Solomon Secures Materials and Craftsmen for the Temple
2 Chronicles 2:1-18
2 C.2.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויספר: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,sg
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- סבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמונים: NUM,card,pl,m
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חצב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ומנצחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:15-16 (verbal): A near‑verbatim parallel: this passage also lists 70,000 burden‑bearers, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 officers/overseers—directly corresponding to 2 Chronicles 2:1.
- 1 Kings 5:13-18 (structural): Broader narrative context for Solomon's levy and conscription of laborers to quarry and transport stone for the temple; provides the surrounding account that explains the numbers reported in 2 Chronicles 2:1.
- 1 Chronicles 22:2-5 (verbal): David's preparations for the temple include numbering and assigning laborers and officers (with a similar count of overseers), echoing the organized workforce and supervisory structure described in 2 Chronicles 2:1 (note minor numeric variants).
- 1 Kings 9:15-23 (thematic): Describes Solomon's large building program and use of forced labor on royal construction projects (Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer), thematically paralleling the conscription and organized labor force reported in 2 Chronicles 2:1.
- Numbers 4:2-4 (allusion): Earlier precedent for numbering and assigning men to bear sacred burdens: the Levites were counted and designated to carry the tabernacle and its vessels—an institutional parallel to Solomon's division of carriers and overseers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Solomon numbered seventy thousand burden-bearers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hills, and three thousand six hundred overseers over them.
- Solomon numbered seventy thousand men who bore burdens and eighty thousand who quarried stone in the hill, and three thousand six hundred overseers over them.
2 C.2.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- חורם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כאשר: CONJ
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ותשלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ארזים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבנות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשבת: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:1-12 (quotation): Parallel account of Solomon's negotiations with Hiram of Tyre for cedar and craftsmen to build the temple/house; many phrases and the overall arrangement closely correspond to 2 Chronicles 2:2–12.
- 1 Kings 5:6 (verbal): Solomon's request for cedar from Lebanon and the arrangement of labour and provisions echoes the specific vocabulary and requests found in 2 Chronicles 2:2–3.
- 2 Samuel 5:11 (allusion): Earlier precedent: Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers and cedar to David and provided builders, the act to which Solomon refers ('as you did for David my father').
- 1 Chronicles 14:1 (thematic): A parallel notice that Hiram showed kindness to David and provided cedar and workers, serving as the background motif invoked by Solomon in requesting similar aid for his building project.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Solomon sent to Hiram king of Tyre, saying, "As you did for David my father, when you sent him cedars to build a house to dwell in,
- And Solomon sent to Hiram king of Tyre, saying, "As you did for David my father, sending him cedars to build a house to dwell in,
2 C.2.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הנה: PART
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- בונה: VERB,qal,ptc,_,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- להקדיש: VERB,hif,inf,_,_,_
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- להקטיר: VERB,hiph,inf
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- קטרת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- סמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומערכת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תמיד: ADV
- ועלות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לבקר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולערב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשבתות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ולחדשים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולמועדי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cnst
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:5 (verbal): Solomon's formulation of his purpose to build a house for the name of the LORD echoes the same intention and language found in 2 Chr 2:3 (building a house to the name of the LORD and to dedicate it).
- Exodus 30:7-8 (verbal): Prescribes the continual burning of incense 'morning and evening,' paralleling 2 Chr 2:3's reference to burning incense before the LORD and the daily/regular cultic incense practice.
- Numbers 28:1-8 (thematic): Describes the tamid (the continual burnt offerings, morning and evening), corresponding to 2 Chr 2:3's mention of offerings 'morning and evening' as part of the temple's ongoing cult.
- 1 Chronicles 22:6-19 (structural): David's charge and preparations for Solomon to build the house for the LORD and the organization for its service parallel 2 Chr 2:3's purpose for the temple (dedication, offerings, and perpetual worship for Israel).
Alternative generated candidates
- behold, I am building a house for the name of the LORD my God, to consecrate it, to burn before him fragrant incense, to set there the regular offering and the sacrifice of morning and evening, on Sabbaths and New Moons and the appointed festivals of the LORD our God—for Israel forever.
- behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the LORD my God, to consecrate it, to burn sweet incense before him, the regular burnt offering and the morning and evening sacrifice, on the Sabbaths and New Moons and the appointed festivals of the LORD our God forever for Israel.
2 C.2.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והבית: NOUN,m,sg,def,pref:v
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- בונה: VERB,qal,ptc,NA,m,sg
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- מכל: PREP
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 8:23 (thematic): Solomon's dedication prayer declares the uniqueness and supremacy of Yahweh ('there is no God like thee'), echoing the claim that the house he builds is for the great God above all gods.
- Psalm 95:3 (verbal): 'For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods' closely parallels the language of God's greatness above other gods in 2 Chr 2:4.
- Deuteronomy 10:17 (allusion): Affirms Yahweh's supremacy as 'God of gods and Lord of lords,' providing the theological premise behind the statement that the temple is for a God greater than all other gods.
- Exodus 15:11 (thematic): The triumphant hymn's question 'Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?' resonates with the claim that Israel's God is greater than all other gods, motivating the construction of a magnificent house for him.
Alternative generated candidates
- The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
- And the house that I am to build will be great, for our God is greater than all gods.
2 C.2.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומי: PRON,interr
- יעצר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבנות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ושמי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,construct
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לא: PART_NEG
- יכלכלהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ומי: PRON,interr
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אבנה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אם: CONJ
- להקטיר: VERB,hiph,inf
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 8:27 (verbal): Solomon's declaration at the temple dedication: same language that 'heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain you'—direct verbal parallel about God's transcendence over the temple.
- 2 Chronicles 6:18 (structural): Later repetition within Chronicles of the same theological point in Solomon's prayer: affirms that the heavens cannot contain God and questions the adequacy of a house for him.
- Isaiah 66:1 (thematic): Prophetic assertion 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth my footstool; what house will ye build me?'—the same theme that God is not confined by any temple or building.
- Acts 7:48-50 (quotation): Stephen cites the prophetic idea (via Isaiah) that 'the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands,' using it to argue that God is not limited to the temple—an application of the same conviction.
- Jeremiah 23:24 (thematic): Jeremiah's question 'Do I not fill heaven and earth?' echoes the theme of God's omnipresence and the insufficiency of any earthly dwelling to contain him.
Alternative generated candidates
- Who then is able to build him a house, for heaven and the heavens of heavens cannot contain him? Who am I, that I should build him a house, but only to make a place for burning offerings before him?
- Who then is able to build a house for him? Indeed the heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain him; who am I that I should build a house for him—except to burn incense before him?
2 C.2.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- שלח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- בזהב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובכסף: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנחשת: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובברזל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובארגון: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכרמיל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותכלת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לפתח: PREP
- פתוחים: ADJ,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- החכמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הכין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:6-12 (structural): Parallel narrative of Solomon's arrangement with Hiram of Tyre to provide skilled labor and materials for the temple; Chronicles recounts the same diplomatic and labor agreement.
- 1 Kings 7:13-14 (verbal): Explicitly parallels the arrival and description of Hiram the craftsman — a skilled artisan brought to work in metals and fine materials, echoing the request for a 'man skillful'.
- 1 Chronicles 22:14-16 (verbal): Directly connects with David's preparation of materials and craftsmen for the temple—Chronicles here echoes Solomon's reference to 'whom David my father prepared.'
- Exodus 35:30-35 (allusion): The model of God-empowered artisans (Bezalel and Oholiab) gifted with skill and understanding for building the tabernacle provides a thematic precedent for commissioning skilled craftsmen for the sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now therefore send me a skilled man who understands how to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, in stone and wood, in purple, crimson and blue, and who can devise any artistic design—together with the craftsmen who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father prepared.
- Now therefore send me a skilled man to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, in purple, crimson and blue, and in fine linens; a man skilled to carry out carvings, to set engravings, and to devise every kind of device—together with the wise craftsmen that are with you in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father prepared.
2 C.2.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלח: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ארזים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ברושים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואלגומים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מהלבנון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- יודעים: VERB,qal,ptcp,-,m,pl
- לכרות: VERB,qal,inf
- עצי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- לבנון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והנה: ADV
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עם: PREP
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:6-7 (quotation): Nearly identical parallel: Solomon's request to Hiram for cedar from Lebanon and the mutual provision of labor—Chronicles here largely echoes Kings' wording.
- 2 Samuel 5:11 (thematic): Earlier precedent of friendly relations with Tyre: Hiram sending cedar and carpenters to David, showing a continuing Israel–Tyre timber partnership that Solomon builds on.
- Ezekiel 27:5-6 (thematic): Ezekiel's lament over Tyre lists cedar and cypress of Lebanon as principal merchandise—background on Tyre's role in procuring Lebanon timber for regional rulers.
- 1 Kings 10:11-12 (thematic): Describes Hiram's ships bringing gold and cedar to Solomon, illustrating the ongoing commercial and material cooperation (including Lebanon timber) in Solomon's reign.
Alternative generated candidates
- Send me cedar, cypress, and almug wood from Lebanon; for I know that your servants can cut the trees of Lebanon, and my servants shall be with your servants.
- Send me also cedar, cypress and almug from Lebanon; for I know that your servants are skilled in cutting the trees of Lebanon, and behold, my servants will be with your servants.
2 C.2.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולהכין: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לרב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- בונה: VERB,qal,ptc,1,m,sg
- גדול: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- והפלא: CONJ+VERB,hiphil,perf,3,ms,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:8 (quotation): Near-verbatim parallel: Solomon's request to Hiram for cedar and other trees because the house he is building is large and marvelous.
- 1 Kings 5:10 (structural): Continuation of the same exchange—Hiram supplies cedar and fir and skilled labor in response to Solomon's request, showing the outcome of the petition in Chronicles.
- 1 Chronicles 22:5 (thematic): David's prior preparation of large quantities of cedar and other materials for the temple; provides background precedent for Solomon's procurement of timber.
- Nehemiah 2:8 (thematic): Nehemiah's request to King Artaxerxes for letters and timber to repair the temple and city gates; analogous practice of obtaining official timber resources for sacred building projects.
Alternative generated candidates
- Make provision also for me of large quantities of timber, for the house that I am building will be great and marvelous.
- Prepare timbers for me in abundance, for the house that I am about to build will be magnificent.
2 C.2.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- לחטבים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לכרתי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- העצים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- חטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לעבדיך: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,2,ms
- כרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושערים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ויין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:8-11 (quotation): Direct parallel account in the Deuteronomistic history: Solomon arranges to provide Hiram with twenty thousand cors of wheat and twenty thousand baths of wine and oil as part of their exchange (language and numbers closely match Chronicles).
- 1 Kings 4:22-23 (thematic): Describes the large daily provisions required for Solomon's household (measured quantities of flour, meal and livestock), thematically similar to Chronicles' emphasis on large-scale supply and royal provisioning.
- Genesis 41:48-49 (thematic): Joseph's gathering and storing of grain in great quantities for future needs provides a wider biblical parallel of centralized collection and allocation of grain for a ruler/state.
- 2 Chronicles 2:12 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation in Chronicles: Hiram's reply and the practical arrangements for timber and labor follow and complete the exchange described in 2:9, showing the same diplomatic/economic transaction.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, to those who cut the timber I have given wheat and barley, wine and oil: twenty thousand kors of wheat, twenty thousand kors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
- And for the cutters who cut the timber I will give food to your servants—twenty thousand cors of wheat, twenty thousand cors of barley, twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.
2 C.2.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חורם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכתב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- באהבת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,const
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- נתנך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+obj2ms
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:1 (verbal): Parallel account of Hiram's message to Solomon—both describe Hiram sending to Solomon because of his affection and link Hiram's action to the Davidic succession (Hiram's love for David/Israel).
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (thematic): God's promise to raise up David's offspring to build a house and establish the throne—provides theological background for the claim that the LORD set Solomon over Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 28:6-7 (allusion): David's declaration that God chose Solomon to be ruler and to build the house of the LORD echoes the Chronicler's claim that the LORD 'loved his people' and set Solomon as king.
- Psalm 89:3-4 (thematic): Divine pledge to David to establish his seed and throne forever—thematically supports the Chronicler’s affirmation that God's love resulted in Solomon's kingship over Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hiram king of Tyre wrote and sent to Solomon, for he loved Solomon; and he said,
- And Hiram king of Tyre wrote a letter and sent it to Solomon: "Because the LORD loves his people, he has made you king over them."
2 C.2.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חורם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- השמים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לדויד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- יודע: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- שכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ובינה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יבנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובית: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,cs
- למלכותו: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,3s
Parallels
- 1 Kings 3:12 (verbal): God grants Solomon a ‘wise and understanding heart’—language and idea parallel to ‘gave to David… a wise son, knowing discretion and understanding.’
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (quotation): The Davidic promise that David’s offspring will build God’s house; Chronicles here echoes the same covenantal basis for Solomon’s temple-building role.
- 1 Kings 5:1-5 (structural): Parallel narrative of Solomon’s dealings with Hiram of Tyre; Chronicles’ Hiram blessing God and affirming Solomon as David’s son who will build the house corresponds to this account in Kings.
- 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 (allusion): Chronicles’ retelling alludes to the Davidic covenant language found here (and in 2 Samuel 7), stressing that God appointed David’s son to build the temple and established his house.
Alternative generated candidates
- "Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given to David a wise son, endowed with understanding and discernment, who will build a house for the LORD and a palace for his kingdom."
- Hiram said, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who gave to David a wise son endowed with discretion and understanding, who will build a house for the LORD and a palace for his kingdom."
2 C.2.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- שלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חכם: ADJ,m,sg
- יודע: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחורם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Kings 7:13-14 (verbal): Direct parallel account: describes Hiram (Huram) as a man 'filled with wisdom and understanding' and skilled in work for the temple—language and identification correspond closely to 2 Chr 2:12.
- Exodus 31:1-6 (thematic): Thematic parallel: God appoints Bezalel (and Oholiab) and fills them with 'the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge' to craft the tabernacle—similar concept of divinely endowed skilled artisans for sacred construction.
- Exodus 35:30-35 (thematic): Reiterates that God gave craftsmen skill, intelligence and knowledge to perform work for the sanctuary; parallels the idea of commissioning a specially gifted craftsman for holy building.
- 1 Kings 5:1-12 (structural): Contextual/structural parallel: treaty and cooperative arrangements between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre supplying timber, craftsmen and labor for the temple—background to Solomon's sending of a skilled man (Huram) for temple construction.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, to Hiram my father.
- And now I have sent a skilled man, Huram-abi.
2 C.2.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- דן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואביו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRONSUF,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יודע: VERB,qal,ptc,ms,sg
- לעשות: VERB,qal,inf
- בזהב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובכסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנחשת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בברזל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באבנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובעצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בארגמן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתכלת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובבוץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובכרמיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולפתח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- פתוח: ADJ,m,sg
- ולחשב: VERB,qal,inf
- כל: DET
- מחשבת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ינתן: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- עם: PREP
- חכמיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2ms
- וחכמי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
Parallels
- 1 Kings 7:14 (quotation): Almost identical description of Hiram (Huram-abi): son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, his father a man of Tyre, skilled in gold, silver, bronze, iron, stone, wood, purple, blue, and fine linen — a near-verbatim parallel.
- 2 Chronicles 2:14 (verbal): Immediate parallel/continuation in Chronicles describing the same craftsman and his skills; repeats the catalogue of materials and workmanship connected to Solomon’s building projects.
- 1 Kings 5:15-16 (thematic): Describes the exchange of labour and craftsmen between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre — thematically linked to the recruitment and use of skilled artisans for the Temple and Solomon’s works.
- Exodus 31:2-5 (thematic): God-endowed artisan Bezalel is described as gifted in working with gold, silver, bronze, stone, wood, and skilled craftsmanship — a thematic antecedent listing similar skills and roles for sacred construction.
Alternative generated candidates
- The man is the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father is a Tyrian—he is skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, in stone and wood, in purple, blue and crimson; he knows how to execute any design and to devise every kind of work; he will be with your craftsmen and with the craftsmen of David your father.
- His mother was of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre; he is skilled to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, in stone and wood, in purple, blue, fine linen and crimson; he can do every kind of engraving and can devise any device for the work. He shall be with your craftsmen and with the craftsmen of David your father.
2 C.2.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- החטים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והשערים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- השמן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והיין: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- ישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לעבדיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:11 (verbal): Direct parallel in the Solomon–Hiram correspondence; same commodities (wheat/barley, oil/wine) are listed as provisions Solomon would send to Hiram’s servants.
- 1 Kings 5:13-18 (structural): Parallel narrative of the exchange between Solomon and Hiram—details the supplies and labor arrangement that follow the request for grain, oil, and wine.
- Deuteronomy 7:13 (thematic): Lists agricultural blessings of the land—corn (grain), wine and oil—echoing the staples named in Solomon’s provisioning request.
- Psalm 104:14-15 (thematic): Attributes provision of 'bread' (grain), 'wine to gladden' and 'oil to make the face shine' to God’s provision—similar vocabulary and theme of staple provisions.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now as to the wheat, the barley, the oil and the wine which my lord has spoken of—let him send them to his servants.
- Now, as for the wheat, the barley, the oil and the wine that my lord has spoken of, let him send them to his servants.
2 C.2.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואנחנו: CONJ+PRON,1,pl
- נכרת: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,pl
- עצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מן: PREP
- הלבנון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ככל: PREP
- צרכך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- ונביאם: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- רפסדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- ים: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- יפו: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תעלה: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:9-10 (quotation): Nearly identical wording and context: Hiram agrees to cut cedar and bring it by sea to Joppa so Solomon can carry it up to Jerusalem for the temple works.
- 1 Kings 6:9 (thematic): Describes the use of cedar from Lebanon in the construction of Solomon’s house/temple, echoing the procurement and transport of Lebanon timber.
- Ezekiel 27:5-6 (verbal): Imagery of cedar and fir from Lebanon being brought to the sea for shipment, paralleling the export/transport of Lebanon timber by sea.
- Ezra 3:7 (allusion): A later instance where cedar from Lebanon is supplied (by sea) for Jerusalem’s temple rebuilding, recalling the earlier Lebanon–Joppa–Jerusalem supply arrangement.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for us, we will cut wood from Lebanon as much as you need and will bring it to you by sea to Joppa; you shall then carry it up to Jerusalem.
- We will cut timber from Lebanon as much as you need and bring it to you by sea on rafts to Joppa; and you shall carry it up to Jerusalem.
2 C.2.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויספר: VERB,piel,impf,3,m,sg
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- האנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- הגירים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחרי: PREP
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ספרם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg+obj:3,m,pl
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- וימצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- ושלשת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:13-18 (structural): Solomon's levies and conscription of labor for building the temple — a parallel context to 2 Chr 2:16's counting and use of manpower for the house of the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 21:5 (verbal): David's census/numbering of Israel; 2 Chr 2:16 explicitly appeals to 'the writing of David,' linking Solomon's count of resident aliens to David's registers and enumerations.
- 2 Samuel 24:9 (verbal): Another account of David's numbering of the people (parallel to 1 Chron 21); parallels 2 Chr 2:16 in theme of royal census and reliance on David's records.
- Leviticus 25:23 (thematic): Speaks to the status of 'sojourners' (gerim) in the land. Theological/social background for why the presence and number of resident aliens in Israel (as counted in 2 Chr 2:16) is significant.
Alternative generated candidates
- Solomon counted all the aliens who were in the land of Israel, after the numbering that his father David had taken, and they were found to be one hundred fifty thousand and three thousand six hundred.
- And Solomon counted all the able-bodied men in the land of Israel, after the numbering which David his father had made; and they were found one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred.
2 C.2.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- סבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמנים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- חצב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ושלשת: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מנצחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- להעביד: VERB,hiphil,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 5:15-16 (verbal): Gives the same numbers and roles (70,000 burden‑bearers, 80,000 stone‑cutters in the mountain, and 3,600 overseers) in Solomon’s temple workforce — a direct verbal parallel.
- 1 Kings 5:13-18 (structural): Broader account of Solomon’s levying and organization of labor for the temple project, providing the surrounding administrative and logistical context for the figures in 2 Chr 2:17.
- 1 Kings 9:15-18 (thematic): Describes Solomon’s use of forced labor/levies on Israel for major royal and cultic building projects, thematically parallel to the mobilization of large workforces and overseers.
- Exodus 1:11 (thematic): Pharaoh’s imposition of mass corvée labour with taskmasters to build store‑cities echoes the theme of organized, large‑scale forced labor and oversight in construction.
- Nehemiah 3:1-32 (structural): Lists organized groups and leaders assigned to rebuild the sacred wall and gates — a later example of systematic allocation of labor and overseers for a major religious construction project.
Alternative generated candidates
- Of these he made seventy thousand burden-bearers, eighty thousand hewers in the hills, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people to work.
- Out of these he made seventy thousand burden-bearers, eighty thousand stonecutters in the hill, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people to work.
Solomon numbered seventy thousand bearers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hill country, and three thousand six hundred overseers over them. And Solomon sent to Hiram king of Tyre, saying, “As you dealt with David my father, and sent him cedar trees to build for him a house to dwell in,
behold, I am building a house for the name of the LORD my God, to consecrate it, to burn fragrant incense before him, the regular burnt offering and the morning and evening sacrifice, on the Sabbaths and on the New Moons and on all the appointed festivals of the LORD our God for Israel forever.
The house that I am building is great, for our God is greater than all the gods.
Who then is able to build him a house, since heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain him? Who am I that I should build him a house—only to burn incense before him? Now therefore send me a skillful man who has understanding to work in gold and silver and bronze and iron, and in purple, crimson, and fine linen, and who knows how to lead craftsmen—those who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father prepared.
Send me cedar, fir, and algum wood from Lebanon; for I know that your servants know how to cut the Lebanon timber. Behold, my servants shall be with your servants,
to prepare timber for me abundantly, for the house that I am building is great and wondrous. And behold, to the cutters of the timber I will give wheat, twenty thousand measures; barley, twenty thousand measures; wine, twenty thousand jars; and oil, twenty thousand jars. And Hiram king of Tyre wrote and sent to Solomon, saying, “Because the LORD loves his people, he has made you king over them.” And Hiram said, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who gave to David a wise son, endowed with discernment and understanding, who will build a house for the LORD and a house for his kingdom. Now I have sent a skillful man, endowed with understanding, to you.
His mother was a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre; he is skilled to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and timber, in purple, blue, and crimson, and in all kinds of engraving and weaving; he can execute any design and carry out any plan that may be given him by your craftsmen and by the craftsmen of my lord David your father. And now concerning the wheat, the barley, the oil, and the wine which my lord has spoken of—let your servants send them to the servants of my lord.
We will cut cedar trees from Lebanon according to your need, and will bring them to you as rafts to the sea at Joppa; you shall convey them up to Jerusalem. And Solomon numbered all the aliens who were in the land of Israel, after the census that his father David had taken; they were one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred. And he made of them seventy thousand bearers and eighty thousand stonecutters in the hill country, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people to work.