We will cut logs from LebanonLebanon was renowned for its cedar trees, which were highly valued for their quality and durability. The cedars of Lebanon are mentioned frequently in the Bible, symbolizing strength and majesty (
Psalm 92:12). Historically, Lebanon's forests were a significant resource for ancient builders, including those constructing the temple in Jerusalem. The use of Lebanese timber for Solomon's temple connects to the earlier collaboration between King Hiram of Tyre and King David (
1 Kings 5:1-10), highlighting a longstanding alliance.
as many as you need
This phrase indicates the generosity and willingness of Hiram, king of Tyre, to support Solomon's temple project. It reflects the importance of the temple not only to Israel but also to its neighbors, who recognized the significance of Solomon's reign and the God of Israel. This provision underscores the abundance and provision associated with God's plans, reminiscent of God's promise to supply all needs (Philippians 4:19).
and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa
The transportation of logs by sea was a practical solution, given the geographical challenges. Joppa, an ancient port city, served as a critical entry point for materials destined for Jerusalem. This method of transport highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient logistics. Joppa's role as a port city is also seen in the story of Jonah (Jonah 1:3) and in the New Testament as the place where Peter raised Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43).
Then you can take them up to Jerusalem.
Jerusalem, situated on a hill, required materials to be transported uphill from Joppa, about 35 miles away. This journey underscores the dedication and effort involved in building the temple, a central place of worship for Israel. The temple in Jerusalem is a type of Christ, who is the true temple (John 2:19-21), and the effort to bring materials to Jerusalem symbolizes the preparation for the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the law and the prophets.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonThe king of Israel, son of David, known for his wisdom and for building the temple in Jerusalem.
2.
HiramThe king of Tyre, who provided materials and skilled laborers for the construction of the temple.
3.
LebanonA region known for its cedar trees, which were highly valued for construction.
4.
JoppaAn ancient port city on the Mediterranean Sea, used as a landing point for transporting materials to Jerusalem.
5.
JerusalemThe capital city of Israel, where Solomon's temple was to be built.
Teaching Points
God's Provision through PartnershipsThe collaboration between Solomon and Hiram demonstrates how God can use partnerships to fulfill His purposes. We should seek godly alliances in our endeavors.
The Importance of PreparationSolomon's detailed planning and resource gathering remind us of the importance of preparation in fulfilling God's work. We should be diligent and thoughtful in our preparations for any task God sets before us.
Utilizing Resources WiselyThe use of Lebanon's cedars and the strategic transport via Joppa illustrate wise resource management. We should be good stewards of the resources God provides, using them effectively for His glory.
Faithfulness in Small DetailsThe meticulous planning of transporting logs shows the importance of faithfulness in even the smallest details. We should strive for excellence in all aspects of our service to God.
God's Sovereignty in Geography and ResourcesThe geographical locations and natural resources used in the temple's construction reflect God's sovereignty over creation. We should recognize and trust in God's control over all aspects of our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 2:16?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 2:16 demonstrate God's provision for Solomon's temple project?
3.What role did the Sidonians play in fulfilling Solomon's request in 2 Chronicles 2:16?
4.How does 2 Chronicles 2:16 connect with God's promise to David in 1 Chronicles 22:9-10?
5.What can we learn about teamwork and collaboration from 2 Chronicles 2:16?
6.How can we apply the principles of resourcefulness from 2 Chronicles 2:16 today?
7.What does 2 Chronicles 2:16 reveal about the relationship between Solomon and Hiram?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 2:16 reflect the importance of trade in Solomon's reign?
9.What theological significance does the timber from Lebanon hold in 2 Chronicles 2:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 2?
11.What is Joppa's significance in the Bible?
12.What is Jaffa's biblical significance?
13.(Ezra 3:7) Could a newly returned, resource-strapped community realistically acquire and transport large quantities of cedar from Lebanon?
14.Who was Simon the Tanner in the Bible?What Does 2 Chronicles 2:16 Mean
We will cut logs from Lebanon• The speaker is King Hiram of Tyre, responding to Solomon’s request for cedar and cypress (2 Chron 2:3–8;1 Kings 5:6).
• Lebanon’s trees were famed for strength and fragrance, ideal for the temple’s grandeur (Psalm 92:12; 104:16).
• God had already pledged material blessing for the temple (1 Chron 22:2–4). Hiram’s cooperation fulfills that promise in a tangible, literal way.
• By agreeing to “cut,” Hiram supplies skill Israel lacked, showing how the Lord often uses outsiders to advance His purposes (Isaiah 60:10).
as many as you need• Hiram offers limitless supply, mirroring God’s own generosity: “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19).
• Solomon’s vision was enormous (1 Kings 6:2–9). Human partners might fear shortage, but Hiram’s pledge echoes God’s abundance (Exodus 36:5–7, where the tabernacle craftsmen had “more than enough”).
• The phrase reassures Solomon—and us—that when God commissions a task, He ensures sufficiency, not scarcity (2 Corinthians 9:8).
and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa• Cedars were bound into rafts, floated from Tyre’s coast southward to the port of Joppa (modern Jaffa), the nearest harbor to Jerusalem (Ezra 3:7).
• This method solved enormous transport challenges—logs too large for land caravans.
– Engineering insight: water transport leveraged gravity and currents.
– International teamwork: Phoenician sailors, Israelite laborers (2 Chron 2:17–18).
• Joppa later appears when Jonah flees (Jonah 1:3) and when Peter receives his rooftop vision (Acts 10:9–16), reminding us that God repeatedly uses this gateway for pivotal moments.
• The detail underscores Scripture’s historical precision; geography and trade routes line up with archaeology and recorded maritime practice.
Then you can take them up to Jerusalem• From sea level at Joppa, the timber traveled roughly 35 miles inland and 2,500 feet upward—literally an ascent.
• “Up to Jerusalem” becomes a spiritual rhythm for God’s people (Psalm 120–134). The physical climb pictures a heart-set on worship.
• Israel assumed responsibility for the final leg. Partnership under God involves distinct roles: Hiram delivers to the coast, Israel carries materials to the holy city (1 Kings 5:15–18).
• The verse foreshadows later temple restorations that followed the same route (Ezra 3:7), proving God’s unchanging pattern of provision across generations.
summary2 Chronicles 2:16 records Hiram’s practical, generous answer to Solomon’s temple project: premium Lebanese timber, supplied without limit, transported by sea to Joppa, and hauled up to Jerusalem. The verse showcases God’s faithful provision through international collaboration, meticulous logistics, and abundant resources—assuring us that when God ordains a work, He supplies every detail needed to see it completed.
(16)
And we will cut wood.--The
we is emphatic,
and we, on our part, the pronoun being expressed in the Hebrew.
Wood (= "timber,"2Chronicles 2:8-10;2Chronicles 2:14).--Properlytrees.
As much as thou shalt need.--See margin. "Need" (corek) occurs here only in the Old Testament. The word is common in the Targums, and in Rabbinic writings;1Kings 5:8 has the classical phrase, "all thy desire."
In flotes.--Heb.,raphs?doth. Another isolated expression. Rendered "rafts" by the LXX. and Vulgate, but omitted by Syriac and Arabic.1Kings 5:9 hasdob?roth, "rafts," which settles the meaning. . . .
Verse 16. -
Joppa, This was one of the most ancient of towns, and is referred to by Pliny ('Hist. Nat.,' 5:13), as "Joppa Phoenicum, antiquior terrarum inundatione, ut ferunt." Its name (
יָפו, "beauty") is said to have been justified by the beautiful groves in its neighbourhood. It is mentioned
Joshua 19:46 as Japho, where also we learn the circumstances under which the Dan tribe were possessed of it. It is remarkable that it is not mentioned again till our present verse, not even in the parallel (
1 Kings 5:9). But it appears again in
Ezra 3:7;
Jonah 1:3, and in several places in the Acts of the Apostles. The modern name of it is
Joffa, and it is not reputed as a good port now. It was distant from Jerusalem some thirty-four miles. The carriage of the tim-bet this road-journey is nowhere described in detail, nor is the exact spot of the coast west of Lebanon mentioned where the flotes were made, and thence despatched.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Weוַ֠אֲנַחְנוּ(wa·’ă·naḥ·nū)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587:Wewill cutנִכְרֹ֨ת(niḵ·rōṯ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural
Strong's 3772:To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenantlogsעֵצִ֤ים(‘ê·ṣîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, woodfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofLebanon,הַלְּבָנוֹן֙(hal·lə·ḇā·nō·wn)Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3844:Lebanon -- a wooded mountain range on the northern border of Israelas manyכְּכָל־(kə·ḵāl-)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyas you need,צָרְכֶּ֔ךָ(ṣā·rə·ke·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6878:A needand in raftsרַפְסֹד֖וֹת(rap̄·sō·ḏō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7513:A raftbyעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstseaיָ֣ם(yām)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3220:A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basinwe will bring themוּנְבִיאֵ֥ם(ū·nə·ḇî·’êm)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common plural | third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goto youלְךָ֛(lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewat Joppa.יָפ֑וֹ(yā·p̄ōw)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3305:Joppa -- a seaport city of PalestineThen youוְאַתָּ֛ה(wə·’at·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youcan take them upתַּעֲלֶ֥ה(ta·‘ă·leh)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyto Jerusalem.”יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃(yə·rū·šā·lim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel
Links
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 2:16 And we will cut wood out (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
