2 Chronicles 2:15

Now let my lord send to his servants the wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine he promised.

Study Bible

Now let my lord
This phrase reflects a tone of respect and submission. The term "lord" here is used to address King Solomon, indicating a recognition of his authority and position. In the Hebrew context, the word "adon" is often used to denote someone of high status or authority. This reflects the hierarchical nature of ancient Near Eastern societies, where kings were seen as divinely appointed leaders.

send to his servants
The act of sending implies a transaction or a fulfillment of a promise. In the ancient world, such exchanges were common in diplomatic relations. The term "servants" here refers to the workers or laborers who are involved in the construction of the temple. This highlights the collaborative effort required in such monumental tasks and the importance of fulfilling commitments.

the wheat, barley, olive oil, and wine
These items are staples of the ancient Near Eastern diet and economy. Wheat and barley were primary grains used for making bread, a daily sustenance. Olive oil was not only a food product but also used for anointing and lighting lamps, symbolizing prosperity and divine blessing. Wine, often associated with joy and celebration, was a significant part of religious and social rituals. The provision of these items underscores the importance of sustaining the workforce and ensuring the success of the temple project.

he promised
The concept of a promise, especially in a biblical context, carries significant weight. It reflects a covenantal relationship, reminiscent of God's promises to His people. In this context, it emphasizes the importance of integrity and faithfulness in human dealings. The fulfillment of promises is a reflection of one's character and reliability, mirroring the faithfulness of God to His covenants.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Solomon
The king of Israel, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem. He is the one making the request for materials.

2. Hiram
The king of Tyre, who had a friendly relationship with Solomon and provided materials and skilled labor for the construction of the temple.

3. Tyre
A significant city in ancient Phoenicia, known for its skilled craftsmen and trade. It played a crucial role in supplying materials for the temple.

4. Temple Construction
The event of building the temple in Jerusalem, a significant project initiated by Solomon to honor God and provide a central place of worship for Israel.

Teaching Points

Divine Provision
God provides for His work through various means, including partnerships with others. Solomon's alliance with Hiram shows how God can use relationships to fulfill His purposes.

Stewardship and Responsibility
Solomon's request for resources highlights the importance of being responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to us. We must manage resources wisely for God's glory.

Unity in Purpose
The collaboration between Israel and Tyre demonstrates the power of unity in achieving a common goal. Believers are called to work together in harmony for the advancement of God's kingdom.

Faithfulness in Promises
Solomon's reminder to Hiram about the promised provisions underscores the importance of keeping our commitments. As Christians, we are called to be faithful in our promises to God and others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Solomon's relationship with Hiram reflect the importance of building alliances for God's work today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our efforts in serving God are aligned with His will, as seen in the construction of the temple?

3. How can we apply the principle of stewardship in our personal lives, especially in managing the resources God has given us?

4. What are some practical ways we can promote unity and collaboration within our church or community to achieve common spiritual goals?

5. Reflect on a time when you made a promise to God or others. How can you ensure that you remain faithful to your commitments, as Solomon did with Hiram?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 5
This chapter provides a parallel account of Solomon's preparations for building the temple, including his correspondence with Hiram and the arrangements for materials and labor.

Exodus 25-31
These chapters describe the instructions given to Moses for building the Tabernacle, which served as a precursor to the temple and highlights the continuity of God's dwelling place among His people.

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