Matthew Henry on 2 Chronicles 2:1-10
Solomon's wisdom was given him, not merely for speculation, to entertain himself (though it is indeed a princely entertainment), nor merely for conversation, to entertain his friends, but for action; and therefore to action he immediately applies himself. Observe,
I. His resolution within himself concerning his business (Ch2 2:1): He determined to build, in the first place, a house for the name of the Lord. It is fit that he who is the first should be served - first a temple and then a palace, a house not so much for himself, or his own convenience and magnitude, as for the kingdom, for the honour of it among its neighbours and for the decent reception of the people whenever they had occasio…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 2:3
HIS MESSAGE TO HURAM FOR SKILFUL ARTIFICERS. (Ch2 2:3-10)
Solomon sent to Huram--The correspondence was probably conducted on both sides in writing (Ch2 2:11; also see on Kg1 5:8).
As thou didst deal with David my father--This would seem decisive of the question whether the Huram then reigning in Tyre was David's friend (see on Kg1 5:1-6). In opening the business, Solomon grounded his request for Tyrian aid on two reasons: 1. The temple he proposed to build must be a solid and permanent building because the worship was to be continued in perpetuity; and therefore the building materials must be of the most durable quality. 2. It must be a magnificent structure because it was to be dedicate…
Read the whole note in the consoleAdam Clarke on 2 Chronicles 2:3
Solomon sent to Huram - This man's name is written חירם Chiram in Kings; and in Chronicles, חורם Churam: there is properly no difference, only a י yod and a ו vau interchanged. See on Kg1 5:2 (note).
John Gill on 2 Chronicles 2:5
And the house which I build is great,.... Not so very large, though that, with all apartments and courts belonging to it, he intended to build, was so; but because magnificent in its structure and decorations:
for great is our God above all gods; and therefore ought to have a temple to exceed all others, as the temple at Jerusalem did.
