2 Chronicles 2-3

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Solomon's Preparations and Construction of the Temple

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There are spiritual lessons in the Temple's preparation.

  2. There are spiritual lessons in the Temple's construction.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Use your business deals as opportunities to witness for the Lord!

QUESTIONS

  1. Review the simple definitions for knowledge and wisdom.

  2. The Bible teaches both the transcendence and immanence of God. Define these words.

  3. What spiritual lesson can we draw from 2 Chronicles 2:8?

  4. How are the deity and humanity of Christ illustrated in the construction of the Temple?

  5. What spiritual lesson can we draw from the two pillars described in 2 Chronicles 3:17?

ANSWERS

  1. Knowledge is the accumulation of truth in one's mind, whereas wisdom is the application of truth to one's life.

  2. When we say that God is transcendent we mean that He is above, beyond, independent of, and not confined to this material universe that He created. When we say that God is immanent we mean that He is present and continually involved in His creation. He dwells in the midst of His people.

  3. Solomon told Hiram, king of Tyre, that Jews and Gentiles would be working together in harmony on the house of the Lord. This is a prophetic picture of the Church, the body of Christ, made up of all believers - Jews and Gentiles united together in Christ.

  4. We can see the deity and humanity of our Lord pictured in the gold-covered wood of the Temple. As in the Tabernacle, the Temple gives us many types or spiritual pictures of Christ.

  5. One pillar is named Jachin meaning "He will establish," the other is named Boaz "in Him is strength." These two great truths should be the support of every believer in this life. As you look to the Lord He will establish you and give you strength.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Further discuss the transcendence and immanence of God. Which of these truths ministers to you most in your life right now? Are you comforted by the thought of the greatness of God or the nearness of God?

  2. Review the significant history of Mount Moriah. This mountain has had long-term significance to the Jewish people. This insight may help you understand the Jewish people's passion and longing for the Temple Mount today.

CHALLENGE

  1. Solomon could have kept his interactions with Hiram, king of Tyre, "strictly business." But he was not ashamed to testify regarding his intentions with the Temple (2 Chronicles 2:4-5). A faithful, honest, and non-hypocritical testimony in the business world carries a lot of weight. Use your business deals as opportunities to witness for the Lord!

KEY VERSES

  • "The temple which I build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods." 2 Chronicles 2:5

  • "Hiram also said: Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, for He has given King David a wise son, endowed with prudence and understanding, who will build a temple for the LORD and a royal house for himself!" 2 Chronicles 2:12

  • "Now Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite." 2 Chronicles 3:1

Talks, Old Testament, 2 ChroniclesRon Reid2 CHRONICLES 2-3