So now I am sending you Huram-abiHuram-abi, also known as Hiram Abiff in some traditions, is a craftsman sent by King Hiram of Tyre to assist King Solomon in building the temple. This reflects the strong alliance between Israel and Tyre, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in ancient times. The name "Huram" or "Hiram" is of Phoenician origin, indicating his cultural background. This collaboration is reminiscent of the relationship between King David and Hiram, showing continuity in diplomatic relations. The sending of Huram-abi can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to provide for the construction of the temple, a central place of worship for Israel.
a skillful man
The emphasis on Huram-abi's skillfulness underscores the value placed on craftsmanship and artistry in the construction of the temple. This mirrors the biblical theme of God-given talents being used for His glory, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle with Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 31:1-6). The temple was not just a physical structure but a symbol of divine presence, requiring the highest level of skill and dedication.
endowed with creativity
Creativity here is seen as a divine gift, enabling Huram-abi to contribute uniquely to the temple's construction. This creativity is not merely artistic but also involves wisdom and understanding, as seen in the detailed work required for the temple's furnishings and decorations. The concept of creativity reflects the image of God in humanity, as God is the ultimate Creator. This phrase also points to the idea that all good and perfect gifts, including creativity, come from God (James 1:17). The temple, as a type of Christ, foreshadows the beauty and perfection found in Jesus, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling among His people.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Huram-abiA skilled craftsman sent by King Hiram of Tyre to assist King Solomon in building the temple. His name suggests a connection to Hiram, the king, and he is noted for his wisdom and understanding in craftsmanship.
2.
King SolomonThe son of King David, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem. Solomon's reign is marked by peace and prosperity, and he is tasked with constructing the temple as a place of worship for the Israelites.
3.
King Hiram of TyreThe king of Tyre, a city known for its skilled artisans and craftsmen. Hiram had a friendly relationship with both David and Solomon, providing materials and skilled labor for the temple.
4.
The Temple in JerusalemThe central place of worship for the Israelites, representing God's presence among His people. The construction of the temple is a significant event in Israel's history, symbolizing a permanent dwelling place for God.
5.
TyreAn ancient Phoenician city known for its wealth and skilled artisans. Tyre's involvement in the temple construction highlights the collaboration between Israel and its neighbors.
Teaching Points
The Value of God-Given SkillsGod equips individuals with specific talents and skills for His purposes. Just as Huram-abi was endowed with understanding for temple construction, believers are called to use their gifts for God's glory.
Collaboration in God's WorkThe partnership between Solomon and Hiram illustrates the importance of collaboration in fulfilling God's plans. Believers should seek unity and cooperation in their efforts to serve God.
Wisdom and UnderstandingTrue wisdom and understanding come from God. Like Huram-abi, believers should seek God's guidance in their work and decisions, trusting Him to provide the necessary insight.
The Significance of WorshipThe temple's construction underscores the importance of having a dedicated place for worship. Believers should prioritize worship in their lives, recognizing it as central to their relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 2:13?
2.How does Huram's wisdom reflect God's provision in 2 Chronicles 2:13?
3.What qualities made Huram a suitable craftsman for Solomon's temple project?
4.How can we seek God's wisdom in our work, like Huram?
5.What other biblical figures demonstrate God-given skills for His purposes?
6.How can we use our talents to serve God and His church today?
7.What is the significance of Huram-Abi's wisdom in 2 Chronicles 2:13 for understanding divine gifts?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 2:13 reflect God's provision for Solomon's temple construction?
9.Why is Huram-Abi's skill emphasized in 2 Chronicles 2:13, and what does it teach about craftsmanship?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 2?
11.Why does 1 Kings 7:13–14 attribute Hiram’s skill to Tyrian ancestry while 2 Chronicles provides slightly different details about his background?
12.2 Chronicles 13 - Are there any archaeological or extra-biblical sources that verify the details of this battle's scale and outcome?
13.Could the decorative details of the temple (2 Chronicles 4:12–13) realistically match ancient manufacturing capabilities, or are these descriptions exaggerated?
14.What scientific or historical evidence supports or refutes the feasibility of the temple dimensions given in Ezekiel 41?What Does 2 Chronicles 2:13 Mean
So now“So now” signals a decisive moment. Hiram of Tyre has heard Solomon’s request for help building the temple (2 Chronicles 2:11–12;1 Kings 5:7–8). The words show:
• Immediate response—Hiram does not delay when God’s house is in view (cf.Psalm 119:60).
• Fresh chapter—God’s plan is advancing from David’s preparation (1 Chronicles 28:2) to Solomon’s execution (2 Chronicles 2:1).
The phrase reminds us that God often moves His servants into action at just the right “now” (Esther 4:14;Galatians 4:4).
I am sending youHiram personally commits resources to Solomon: “I am sending you.”
• Direct provision—God answers prayer through human hands (Philippians 4:19;James 1:17).
• Partnership—Gentile king and Israelite king unite for God’s glory, hinting at the wider blessing promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:3;Isaiah 60:3–6).
• Authoritative commissioning—Hiram’s royal authority backs the craftsman’s mission, reflecting how Christ commissions His servants (John 20:21;Acts 13:3).
The temple project illustrates that God orchestrates cooperative ministry across borders for His purposes (2 Corinthians 8:16–18).
Huram-abiThe man’s name, given twice (2 Chronicles 2:13, 14), identifies a real historical artisan—no mythical figure. Parallel: “Huram” or “Hiram” in1 Kings 7:13–14.
• Mixed heritage—mother from Dan, father from Tyre (2 Chronicles 2:14); God uses people of varied backgrounds (Acts 16:1–3).
• Unique calling—set apart for temple craftsmanship just as Bezalel was for the tabernacle (Exodus 31:2).
• Trusted reputation—Hiram’s confidence in sending him mirrors how elders lay hands on proven workers (1 Timothy 3:10).
By naming the craftsman, Scripture highlights God’s concern for individual servants and their gifts (Romans 12:6).
A skillful manSkill is celebrated, not sidelined. God values excellence in work devoted to Him.
• Exodus 35:30–35—God fills artisans with “skill” for holy tasks.
• Proverbs 22:29—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” Huram literally stands before two kings.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31—Craftsmanship becomes worship when done for God’s glory.
Bullet points of his expertise (2 Chronicles 2:14):
– working with gold, silver, bronze, iron
– master of stone and wood
– purple, blue, crimson, and fine linen
– engraving and designing any artistic craft
Skill is a God-given stewardship to be honed and offered back to Him (Matthew 25:14-30).
Endowed with creativity“Endowed” underscores that creativity is a gift from God, not mere human genius (Exodus 31:3;James 1:17).
• Spirit-enabled imagination—God’s Spirit equips for beauty as well as for prophecy and leadership (Exodus 35:31).
• Reflecting the Creator—human creativity mirrors God’s own (Genesis 1:1;Psalm 104:24).
• Purposeful beauty—art serves worship, teaching Israel the holiness and majesty of the Lord (Psalm 27:4;Revelation 21:18-21).
Huram-abi’s creativity sanctifies the physical space so that it proclaims God’s splendor to all who enter (2 Chronicles 2:5-6).
summary2 Chronicles 2:13 shows God’s timely provision for Solomon’s temple through King Hiram’s decisive action, the commissioning of Huram-abi, and the celebration of God-given skill and creativity. The verse teaches that at the exact “now,” the Lord raises up gifted servants, equips them with excellence, and weaves together diverse partnerships so His house—and ultimately His glory—may be beautifully displayed.
(13)
Endued with understanding.--See the same phrase in
1Chronicles 12:32.
Of Huram my father's.--Rather,Huram my father--i.e., master, preceptor, as in2Chronicles 4:16, where Huram is called the "father" of Solomon. (Comp.Genesis 45:8;Judges 17:10;Judges 18:19. So LXX. and Vulgate; Syriac omits.) . . .
Verse 13. -
Of Huram my father's. The words of
2 Chronicles 4:11, 16 would invest these with suspicion, if nothing that occurred before did, as
e.g. the parallel passage (
1 Kings 7:13, 14, 40). There can be no doubt from these passages that the name Huram of this verse is the name of the workman sent (the
lamed prefixed being only the objective sign), not the supposed name of King Hiram's father, which, as already seen, was Abibaal. But the following word translated "my father" (
אָבִי) is less easily explained;
2 Chronicles 4:16 ("
his father") is quite sufficient to negative the rendering" father" altogether. In our text altogether inappropriate, it may be called there altogether impossible. It has been proposed to render it as a proper name
Abi, or as an affix of honour,
Ab, equal to "master." However, Gesenius (in '
Lexicon,'
sub roe.אב (6), which see) furnishes a signification, "chief counsellor," which (taking it to mean chief counsellor, or as it were expert, chief referee, or even only
foreman in such matters as might be in question) would well suit all the passages, and remove all difficulty.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So now Iוְעַתָּ֗ה(wə·‘at·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 6258:At this timeam sending youשָׁלַ֧חְתִּי(šā·laḥ·tî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outHuram-abi,לְחוּרָ֥ם(lə·ḥū·rām)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2361:Huram -- a Benjamite, also two Arameans (Syrians)a skillfulחָכָ֛ם(ḥā·ḵām)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450:Wisemanאִישׁ־(’îš-)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male personendowedיוֹדֵ֥עַ(yō·w·ḏê·a‘)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3045:To knowwith understanding.בִּינָ֖ה(bî·nāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 998:An understanding
Links
2 Chronicles 2:13 NIV2 Chronicles 2:13 NLT2 Chronicles 2:13 ESV2 Chronicles 2:13 NASB2 Chronicles 2:13 KJV
2 Chronicles 2:13 BibleApps.com2 Chronicles 2:13 Biblia Paralela2 Chronicles 2:13 Chinese Bible2 Chronicles 2:13 French Bible2 Chronicles 2:13 Catholic Bible
OT History: 2 Chronicles 2:13 Now I have sent a skillful man (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
