2 Chronicles 6:1 - Meaning and Application

It matters a great deal in all our worship and service that we aim well and keep our hearts fixed. If Solomon had built this temple from pride, like Ahasuerus, the Persian king who gave a feast to display his wealth and greatness, it would have brought him no real gain. But Solomon explains why he took on this work, and his reasons both justify it and make it even more honorable.

First, he did it for the glory and honor of God. That was his highest purpose. He meant it to be a house for the name of the Lord God of Israel (2 Chronicles 6:10), a place for God to dwell (2 Chronicles 6:2). God, as far as we can see, has made darkness his covering (2 Chronicles 6:1), but let this house be the place of that covering. In the higher world, God lives in light that no eye can reach.

Second, Solomon acted in line with God’s choice of Jerusalem. God had chosen Jerusalem to be the city where he would place his name (2 Chronicles 6:6). Many fine buildings stood there for the king, his princes, and the royal family. If God chose that city, it was fitting that he should have a house there that surpassed all the rest. If people were honored there, then God should be honored there even more.

Third, Solomon carried out his father’s good plans, plans David had wanted to do but never got to finish. David, Solomon’s father, had it in his heart to build a house for God, and God approved of that desire, even though he did not let David carry it out (2 Chronicles 6:7-8). Solomon was completing what his father had begun in purpose. This is often how temple work goes, one person sows and another reaps (John 4:37-38), one generation begins what the next brings to completion. Even the wisest people should not think it below them to carry forward good plans started by others and build on their foundation. Every good work does not need to be an original work.

Fourth, Solomon did it to fulfill what God had spoken. God had said, “Your son will build the house for my name,” and now Solomon had done it (2 Chronicles 6:9-10). The task had been assigned to him, and the honor of it had also been promised to him by God. So he was not acting on his own idea, but under God’s call. It is fitting that the one who appoints the work should also appoint the worker. Those who clearly see God’s call to their task can go on with great peace and confidence.