2 Chronicles 3
by Pastor David Groendyk

After much preparation, the temple is starting to be built. One fascinating detail about the temple is its location. The place in Jerusalem where the temple was being built was the same location as where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac and where the Lord graciously provided a ram in Isaac’s place (Genesis 22). It is also the same location as where the Lord was doling out justice upon Israel because of David’s great sin, but the Lord answered David’s prayer and relented from his judgment (1 Chronicles 21). The spot on which the temple is constructed is loaded with history. The people of Israel ought to have been reminded every day when they came to make a sacrifice about how the Lord provides for his people and is full of mercy, relenting from pouring out his wrath on his people for their sins. The temple itself taught the same exact message. Countless animals and sacrifices, countless means of forgiveness and atonement, being provided by God to prevent his wrath and judgment from coming. Of course, the great fulfillment of the temple, the sacrifices, and that ram way back in Abraham’s time is none other than Jesus Christ himself. Praise God for his providence displayed to us through his chosen sacrificial lamb who took our place on the cross!

Another important detail about the temple revealed in this chapter is its design. First, there is lots and lots of gold. However, not only is the quantity of gold noteworthy, but also the quality of it. It is called ‘pure’ gold (v. 4) and ‘fine’ gold (v. 8). Second, notice the two cherubim that are constructed to stand in the Most Holy Place. They stand side-to-side and would’ve been positioned on the back wall facing the entryway to the Most Holy Place (v. 13). They were angelic guards, keeping watch over the holy place that contained God’s presence. With these two images in mind, the gold and the cherubim, we’re transported back to Genesis again. The garden of Eden was in a land that was full of gold (Gen. 2:11–12), and after Adam and Eve were kicked out of said garden, the Lord placed a cherubim in it to guard the way to the tree of life (Gen. 3:24). This temple is both a continuation of and brand new iteration of God’s presence with his people. It was not just a place of God’s provision, sacrifice, and mercy, but an Edenic paradise where humans could meet with God. And the Lord continues to meet and dwell with his people, and we look forward to the final day when we will get to dwell with him perfectly in a true paradise. Take the privilege of God dwelling with you and in you seriously! It is a weighty and glorious privilege that we have.