2 Chronicles 2:3

Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre: "Do for me as you did for my father David when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in.

Study Bible

Then Solomon sent word to Hiram king of Tyre:
Solomon, the son of David, is now king of Israel and is continuing the diplomatic relations his father established. Hiram, king of Tyre, was an ally of David, and Tyre was known for its skilled craftsmen and abundant resources, particularly cedar wood. This alliance reflects the political and economic strategies of the time, where neighboring kingdoms often formed partnerships for mutual benefit. The relationship between Israel and Tyre is significant, as it shows the interconnectedness of ancient Near Eastern politics and trade.

Do for me as you did for my father David:
Solomon is requesting the same favor that Hiram extended to David, which indicates a continuation of the covenantal friendship between the two nations. This request underscores the importance of maintaining alliances and the respect for past agreements. It also highlights Solomon's desire to honor his father's legacy and to build upon the foundation David laid. This continuity is crucial for the stability and prosperity of Solomon's reign.

when you sent him cedars to build himself a house to live in:
The "house" refers to David's palace, which was constructed with the high-quality cedar wood from Lebanon, a region under Hiram's control. Cedar was prized in the ancient world for its durability and pleasant aroma, making it a symbol of wealth and prestige. This phrase not only emphasizes the material wealth and architectural advancements of the time but also foreshadows Solomon's own building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. The use of cedar in these constructions is a testament to the craftsmanship and resources of Tyre, as well as the importance of the Temple as a dwelling place for God, paralleling the "house" built for David.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon is known for his wisdom and for building the First Temple in Jerusalem. He is the central figure in this passage, seeking resources to construct the temple.

2. Hiram, King of Tyre
A contemporary of both David and Solomon, Hiram was the king of Tyre, a city known for its skilled craftsmen and abundant resources, particularly cedar wood.

3. David
Solomon's father, the second king of Israel, who had a close relationship with Hiram. David laid the groundwork for the temple by gathering materials and making plans, though he was not permitted by God to build it himself.

4. Tyre
An ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade, particularly in timber and skilled labor, which were crucial for Solomon's temple project.

5. The Temple
The First Temple, also known as Solomon's Temple, was a significant religious and cultural project for Israel, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Alliances
Solomon's alliance with Hiram demonstrates the value of forming partnerships that honor God and further His purposes. Believers should seek relationships that support their spiritual goals.

Building on a Legacy
Solomon's request to Hiram builds on the foundation laid by David. We are called to honor the spiritual legacies of those who came before us and continue their work in faithfulness.

Preparation and Provision
Just as Solomon prepared meticulously for the temple, we should prepare our hearts and lives for God's work, trusting that He will provide the necessary resources.

The Role of Wisdom in Leadership
Solomon's wise approach to securing materials and labor reflects the importance of wisdom in leadership. We should seek God's wisdom in our decisions and actions.

God's Presence Among His People
The temple was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that reflects His presence in us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's relationship with Hiram reflect the importance of forming strategic partnerships in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we build on the spiritual legacies of those who have come before us, as Solomon did with David's plans for the temple?

3. What steps can we take to prepare ourselves for the work God has called us to, and how can we trust Him to provide what we need?

4. How can we apply Solomon's wisdom in leadership to our own roles and responsibilities, whether in the church, family, or workplace?

5. Considering that believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, how should this truth impact the way we live and interact with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 5
This chapter provides a parallel account of Solomon's preparations for building the temple, including his correspondence with Hiram and the arrangements for materials and labor.

2 Samuel 7
This passage recounts God's covenant with David, where God promises that David's son will build a house for His name, establishing the divine mandate for Solomon's temple project.

Exodus 25-31
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, the precursor to the temple, highlighting the continuity of God's dwelling place among His people.