2 Chronicles 8:16
Thus all the work of Solomon was carried out, from the day the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD until it was finished. So the house of the LORD was completed.
Thus all the work of Solomon
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of Solomon's endeavors. The Hebrew root for "work" is "מְלָאכָה" (melakah), which often refers to labor or craftsmanship. Solomon's work was not just physical construction but also an embodiment of divine wisdom and leadership. Historically, Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him to focus on monumental projects like the temple, which symbolized Israel's spiritual and national identity.

was carried out
The phrase indicates the diligent execution of plans. The Hebrew verb "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do or make, suggesting that Solomon's work was not only planned but actively pursued and completed. This reflects a principle of faithfulness and perseverance in fulfilling God's commands, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

from the day the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid
The "foundation" signifies the beginning of a significant spiritual and physical undertaking. In Hebrew, "יָסַד" (yasad) means to establish or lay a foundation. The laying of the temple's foundation was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking the transition from a nomadic worship system to a permanent dwelling place for God's presence. Archaeologically, this period aligns with the 10th century BC, a time of architectural and cultural development in the ancient Near East.

until its completion
This phrase underscores the fulfillment of a divine promise. The Hebrew "כָּלָה" (kalah) means to complete or finish. The completion of the temple was not just a construction milestone but a spiritual achievement, signifying God's faithfulness and the culmination of Solomon's obedience and dedication.

So the house of the LORD was finished
The "house of the LORD" refers to the temple, a central place of worship and sacrifice. The Hebrew "בַּיִת" (bayit) means house or dwelling, indicating that the temple was more than a building; it was the dwelling place of God among His people. The completion of the temple fulfilled David's vision and God's promise, serving as a focal point for Israel's religious life. This completion is a testament to God's provision and the importance of having a dedicated space for worship and communion with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
The son of King David and Bathsheba, Solomon was the third king of Israel, known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem.

2. The House of the LORD
Refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites, which Solomon built as a permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant.

3. The Foundation of the Temple
The beginning of the construction of the Temple, which was a significant event in Israel's history, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

4. Completion of the Temple
Marks the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his son would build a house for the Lord, signifying a period of peace and prosperity.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Israel, chosen by God as the location for His Temple, and a central place of worship and governance.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in God's Work
Solomon's dedication to completing the Temple serves as a model of faithfulness in fulfilling God's assignments. Believers are encouraged to persevere in their God-given tasks until completion.

The Importance of God's Presence
The Temple symbolized God's presence among His people. Today, believers are reminded that they are the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live in a way that honors God's indwelling presence.

The Role of Leadership in God's Plan
Solomon's leadership in building the Temple highlights the importance of godly leadership in accomplishing God's purposes. Leaders are called to seek God's wisdom and guidance in their endeavors.

Completion and Fulfillment of God's Promises
The completion of the Temple signifies the fulfillment of God's promises. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises in their lives.

The Significance of Worship
The Temple was central to Israel's worship. Today, believers are encouraged to prioritize worship in their lives, recognizing it as a vital aspect of their relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Solomon's dedication to completing the Temple inspire you in your own tasks and responsibilities?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your life reflects the presence of God, as the Temple did for Israel?

3. What qualities of leadership can you learn from Solomon's role in building the Temple, and how can you apply them in your own context?

4. How can you hold onto God's promises in your life, especially when facing challenges or delays?

5. What steps can you take to make worship a more central part of your daily life, similar to the role of the Temple in Israel's worship?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 6-7
These chapters provide a detailed account of the construction of the Temple, offering a parallel account to 2 Chronicles 8:16.

2 Samuel 7
God's covenant with David, promising that his offspring would build a house for the Lord, which is fulfilled in Solomon's construction of the Temple.

Psalm 127:1
Emphasizes the importance of the Lord's involvement in building projects, reminding us that without God's blessing, human efforts are in vain.

Hebrews 3:3-6
Draws a parallel between Moses' faithfulness in God's house and Christ's superior faithfulness, encouraging believers to remain steadfast.
Perfecting the SanctuaryW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 8:12-16
The House of the Lord PerfectedT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 8:12-16
Solomon's Burnt OfferingsJ. Parker, D. D.2 Chronicles 8:12-18
People
Amorites, David, Geber, Hiram, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Huram, Israelites, Jebusites, Levites, Ophir, Perizzites, Pharaoh, Solomon
Places
Baalath, Beth-horon, Edom, Eloth, Ezion-geber, Hamath, Hamath-zobah, Jerusalem, Lebanon, Ophir, Tadmor, Upper Beth-horon
Topics
Accomplished, Base, Building, Carried, Complete, Completed, Completion, Finished, Foundation, Laid, Lord's, Order, Perfect, Perfected, Position, Prepared, Solomon, Temple, Thus, Till
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 8:16

     5317   foundation

Library
The Duty of Every Day
'Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the Lord ... Even after a certain rate every day.'--(A.V.) 'Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the Lord, even as the duty of every day required it.'--2 Chron. viii. 12-13 (R. V.). This is a description of the elaborate provision, in accordance with the commandment of Moses, which Solomon made for the worship in his new Temple. The writer is enlarging on the precise accordance of the ritual with the regulations laid down in the law. He expresses,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Seven Seas According to the Talmudists, and the Four Rivers Compassing the Land.
"Seven seas (say they) and four rivers compass the land of Israel. I. The Great Sea, or the Mediterranean. II. The sea of Tiberias. III. The sea of Sodom. IV. The lake of Samocho... The three first named among the seven are sufficiently known, and there is no doubt of the fourth:--only the three names of it are not to be passed by. IV. 1. The Sibbichaean. The word seems to be derived from a bush. 2. ... 3. ... V. Perhaps the sandy sea. Which fits very well to the lake of Sirbon, joining the commentary
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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