, His omnipresence, and His incomprehensibility (2
Chronicles 2:4-6). The point was clearly made that nothing could contain Him,
but this Temple was built to give the LORD His proper glory with fragrant
incense, burnt offerings, and sacrifice at morning, evening, Sabbaths, new
moons, and appointed feasts of the LORD, which were required perpetually by the
Law given to Moses.
-For this massive work to be completed, other resources were
needed from the north in the region of Tyre and the forests of Lebanon. Huram, king
of Tyre, had been a close friend of Solomon’s father David and thus an ally and
trading partner for this building project of gargantuan proportions. The deal was
worked out for resources of skilled labor supervision (Huram-abi), cedar, cypress,
and algum timber for an immense amount of crushed wheat, barley, wine and olive
oil (2 Chronicles 2:7-15). The resources for the Temple and palace project would
be shipped from their northern ports to Joppa and then carried up to Jerusalem with
the laborers (2 Chronicles 2:16).
-*Application* Our God does not need any of our man-made grandeur
or creativity, but He does enjoy the fact that His creation is giving Him proper
glory. He is the maker of heaven and earth and all it contains. He is the One who
endows with discretion and understanding (2 Chronicles 2:12-13) and makes all things
work together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose
(Romans 8:28). Acknowledge God with your life today, and ask Him which project He
might desire for you to complete in this time with His allies.
Verses to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 2:5-6
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