2:2 And Solomon assigned The account in 1 Kings notes that he drafted laborers. Most likely these were foreigners (2 Chron 2:17–18; 1 Kgs 9:20–23), although the language of 1 Kgs 5:13 leaves more room for interpretation.

2:3 Huram king of Tyre Hiram had showed kindness to David by sending him materials and workers to build a house shortly after David became king (1 Chr 14:1–2). Hiram’s gift gave legitimacy to David’s newly established monarchy (see 1 Chr 14:2).

2:4 dedicate to him In 1 Kings, the account of Solomon’s message to Hiram focuses on God’s word to David that Solomon would build the temple (1 Kgs 5:3–6). Here, the Chronicler emphasizes the worship of Yahweh and the greatness of Yahweh.

for the regular rows of bread See Exod 25:30 and note.

burnt offerings for mornings, evenings See note on Ezra 3:3.

for mornings, evenings, Sabbaths See note on Exod 20:8–11.

The Sabbath

new moon festivals, and for appointed feasts of See note on Isa 1:13.

2:5 our God is greater than all gods Solomon echoes David’s concern that the temple be magnificent because it represents God’s superiority and sovereignty (compare 1 Chr 22:5).

2:6 are not able to contain him Solomon recognizes that, while the temple would represent God’s presence, it could not contain God’s greatness. See Psa 11:4 and note.

2:7 send to me skilled men to work The Chronicler expands Solomon’s request to Hiram. Instead of just asking for materials and workers (1 Kgs 5:6), Solomon asks for a skilled craftsman to help make the temple magnificent.

2:8 trees of cedar, cypress, and algum from Lebanon An area famous for its cedar trees. By sending his servants to work alongside Hiram’s crew, Solomon might have been seeking insights into timber-cutting.

2:9 great and wonderful See note on 2 Chron 2:5.

2:10 twenty thousand dry measures of Totaling about 4,400 cubic meters.

crushed wheat Wheat that had already been winnowed.

2:12 who has made the heavens and the earth Hiram’s response in 2 Chronicles is longer than in the parallel account (1 Kgs 5:7). Not only does he bless Yahweh, but he also acknowledges Yahweh as Creator.

knowing discretion and understanding See note on 2 Chron 1:10.

2:13 skilled The Hebrew word used here, chakham, also can refer to wisdom.

Wisdom and Related Terms

my master Huram This craftsman is identified as “Hiram” in 1 Kgs 7:13 (not to be confused with Hiram, the king of Tyre.)

2:14 knowledgeable for working Huram-abi is seen as a craftsman like Bezalel, who led the work on the tabernacle (Exod 31:1–11). Compare 1 Kgs 7:14.

2:16 over the sea to Joppa Hiram offers to bring the cedar to Solomon. See note on 1 Kgs 5:8.

2:17 resident alien The Hebrew word used here, ger, typically refers to a non-Israelite who is living peaceably in Israel (Lev 19:34). Here, it probably describes forced laborers.