2 Chronicles 6:1-21
Q.1. Who chose Jerusalem as the location of the Temple? Why did Solomon build it? – (2 Chr.6:1-11)
God had dismissed all other locations, and any other contenders for David’s throne – 5 Since the day that I brought My people from the land of Egypt, I did not choose a city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house that My name might be there, nor did I choose any man for a leader over My people Israel; 6 but I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ (2 Chr.6:5-6). After reigning for seven and a half years in Hebron, David made the stronghold of Mount Zion in Jerusalem his capital city. This had already been the place over which Melchizedek reigned (Gen.14: 17-20 c.f. Heb.5:5-6, 7:1-3). It was also the chosen place for the Temple. David, however, was not permitted to build the Temple because he was a warrior king who had shed much blood. Why was Solomon chosen from all the other sons of David to be the next king and to build the temple? Because at the time when God made His promise to give David an enduring kingdom, Solomon, son of his union with Bathsheba, was the next son born – Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who will be born to you, he shall build the house for My name.’ (2 Chr.6:9). No other son of David qualified to be king or to build the Temple. God’s choice of Solomon (2 Sam.12:24-25) revealed the gracious heart of God, in spite of man’s waywardness.
Q.2. How did Solomon address God? What did he understand by the conditions of God’s Covenantal blessings? What was his request from God? – (2 Chr.6:12-21)
Solomon was only too aware that no location on earth could contain God and His grandeur. God was entirely on His own in Heaven and on earth. He had distinguished Himself by entering into a Covenant relationship with Israel. More particularly, the Lord had kept all His promises to Solomon’s father, David. However, Solomon understood that this was a CONDITIONAL covenant – … keep with Your servant David, my father, that which You have promised him, saying,You shall not lack a man to sit on the throne of Israel, IF only your sons take heed to their way, to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’ (2 Chr.6:16). Solomon was wise enough to know that he and Israel would sin and fail to keep the demands of this Covenant. Therefore, he called on God – Listen to the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place; hear from Your dwelling place, from heaven; hear and forgive (2 Chr.6:21).