And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

2 CHRONICLES 2:16KJV
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2 Chronicles 2:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 2:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 2:16 describes an agreement to cut and deliver as much wood from Lebanon as needed, transporting it by sea in rafts to Joppa, so it can then be carried up to Jerusalem. This verse shows a practical arrangement for supplying building materials for a major project in Jerusalem.

In this verse, King Hiram of Tyre is responding to King Solomon’s request for timber to build the temple in Jerusalem. Hiram promises to have his workers cut the wood in Lebanon, float it down the Mediterranean Sea to the port city of Joppa, and from there, Solomon’s people will transport it overland to Jerusalem. This arrangement highlights the cooperation between the two kings and the logistical planning involved in such a large construction effort.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 2:16

  • לְבָנוֹן (Levanon, "Lebanon"): Refers to the famous forested region known for its high-quality cedar and other timber, which was highly valued for construction in the ancient world.
  • רָפָה (rafah, "floats"): This word is often understood as large rafts or floats, showing that the wood was bundled together and transported by water, which was much more efficient than moving it overland.
  • יָם (yam, "sea"): Refers to the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing the use of maritime routes for transporting heavy materials over long distances.
  • יָפוֹ (Yapho, "Joppa"): The ancient port city (modern-day Jaffa), serving as the landing point for the timber before it was taken inland to Jerusalem.

Why 2 Chronicles 2:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies the international cooperation and resource sharing that made the building of the temple possible, showing that Solomon relied on neighboring nations for essential materials.
  • The verse highlights the logistical complexity of ancient construction projects, including the use of sea transport and overland hauling, which helps readers appreciate the scale of Solomon’s temple-building efforts.
  • By mentioning specific places like Lebanon and Joppa, the verse connects the biblical narrative to real-world geography, grounding the story in actual locations that can still be identified today.

Where else these words appear

“Joppa” Hebrew H3305 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 19:46 And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.
  • Ezra 3:7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
  • Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

“Lebanon” Hebrew H3844 · used in 64 verses

  • Deuteronomy 1:7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to the mount of the Amorites, and unto all the places nigh thereunto, in the plain, in the hills, and in the vale, and in the south, and by the sea side, to the land of the Canaanites, and unto Lebanon, unto the great river, the river Euphrates.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon: for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; and, behold, my servants shall be with thy servants,
  • Isaiah 33:9 The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness; and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits.