Built for Glory: Solomon’s Wisdom and the House of the Lord

Be God's Glory
Apr 22
12 min read

Welcome to Day 111 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of 2 Chronicles. The opening chapters of 2 Chronicles highlight the remarkable beginnings of Solomon’s reign, focusing on his request for wisdom and the sacred preparations to build the temple of the Lord. Solomon starts strong, choosing divine understanding over riches or power. With international alliances and divine provision, he gathers the best materials and laborers to build a dwelling place for God. Chapters 3 and 4 detail the actual construction and craftsmanship of the temple—its gold-covered inner sanctuary, majestic pillars, and bronze furnishings all reflecting the holiness and glory of God. These chapters not only chronicle history, but also paint a portrait of a leader prioritizing God’s presence above all else. Solomon's heart for God and obedience lay the foundation for a legacy that points toward worship, reverence, and divine order.

2 Chronicles 1: Solomon begins his reign with a powerful gesture—leading all Israel to worship at Gibeon, where the tabernacle of meeting and bronze altar were located. There, he offers a thousand burnt offerings to the Lord. That night, God appears to Solomon in a dream and invites him to request anything. Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to govern God’s people rightly, instead of riches or victory. God honors his unselfish request by granting him both wisdom and abundant wealth. The chapter ends by highlighting Solomon’s growing military and economic strength, showing how God’s favor was upon him.

2 Chronicles 2: Solomon begins organizing the massive project of building the Lord’s temple by writing to Hiram, king of Tyre, seeking skilled workers and fine materials. He explains that the temple is to be a place for worship and sacrifice, reflecting God's greatness. Solomon emphasizes that no structure can truly contain God, but the temple will honor Him. Hiram replies positively, praising the Lord and sending an expert craftsman along with cedar and other materials. Solomon also enlists thousands of laborers from among Israel and foreigners in the land, organizing them for various roles in the construction. The groundwork for a divine dwelling is laid through unity, excellence, and shared reverence for the God of Israel.

2 Chronicles 3: Solomon begins building the temple on Mount Moriah, the very place where God appeared to David. He starts in the second month of his fourth year as king. The temple's dimensions are detailed, and its interior is richly adorned with gold and intricate carvings. Special attention is given to the Most Holy Place, which houses two massive cherubim covered in gold, symbolizing God's presence. The chapter highlights the spiritual and artistic significance of every element, from the golden nails to the beautifully woven curtain. Every part of the temple points to the majesty and holiness of God.

2 Chronicles 4: This chapter focuses on the construction of the temple’s furnishings, especially the bronze elements crafted by Huram. The most prominent piece is the massive bronze Sea, used by the priests for purification. Solomon also commissions ten basins for washing, ten lampstands, tables, and numerous other items made of fine gold. Every object serves a purpose in worship and ritual, demonstrating order and reverence. The two large pillars, Jachin and Boaz, are placed at the temple’s entrance, symbolizing stability and strength. Solomon ensures that every detail of God’s house is carefully executed to reflect His glory and set the stage for sacred worship.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name "Chronicles" comes from the Latin Chronicon, which was adopted from the Greek word Paraleipomenon, meaning "things left out" or "things omitted." This implies that 1 and 2 Chronicles were seen as a supplement or continuation of the historical narratives found in Samuel and Kings. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally a single book called Divrei Hayamim, meaning “The Matters (or Events) of the Days.” This title reflects the book’s role in chronicling the history of Israel, especially from a priestly and spiritual perspective.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Chronicles is to highlight the religious history of Judah, focusing on the temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic line of kings. Unlike the books of Kings, which cover both Israel and Judah, 2 Chronicles centers almost entirely on the kingdom of Judah, tracing its spiritual fidelity or failure to God's covenant. The book was written to encourage and instruct the returning exiles from Babylon, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, the importance of proper worship, and the need for national and spiritual restoration under God's leadership. It serves as a theological reflection—emphasizing that faithfulness to God brings blessing, while rebellion leads to downfall.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The traditional author of 1 and 2 Chronicles is believed to be Ezra the scribe, based on ancient Jewish tradition and internal evidence. This tradition is supported by:

Jewish Talmudic sources (like Baba Bathra 15a), which state that Ezra wrote Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
The similar writing style, genealogical interest, and spiritual themes found in Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles (e.g., emphasis on temple worship, Levitical roles, and the priesthood).
2 Chronicles 36:22–23 ends with the same wording that begins the book of Ezra 1:1–3, suggesting a seamless continuation and possibly the same author or editorial hand.

Though the exact identity of the final compiler isn’t definitively proven, many scholars—both religious and academic—lean toward Ezra or someone in his priestly circle as the most credible authorship.

External References:

The Jewish Encyclopedia and ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) support Ezra's authorship.
Bible commentaries such as those by Matthew Henry, John Gill, and the ESV Study Bible also reflect Ezra as the likely author.
Modern scholars, like those cited in the Anchor Yale Bible Commentary and Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, also affirm Ezra as the most probable candidate, given the shared concerns of Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah.

Key People:

2 Chronicles features numerous significant figures from Israel’s past, but some stand out more than others:

Solomon – Son of David and builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. His wisdom and early devotion to God are foundational to the book.
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son and the first king of Judah after the kingdom divides.
Asa – A king of Judah who led significant religious reforms.
Jehoshaphat – A godly king known for his alliance with Ahab and a strong military.
Hezekiah – A reforming king who reopened the temple and celebrated Passover.
Manasseh – A wicked king who later repents, showing God’s mercy.
Josiah – Known for rediscovering the Book of the Law and restoring temple worship.
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile.
Ezra (possibly) – Though not directly named, if Ezra is the author, his priestly focus shapes the narrative.

Conclusion

The book of 2 Chronicles closes with both a solemn warning and a hopeful promise. It reveals the tragic consequences of Judah’s persistent unfaithfulness to God—despite the reforms of good kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, the nation ultimately falls to Babylon due to generations of disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Yet, even in the final verses, God’s mercy shines through. The decree of King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple, marks a powerful turn in Israel’s story. This moment reminds readers that while sin brings judgment, God’s covenant love remains steadfast.

2 Chronicles ultimately serves as a call to repentance, restoration, and reverence. It urges the people—and us today—to honor God with undivided hearts, to value His presence above all else, and to recognize that true greatness is found in humble worship and faithful obedience. Through kings, priests, and prophets, God revealed His desire for a holy people set apart for His glory. The journey from Solomon’s majestic temple to the destruction and eventual restoration reminds us that God’s purposes will prevail, and His invitation to return to Him is always open.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Chronicles 1, God reveals Himself as generous, wise, and sovereign. When Solomon seeks Him at Gibeon, God appears and invites him to ask for anything—demonstrating that He is approachable and relational. God honors Solomon’s selfless request for wisdom with both wisdom and abundance, showing that He blesses those who prioritize spiritual maturity over material gain. This chapter reflects a God who values the heart posture of His people and responds to their humility with favor.

Though no specific Hebrew names are mentioned in this chapter, God's nature as El Hakham (The All-Wise God) is demonstrated through His response to Solomon's prayer. The lesson here is that when we seek God's wisdom over our own desires, He not only grants us understanding but also takes care of our needs in ways we may not expect. God honors humble leadership and positions those who seek His will to lead with divine insight.

In 2 Chronicles 2, God is shown as holy, majestic, and worthy of excellence. Solomon acknowledges that no temple can contain God because He is greater than all creation. This recognition reveals God’s transcendence—He is far beyond anything human hands can build, yet He still desires relationship with His people. The reverence Solomon shows reflects a God who is to be approached with awe and deep respect.

Solomon refers to God as Yahweh Elohim (LORD God), particularly when he says, “the LORD my God” in verse 4. This combination emphasizes both God's covenant nature (Yahweh) and His supreme power (Elohim). The lesson in this chapter is that when we approach God’s work—whether in ministry, worship, or leadership—we must do so with excellence, humility, and recognition of His greatness. God is not confined to a building, but He honors our efforts to glorify Him through obedience and reverent worship.

In 2 Chronicles 3, God is revealed as faithful, precise, and glorious. The construction of the temple on Mount Moriah—the very place where God appeared to David and where Abraham was to offer Isaac—shows that God's plans are purposeful and woven through generations. His instructions are carried out with meticulous detail, reflecting His desire for sacred order and beauty. God’s character in this chapter underscores that He is a God of intentionality and honor.

While no specific Hebrew names are stated in this chapter, God's character aligns with Yahweh Yireh (The Lord Will Provide)—especially considering the temple is built on the same mount where Abraham once declared this name (Genesis 22). The lesson here is that God’s promises and purposes endure through time. When we build according to His design, we become part of something greater than ourselves—something rooted in His faithfulness and glory.

In 2 Chronicles 4, God is portrayed as pure, orderly, and worthy of sacred devotion. The detailed design of the temple furnishings, especially the bronze altar and the Sea for purification, reflects God's concern for holiness and preparation in worship. Everything had a purpose and was crafted with care, showing that God is a God of both beauty and function. He desires worship that is both heartfelt and properly prepared.

Though no Hebrew names are directly used, God's character resonates with El Qadosh (The Holy God)—seen in how every item in the temple emphasized purity and set-apartness. The lesson is that worshiping God requires preparation, intentionality, and reverence. We cannot treat holy things casually; instead, we must honor God in every detail of our spiritual lives, because He is holy and deserving of our very best.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

What does God's response to Solomon’s request for wisdom in chapter 1 reveal about His nature?
How is God’s holiness displayed through the temple preparations and furnishings in chapters 2–4?
In what ways does God show that He values humility and obedience over status or wealth?
What can we learn about God's sovereignty from the way He guided Solomon’s leadership and temple construction?
How do the details and order of the temple reveal God's character?
Why is it significant that Solomon acknowledges that no temple can contain God?
How do these chapters show God as both majestic and relational?

Questions About Themes:

Why is wisdom highlighted as the first request Solomon makes as king? What does this tell us about godly leadership?
What theme is emphasized through the repetition of detailed temple construction and materials?
How does the building of the temple represent the importance of worship and reverence for God?
How is the theme of God's glory central to Solomon’s actions in these chapters?
What role does excellence and preparation play in worship, based on chapters 2–4?
What theme can be seen in the connection between the temple’s location and past moments of divine revelation (e.g., Mount Moriah)?
How do these chapters emphasize that honoring God must be intentional and not rushed?

Reflective Application Questions:

In your own life, do you seek wisdom from God above material blessings? Why or why not?
What does your level of preparation for worship say about how you value God?
Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to honor Him with more excellence and detail?
How can you mirror Solomon’s humility in leadership or daily decisions?
If God asked you, like Solomon, “What do you want?”—what would your answer reveal about your heart?
What "temples" are you building in your life—are they places where God’s presence is honored?
How can your everyday work and worship reflect the glory and holiness of God more intentionally?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans