He began to build in the second month of the fourth year of his reign.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
2 Chronicles 3:2
What does 2 Chronicles 3:2 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
2 Chronicles 3:2
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse highlights that Solomon's grand temple project didn't start on a whim but was meticulously planned and timed, beginning in a specific month of his fourth year. It emphasizes that even the most magnificent divine undertakings are rooted in practical, earthly timing and organization.
He began to build in the second month of the fourth year of his reign.
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Solomon is embarking on the monumental task of building the Lord's temple, a project initiated by his father, David. This verse pinpoints the exact moment construction begins, following the preparations and plans laid out in the previous chapter. It sets the stage for the intricate details of the temple's construction and the subsequent dedication that will unfold throughout the rest of 2 Chronicles.
Ever wonder why building projects have a specific start date? Solomon's temple wasn't just thrown up; its beginning was intentional.
A Deliberate Beginning
Scripture is precise! Notice that 2 Chronicles 3:2 gives us the exact timing: "the second month of the fourth year of his reign." This isn't random.
Why Specify the Time?
Building something as grand as the Temple required more than just materials; it needed a clear vision. What was Solomon aiming for?
More Than Just Bricks and Mortar
While this verse focuses on the when, the context of 2 Chronicles 3 points to the and .
Ask a follow-up
The Purpose of the Temple:
c. 970 BC
Death of King David
David, after a long and impactful reign, dies. His son Solomon becomes king and inherits the monumental task of leading Israel. David had prepared extensively for the Temple's construction, gathering materials and plans.
c. 967 BC— this verse
Solomon Begins Temple Construction
Solomon commences the building of the Lord's Temple in Jerusalem, a project that would become his most significant achievement. This marked the fulfillment of his father's vision and a central point in Israelite worship.
c. 960 BC
Temple Completion
After seven years of intensive labor and immense resources, the main structure of the Temple is completed. It stands as a magnificent house for God's presence in the heart of Israel.
c. 959 BC
Temple Dedication and Festival
The Ark of the Covenant is brought into the Holy of Holies, and Solomon dedicates the Temple with a grand ceremony and a week-long feast, followed by another week of celebration. This event solidifies Jerusalem as the religious center of the nation.
This passage directly parallels the start of Solomon's temple construction, providing the same detail about the year and month, highlighting the continuity of God's building plans through different generations.
Exodus 12:2This verse marks the beginning of the Hebrew calendar, establishing the month Abib (later Nisan) as the first month, which helps us understand the significance of the month Hiram began building.
Ezra 3:8This shows another significant temple rebuilding project, also specifying the year and month construction began, underscoring the consistent pattern of obedience and divine timing in rebuilding sacred spaces for worship.
Haggai 1:15This prophetic passage also speaks of recommencing temple building, emphasizing the importance of God's timing and urging His people to act when the moment is right, echoing the deliberate commencement described in Chronicles.
This verse highlights that Solomon's grand temple project didn't start on a whim but was meticulously planned and timed, beginning in a specific month of his fourth year. It emphasizes that even the most magnificent divine undertakings are rooted in practical, earthly timing and organization.
King Solomon is embarking on the monumental task of building the Lord's temple, a project initiated by his father, David. This verse pinpoints the exact moment construction begins, following the preparations and plans laid out in the previous chapter. It sets the stage for the intricate details of the temple's construction and the subsequent dedication that will unfold throughout the rest of 2 Chronicles.
King Solomon is embarking on the monumental task of building the Lord's temple, a project initiated by his father, David. This verse pinpoints the exact moment construction begins, following the preparations and plans laid out in the previous chapter. It sets the stage for the intricate details of the temple's construction and the subsequent dedication that will unfold throughout the rest of 2 Chronicles.
"He began to build in the second month of the fourth year of his reign." — This verse highlights that Solomon's grand temple project didn't start on a whim but was meticulously planned and timed, beginning in a specific month of his fourth year. It emphasizes that even the…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026