2 Chronicles 2:14
He is the son of a woman from the daughters of Dan, and his father is a man of Tyre. He is skilled in work with gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, purple, blue, and crimson yarn, and fine linen. He is experienced in every kind of engraving and can execute any design that is given him. He will work with your craftsmen and with those of my lord, your father David.
the son of a woman from Dan
This phrase highlights the mixed heritage of the craftsman, emphasizing his connection to the tribe of Dan. The tribe of Dan was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its craftsmanship and artistry. This connection suggests a deep-rooted tradition of skill and creativity, passed down through generations. The mention of his mother being from Dan also underscores the importance of maternal lineage in biblical narratives, often highlighting the influence of mothers in the spiritual and cultural upbringing of their children.

and a Tyrian father
The reference to a Tyrian father indicates a blend of Israelite and Phoenician heritage. Tyre was a prominent city in Phoenicia, renowned for its skilled artisans and craftsmen. This mixed lineage suggests a fusion of cultural and technical expertise, combining the artistic traditions of both Israel and Phoenicia. Historically, Tyre was known for its wealth and craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork and textiles, which would have been highly valued in the construction of the temple.

he knows how to work with gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, and wood
This phrase lists the materials the craftsman is skilled in, showcasing his versatility and comprehensive expertise. Each material mentioned has significant biblical symbolism: gold represents divinity and purity, silver signifies redemption, bronze symbolizes judgment, iron denotes strength, stone is associated with permanence, and wood often represents humanity. The craftsman's ability to work with these materials indicates a mastery that is both practical and symbolic, reflecting the divine nature of the temple's construction.

and with purple, blue, and crimson yarn and fine linen
The mention of these specific colors and materials highlights their importance in the tabernacle and temple. Purple, blue, and crimson were colors used in the garments of the high priest and the tabernacle curtains, symbolizing royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. Fine linen was a symbol of purity and righteousness. The craftsman's skill in working with these materials suggests a deep understanding of their spiritual significance and their role in worship.

He is an expert in every kind of engraving
Engraving in biblical times was a highly specialized skill, often used to create intricate designs on metal, stone, and wood. This expertise indicates a high level of artistic ability and attention to detail, essential for the ornate decorations of the temple. Engraving was not only a technical skill but also a form of artistic expression, reflecting the beauty and glory of God.

and can execute any design given to him
This phrase emphasizes the craftsman's adaptability and creativity. His ability to execute any design suggests a willingness to collaborate and innovate, qualities that are essential in the construction of a sacred space. This adaptability also reflects the divine inspiration believed to guide the construction of the temple, ensuring that every detail aligns with God's vision.

He will work with your craftsmen
The collaboration between the craftsman and Solomon's workers highlights the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving a common goal. This partnership reflects the biblical principle of working together as the body of Christ, each contributing their unique gifts and talents to the service of God.

and with those of my lord David your father
The mention of David, Solomon's father, underscores the continuity of the temple project as a fulfillment of David's vision. David's preparations and plans for the temple laid the foundation for Solomon's work, symbolizing the passing of a spiritual legacy from one generation to the next. This continuity reflects the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and the importance of honoring the spiritual heritage of our forebears.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hiram of Tyre
A skilled craftsman whose mother was from the tribe of Dan and father from Tyre. He was renowned for his expertise in various materials and artistic designs.

2. Dan
One of the tribes of Israel, representing the maternal lineage of Hiram, indicating a connection to the people of Israel.

3. Tyre
A significant city in ancient Phoenicia, known for its skilled artisans and craftsmen, representing Hiram's paternal lineage.

4. Solomon
The king of Israel who commissioned the building of the temple, seeking skilled labor to fulfill the divine vision.

5. David
Solomon's father, who had laid the groundwork for the temple's construction, emphasizing the continuity of God's plan through generations.
Teaching Points
God-Given Talents
Recognize that skills and talents are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory and purposes.

Collaboration in God's Work
The building of the temple required collaboration between Israelites and foreigners, illustrating the importance of unity in fulfilling God's plans.

Heritage and Identity
Hiram's mixed heritage (Danite and Tyrian) shows that God can use diverse backgrounds for His purposes, encouraging us to embrace our unique identities in His service.

Excellence in Craftsmanship
The detailed description of Hiram's skills highlights the value of excellence and dedication in our work, as a reflection of God's creativity.

Continuity of God's Plan
The connection between David and Solomon in the temple's construction underscores the continuity of God's promises and plans across generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Hiram's mixed heritage (Danite and Tyrian) reflect the inclusivity of God's work in the world today?

2. In what ways can we identify and utilize our God-given talents for the advancement of His kingdom?

3. How does the collaboration between Israelites and Tyrians in building the temple inform our understanding of working with others in ministry?

4. What lessons can we learn from the excellence and dedication of Hiram's craftsmanship in our own professional and personal lives?

5. How does the continuity of God's plan from David to Solomon encourage us in trusting God's long-term purposes in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 31:1-6
This passage describes Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to craft the Tabernacle. It parallels Hiram's God-given skills for temple work.

1 Kings 7:13-14
Provides additional details about Hiram's background and his role in Solomon's temple, reinforcing his importance in biblical history.

Ephesians 2:10
Speaks of believers as God's workmanship, created for good works, drawing a parallel to the craftsmanship and purpose seen in Hiram's work.
Solomon's Predestined WorkJ. Parker, D.D.2 Chronicles 2:1-16
Co-OperationJ. Parker, D.D.2 Chronicles 2:7-16
Huram and SolomonJ. Wolfendale.2 Chronicles 2:7-16
The Two HiramsT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 2:11-15
Lessons from the LabourersW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 2:13-18
People
Abi, Dan, David, Hiram, Huram, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem, Joppa, Lebanon, Tyre
Topics
Appointed, Assigned, Besides, Blue, Brass, Bronze, Byssus, Craftsmen, Crimson, Cunning, Cutting, Dan, Danite, Daughters, David, Design, Device, Devise, Engrave, Engraving, Engravings, Execute, Experienced, Expert, Fabrics, Fair, Fine, Gold, Grave, Graving, Inventing, Invention, Iron, Kinds, Linen, Manner, Ornament, Purple, Red, Silver, Skilful, Skilled, Skillful, Sort, Sorts, Stone, Stones, Timber, Trained, Tyre, Tyrian, Violet, Whatever, Wise, Wood, Worker, Working, Workmen, Yarn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 2:14

     4808   crimson
     5306   engraving

2 Chronicles 2:3-16

     4424   cedar

2 Chronicles 2:11-16

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

2 Chronicles 2:12-14

     5894   intelligence

2 Chronicles 2:13-14

     4312   bronze

Library
Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. The Temple of Solomon was the crown of art in the old world. There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the artistic grace, the luxurious adornments, and the harmonious proportions of this glorious House of God. David had laid up money and material for the great work, but he was not permitted to carry it out. He was a man of war, and blood-stained hands were
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

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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