This verse highlights how God orchestrated resources, partners, and plans to complete His holy temple.
…“We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you on rafts by sea to Joppa, so that you may carry it up to Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 2:16).
In this verse, the king of Tyre (Hiram) assured King Solomon that he would supply the raw materials for the building of the temple. Solomon needed cedar and other woods from the famed forests of Lebanon to fulfill his God-given task, and Hiram’s servants promised, “We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon.” The lush Lebanese mountains were known for their tall cedar trees, which were uniquely suited for fine construction because of their sturdiness and pleasant aroma. In this mutual agreement, we glimpse a moment of international cooperation founded on reverence for God’s work.
The timber would be “brought to you on rafts by sea to Joppa,” a coastal port city located on the Mediterranean Sea. Once the timber arrived in Joppa, it would be transported by land to Jerusalem. This logistical detail reveals the care and intentionality taken by ancient builders to supply the best materials for constructing a holy place. It also underscores the principle that God’s people often benefit from partnerships beyond their own borders, which can be a demonstration of goodwill and provision that ultimately serves the Lord’s purposes.
Finally, “so that you may carry it up to Jerusalem” shows Hiram’s thorough commitment to Solomon’s building project, extending until the materials reached the site on God’s chosen mountain. This verse reminds believers that God can move the hearts of many different people—often from unexpected places—to help fulfill His plans, reflecting His sovereignty and benevolence toward those who serve Him in faith.
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2 Chronicles 2:16 meaning
…“We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you on rafts by sea to Joppa, so that you may carry it up to Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 2:16).
In this verse, the king of Tyre (Hiram) assured King Solomon that he would supply the raw materials for the building of the temple. Solomon needed cedar and other woods from the famed forests of Lebanon to fulfill his God-given task, and Hiram’s servants promised, “We will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon.” The lush Lebanese mountains were known for their tall cedar trees, which were uniquely suited for fine construction because of their sturdiness and pleasant aroma. In this mutual agreement, we glimpse a moment of international cooperation founded on reverence for God’s work.
The timber would be “brought to you on rafts by sea to Joppa,” a coastal port city located on the Mediterranean Sea. Once the timber arrived in Joppa, it would be transported by land to Jerusalem. This logistical detail reveals the care and intentionality taken by ancient builders to supply the best materials for constructing a holy place. It also underscores the principle that God’s people often benefit from partnerships beyond their own borders, which can be a demonstration of goodwill and provision that ultimately serves the Lord’s purposes.
Finally, “so that you may carry it up to Jerusalem” shows Hiram’s thorough commitment to Solomon’s building project, extending until the materials reached the site on God’s chosen mountain. This verse reminds believers that God can move the hearts of many different people—often from unexpected places—to help fulfill His plans, reflecting His sovereignty and benevolence toward those who serve Him in faith.