2 Chronicles 4:1-22
Q.1. What impression of God would the Temple furnishings create? – (2 Chr.4:1-10 c.f. 1 Chr.17:4-6)
Now that the nation had settled in their land and peace prevailed, Solomon had the opportunity of building a permanent structure that was truly impressive. David and Solomon had intended that the Temple would express the greatness of God. Remember David’s tribute? – 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all … 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name (1 Chr.29:11 & 13). The increased size, number of furnishings, precious metals used, and the intricate carvings and castings were to reflect the greatness of the God Whom they worshiped.
Q.2. How special were the Temple furnishings? Would the priests like working in the Temple? What made Huram-abi and Solomon do their best?
Everything that adorned the Temple was of highest quality and value. It must have been a privilege for the priests to serve there. Solomon and Huram-abi went to great lengths to follow David’s plans that were given to him by God. They did their best because that was how they felt about the Lord their God. No expense was spared and no effort was too demanding, in order to produce one of the many wonders of the ancient world. A shoddy, second rate structure would have been incompatible with the God of Heaven and earth.