2 Chronicles 2:6

But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I, that I should build a house for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?

Study Bible

But who is able to build a house for Him
This phrase reflects Solomon's humility and recognition of God's infinite greatness. The Hebrew word for "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) can mean a physical structure or a dwelling place. Solomon acknowledges the enormity of the task, understanding that no earthly structure can truly encapsulate the divine presence. This humility is a reminder of the reverence required when approaching God, emphasizing that human efforts, no matter how grand, are limited in their ability to honor the Creator.

since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him?
The phrase "the heavens, even the highest heavens" (שְׁמֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם, shemei hashamayim) underscores the vastness of God's creation and His omnipresence. In ancient Near Eastern cosmology, the "highest heavens" were considered the ultimate realm of the divine. Solomon's acknowledgment that even these cannot contain God highlights His transcendence and omnipotence. This serves as a theological assertion that God is beyond all spatial limitations, reinforcing the belief in His infinite nature.

So who am I that I should build Him a house
Here, Solomon expresses his own unworthiness and the daunting nature of his task. The phrase "who am I" (וּמִי אָנִי, umi ani) is a rhetorical question that conveys humility and self-awareness. Solomon, despite being a king, recognizes his limitations and the honor of being chosen for such a divine task. This humility is a model for believers, illustrating the importance of recognizing one's own limitations in the face of God's greatness.

except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?
The purpose of the temple, as stated here, is primarily for offering sacrifices. The Hebrew word for "sacrifices" (זְבָחִים, zevachim) refers to offerings made to God, which were central to Israelite worship. This phrase indicates that while the temple cannot contain God, it serves as a designated place for worship and communion with Him. The sacrificial system was a means for the Israelites to maintain a covenant relationship with God, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. This highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel, son of David, who is tasked with building the temple for the Lord. He acknowledges his own limitations and the greatness of God.

2. The Temple
The house Solomon intends to build for the Lord, which serves as a place for worship and sacrifices.

3. Heavens and Highest Heavens
Refers to the vastness of God's creation, emphasizing His omnipresence and the inability of any physical structure to contain Him.

4. Sacrifices
The offerings made to God, which were central to the worship practices of Israel and symbolized atonement and dedication to God.

5. Hiram, King of Tyre
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he plays a significant role in providing materials and skilled labor for the temple's construction.

Teaching Points

God's Transcendence and Immanence
God is beyond our full comprehension and cannot be confined to any physical space. Yet, He chooses to dwell among His people, showing His desire for relationship.

Humility in Service
Like Solomon, we must recognize our limitations and approach our service to God with humility, understanding that it is a privilege to serve Him.

Purpose of Worship
Worship is not about containing God but about offering our lives as living sacrifices, acknowledging His greatness and our dependence on Him.

The Role of Sacrifices
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a way to atone for sin and express devotion. Today, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices through our lives and actions.

God's Presence in Our Lives
While God cannot be contained in a building, He dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, making our bodies His temple.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's acknowledgment of God's greatness in 2 Chronicles 2:6 influence our understanding of worship today?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of humility in our service to God, as demonstrated by Solomon?

3. How do the references to God's omnipresence in other scriptures enhance our understanding of His nature?

4. What are the modern equivalents of sacrifices that we can offer to God, and how do they reflect our devotion?

5. How can we cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, knowing that He cannot be contained by physical structures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 8:27
Solomon reiterates the idea that God cannot be contained by a physical building, emphasizing His omnipresence.

Isaiah 66:1-2
God declares that heaven is His throne and the earth His footstool, reinforcing the concept of His immeasurable greatness.

Acts 7:48-50
Stephen, in his speech, quotes Isaiah, highlighting that God does not dwell in temples made by human hands.

Psalm 139:7-10
David speaks of God's omnipresence, affirming that there is no place where one can escape from His presence.