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.
2 CHRONICLES 3:1KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 3:1 mean?
2 Chronicles 3:1 describes how Solomon began building the temple for the LORD in Jerusalem, specifically on Mount Moriah, a place where God had appeared to David. The verse notes that this location was the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, which David had prepared for this purpose.
This verse is part of a historical account written to the people of Israel, recording the start of Solomon’s construction of the temple. The mention of Mount Moriah and the threshing floor links the temple’s site to earlier events in Israel’s history, especially God’s appearance to David and David’s purchase of the land, making the location both significant and chosen by God.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 3:1
- מֹרִיָּה (Moriah, transliteration: moriyyah): This name refers to the specific mountain in Jerusalem where the temple was built. Its mention ties the site to earlier biblical events, such as Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac, highlighting its spiritual importance.
- גֹּרֶן (goren, transliteration: goren): This word means “threshing floor.” In this context, it refers to the exact spot purchased by David from Ornan the Jebusite, emphasizing that the temple was built on land specifically set apart for God.
- הֵכִין (hekin, transliteration: hekin): This word means “prepared.” It shows that David had made arrangements for the temple’s location before Solomon began building, underlining the continuity between David’s plans and Solomon’s actions.
Why 2 Chronicles 3:1 matters
- The verse clarifies that the temple’s location was not random but chosen by God through significant events involving David, giving the site deep spiritual meaning for Israel.
- By connecting Solomon’s building project to David’s earlier actions and God’s appearance, the verse emphasizes the fulfillment of God’s promises and the unity of Israel’s leadership.
- The mention of Ornan the Jebusite’s threshing floor shows the transformation of a common place into the most sacred site in Israel, reminding readers that God can use ordinary things for extraordinary purposes.