2 Chronicles – Chapter 3

Old Testament17 Verses

Chapter Summary

"And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, in mount Moria, which had been shewn to David his father, in the place which…" — so begins 2 Chronicles 3. The chapter centers on Solomon, David and Boaz. Across its 17 verses, two threads run through the text: God feeding His people and holiness. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, in mount Moria, which had been shewn to David his father, in the place which David had prepared in the thrashingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2And he began to build in the second month, in the fourth year of his reign.

3Now these are the foundations, which Solomon laid, to build the house of God, the length by the first measure sixty cubits, the breadth twenty cubits.

4And the porch in the front, which was extended in length according to the measure of the breadth of the house, twenty cubits: and the height was a hundred and twenty cubits: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

5And the greater house he ceiled with deal boards, and overlaid them with plates of fine gold throughout: and he graved in them palm trees, and like little chains interlaced with one another.

6He paved also the floor of the temple with most precious marble, of great beauty.

7And the gold of the plates with which he overlaid the house, and the beams thereof, and the posts, and the walls, and the doors was of the finest: and he graved cherubims on the walls.

8He made also the house of the holy of holies: the length of it according to the breadth of the temple, twenty cubits, and the breadth of it in like manner twenty cubits: and he overlaid it with plates of gold, amounting to about six hundred talents.

9He made also nails of gold, and the weight of every nail was fifty sicles: the upper chambers also he overlaid with gold.

10He made also in the house of the holy of holies two cherubims of image work: and he overlaid them with gold.

11The wings of the cherubims were extended twenty cubits, so that one wing was five cubits long, and reached to the wall of the house: and the other was also five cubits long, and reached to the wing of the other cherub.

12In like manner the wing of the other cherub, was five cubits long, and reached to the wall: and his other wing was five cubits long, and touched the wing of the other cherub.

13So the wings of the two cherubims were spread forth, and were extended twenty cubits: and they stood upright on their feet, and their faces were turned toward the house without.

14He made also a veil of violet, purple, scarlet, and silk: and wrought in it cherubims.

15He made also before the doors of the temple two pillars, which were five and thirty cubits high: and their chapiters were five cubits.

16He made also as it were little chains in the oracle, and he put them on the heads of the pillars: and a hundred pomegranates, which he put between the little chains.

17These pillars he put at the entrance of the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left: that which was on the right hand, he called Jachin: and that on the left hand, Booz.

Important Verses in 2 Chronicles 3

And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, in mount Moria, which had been shewn to David his father, in the place which David had prepared in the thrashingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2 Chronicles 3:1

And the porch in the front, which was extended in length according to the measure of the breadth of the house, twenty cubits: and the height was a hundred and twenty cubits: and he overlaid it within with pure gold.

2 Chronicles 3:4

He made also in the house of the holy of holies two cherubims of image work: and he overlaid them with gold.

2 Chronicles 3:10

These pillars he put at the entrance of the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left: that which was on the right hand, he called Jachin: and that on the left hand, Booz.

2 Chronicles 3:17

Historical Context

2 Chronicles addresses the restored community, urged to keep worship pure and hearts humble within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 3 of 36 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 17 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Solomon, David and Boaz, the principal figures named in this chapter. The passage starts with these words: "And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, in mount Moria, which had been shewn to David his…" The final verse reads: "These pillars he put at the entrance of the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left: that which was on…" Read against its original backdrop, Second Chronicles spans from Solomon's Temple to the decree of Cyrus allowing the exiles to return home. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler')

When It Was Written

After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense of 2 Chronicles 3 presents a concrete episode in the history of Temple worship and Judah's kings. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, in mount Moria, which had been shewn to David his father, in the place which David had prepared…" The passage repeatedly touches on God feeding His people.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of Temple worship and Judah's kings. the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 1502).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Solomon2 mentionsDavid2 mentionsBoaz1 mention

Reflection for Today

2 Chronicles Chapter 3 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Temple liturgy prefigures the Church's worship (CIC 1093). Here the believer is invited to ponder the beatitudes as a program of life.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2632) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Chronicles Chapter 3 about?

2 Chronicles 3 contains 17 verses. It opens with "And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, in mount Moria, which had been shewn to David his…" and closes with "These pillars he put at the entrance of the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left: that which was on…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Chronicles 3?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, in mount Moria, which had been shewn to David his father, in the place which David had prepared in the…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Chronicles Chapter 3?

This chapter mentions Solomon, David, Boaz.

Who wrote 2 Chronicles and when?

Traditionally attributed to Ezra ('the Chronicler'). After the return from exile, around 400-350 BC.

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