2 Chronicles 3:1
Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣חֶל
began
H2490
וַיָּ֣חֶל
began
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּית
the house
H1004
בֵּית
the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
5 of 20
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
at Jerusalem
H3389
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
at Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
7 of 20
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
בְּהַר֙
in mount
H2022
בְּהַר֙
in mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 20
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִרְאָ֖ה
where the LORD appeared
H7200
נִרְאָ֖ה
where the LORD appeared
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
11 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אָבִ֑יהוּ
his father
H1
אָבִ֑יהוּ
his father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
13 of 20
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
הֵכִין֙
had prepared
H3559
הֵכִין֙
had prepared
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
בִּמְק֣וֹם
in the place
H4725
בִּמְק֣וֹם
in the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 21:18Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the LORD in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.Genesis 22:14And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.Genesis 22:2And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.1 Chronicles 22:1Then David said, This is the house of the LORD God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.
Historical Context
Beginning construction in Solomon's fourth year (c. 966 BCE) on the threshingfloor David purchased fulfilled his vision. The Moriah identification (unique to Chronicles) theologically connects the temple to Abrahamic covenant and substitutionary sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the temple built on the site of sacrifice point you to Christ's sacrifice and the true temple?
- What significance does location have in your understanding of where and how God meets His people today?
Analysis & Commentary
The temple's location is theologically significant: 'Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where the LORD appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.' Identifying this as Mount Moriah connects to Abraham offering Isaac (Genesis 22:2), suggesting the temple site is where God provided the ram in Isaac's place. The mention of David's theophany and the threshingfloor where plague stopped (1 Chronicles 21:18-28) layers meaning - this is the place of sacrifice, divine appearance, and mercy. Ultimately, this points to Christ sacrificed in Jerusalem, the true temple where God's glory dwells.