2:1 Solomon determined to build a temple to represent God.
By the world's standards, perhaps it is not unreasonable that Solomon also commissioned a royal house for himself. But with what we know about Solomon's downfall, it is important to consider whether this was the beginning of what would end his faith. After all, David had not needed a royal house to establish or retain authority... neither had Moses or Abraham. Even Jesus came to earth as an essentially nomadic servant.
It is not wrong for us to want a home while on earth, but we should be careful not to live ostentatiously. God wants us to have a joyful and rested soul while we work; we are not here to luxuriate in self-indulgence. Ultimately, God is our home, provision and abundance. Solomon's own home will require years and years to be built; that kind of determination would have been better served building God's temple (and not just in the physical sense).
2:2 Solomon chose thousands of people to manage and labor to construct the temple and the royal house. When we are positions of leadership, the work we delegate to others' matters - and we are all leaders in some aspect: parents, elder siblings, classmates, acquaintances with influence...in many ways what we do impacts others. As king, Solomon chose the direction of his people. He chose what their national focus would be. Right from the start, Solomon created a divide: work on the royal house and work on God's house. The former represented self-pride and wealth, the latter faith and obedience.
2:3-4 Still, Solomon was still committed to God. None of his predecessors were without flaw and therefore this slight deviance was tolerated by God. Solomon requested cedars with which to build the temple from another king, Hiram.
2:5-6 Solomon was excited about the construction of the temple; he wanted it to represent God's goodness as best as earthly material and human labor could. It is possible that part of the reason God himself did not command the construction of a temple was because He knew it might, ironically, take attention away from Himself. Humans are so impressed with architecture and jewels. Faith is best represented not by grandiose buildings but by humble and compassionate actions. By expressions of generosity, love and peace and joy.
2:7-10 But the building of the temple was built with good intentions and that is what mattered most. Solomon wanted elaborate details and high quality materials to express Israel's intimate relationship and gratitude to God. So much of Israel's resources were dedicated to the building of this temple that it was like a sacrifice of trust in Him. Instead of burnt offerings, they offered the best of their labor and money and determination.
2:11-16 King Hiram of Tyre responded peaceably and generosity to Solomon's request. Sent by Hiram, a man of the tribe of Dan (whose father was of Tyre) would craft the temple. Hiram's response makes evident his own awe and belief in God. It is fitting that others, outside of Israel, had contributed to the building of the temple. The spiritual kingdom of God is built by souls from all around the earth. God proffers His kingdom as a home to all who are willing to walk through the door (and produce the work which upholds it)!
2:17-18 153,600 laborers from outside of Israel contributed to the construction of the temple! With so much focus on the tribes of Israel and Judah in the Old Testament, do not forget that it was with them that God began. God claimed this small group in order to encourage and gather all of humanity.
