Solomon began the work of building the temple. He assigned workers, made agreements to receive building materials, and obtained the skilled labor he needed for the work. He carefully prepared to build a house for the Lord that would be wonderful great.

WHAT DOES IT SAY?

1. Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the __________, and an house for his ________________.
2. Solomon declared, Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to _____________ it to him.
3. And the house which I build is _________: for __________ is our God above all gods.
4. From Huram, Solomon arranged to get cedar trees, _______ trees, and __________ trees.
5. Solomon promised to send unto Huram a large supply of wheat, and _____________, and oil, and __________.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1. In verse 2, Solomon “told out” a certain number of men to bear burdens and fulfill other duties. The word, told, is another form of tell. What does the word mean in this context? See Genesis 15:5And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
   See All...; Psalm 22:17I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
   See All...; Psalm 48:12; Psalm 147:4. What is the meaning of “tell” in these verses? How do these scriptures help explain what a bank teller is?
2. In verse 7, Solomon requests someone who has skill to work in several mediums (like gold, etc.). In verse 14, he is sent a man who is said to be able to work in a number of mediums. Compare the lists. Did Solomon get all he wanted? Did he get anything he had not asked for? How many items are on each list? What are the differences between the two?
3. Huram declared Solomon to be “a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding” (v.12). The word, prudence, is only found three times in the scriptures: 2Chronicles 2:12Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
   See All...; Proverbs 8:12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
   See All...; Ephesians 1:8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
   See All.... Look the word up in a dictionary and study the way it is used in these verse. Then, write the best definition of prudence you can think of.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

1. Verse 6 states, “But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain him? who am I then, that I should build him an house, save only to burn sacrifice before him?” What is the meaning of this verse? Why build God a house if even the heavens cannot hold Him? What does this verse teach us about the presence of God?
2. Huram says to Solomon, “Because the LORD hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them” (v.11). How is it an act of God’s love to put Solomon over them as king? Name several other ways in which God shows us His love. Try to think of some ways that we usually do not consider.

SUGGESTED MEMORY VERSES: 

2Chronicles 2:5And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.
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