Old Testament
2 Chronicles 3:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see Solomon starting a monumental project: the construction of a temple dedicated to God in Jerusalem.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Solomon began building the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David. This was the site David had prepared — the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Solomon starting a monumental project: the construction of a temple dedicated to God in Jerusalem. This location, Mount Moriah, holds deep significance as it is where God had previously communicated with David, Solomon's father. David had chosen this very spot and prepared it for this sacred purpose, highlighting the importance of planning and intention in our endeavors. The threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, where this temple would rise, symbolizes a place of transformation and dedication. Solomon's decision to build here reflects a commitment to honoring God and establishing a lasting legacy. This act of building a house for God signifies a desire for connection and worship, showing that sacred spaces can emerge from personal history and divine encounters. It reminds us that our actions can create meaningful places for community and spirituality, rooted in our past experiences and relationships with the divine. Solomon's temple would become a central place of worship, illustrating the importance of creating spaces that foster connection with God and each other.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 2 Chronicles 3:1 to your life
Consider what spaces in your life you can dedicate to personal growth or community. Just as Solomon built a temple, think about how you can create environments that foster connection and reflection. Your actions can lead to meaningful experiences for yourself and others, rooted in intention and purpose. Embrace the opportunity to build something lasting in your life today!
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of Mount Moriah in 2 Chronicles 3:1?
Mount Moriah is significant because it is the location where Solomon built the temple, a sacred space dedicated to God. This site was chosen because it was where God had previously appeared to David, Solomon's father, making it a place of divine encounter and historical importance. It symbolizes the connection between past experiences with God and the future of worship in Israel.
Why did Solomon choose the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite for the temple?
Solomon chose the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite because it was a site prepared by his father, David, for the purpose of building a temple. This location not only had historical significance but also represented a place of transformation and dedication. By building the temple here, Solomon honored his father's intentions and established a lasting legacy of worship for the people of Israel.
How does 2 Chronicles 3:1 relate to the themes of legacy and worship?
2 Chronicles 3:1 illustrates the theme of legacy through Solomon's decision to build the temple on a site chosen by David, emphasizing the importance of honoring past generations. The act of constructing a house for God signifies a commitment to worship and community, showing that sacred spaces can emerge from personal history and divine encounters. This connection fosters a deeper relationship with God and encourages future generations to engage in worship.
What can we learn from Solomon's approach to building the temple?
Solomon's approach to building the temple teaches us the importance of planning and intention in our endeavors. He carefully selected a significant location, reflecting a desire to create a meaningful space for worship. This encourages us to consider how we can dedicate spaces in our own lives for personal growth and community connection, emphasizing that our actions can lead to lasting impacts rooted in purpose and reflection.

The Book of 2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles 1: Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth
Solomon, the son of David, is now firmly established in his kingdom, and the Lord his God is with him, magnifying him exceedingly. Solomon speaks to all Israel—the commanders, judges, and leaders—and the entire assembly goes with him to the high place at Gibeon, where the Tabernacle of the Lord that Moses had made in the wilderness is located. The Ark of God, however, is in Jerusalem, in the tent that David had pitched for it. At Gibeon, Solomon goes up to the bronze altar before the Lord and offers a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
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