2 Ch. 2: Solomon's Temple Plans

2 Chronicles 2:6 "But who is able to build a temple for him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain him? Who then am I to build a temple for him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before him?"

Wow. Even with David's plans and preparations, there was still a lot that had to be done, and Solomon is squarely in the middle of it. It's a big responsibility, and the gravity of it doesn't escape Solomon, as he admits in verse 6. 186,000 men are conscripted to build what isn't exactly a gigantic building. It sounds like a lot of men, but consider their roles...traveling, cutting stones, cutting trees, hauling stuff, finishing stuff. And it was done in shifts. So I think it would be a mistake to think there were 186,000 men on the jobsite building the temple.

But as was said, this wasn't just any temple. It was the housing place for the LORD of lords. So perfection was absolutely necessary. Solomon asks Hiram king of Tyre for a craftsman skilled in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson and blue yarn, and experienced in the art of engraving. Hiram sends Solomon Huram-Abi, a craftsman skilled in gold and silver, bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson and blue yarn, and experienced in the art of engraving. You'd think there'd be specialists in this at this point in time. And specialists in the nation of Israel. They were sure good at graven images (Oh, snap!).