Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 2:16
We will cut logs from Lebanon, as many as you need, and we will float them to you as rafts by sea down to Joppa. Then you can take them up to Jerusalem.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Hiram, king of Tyre, responds to Solomon’s request by detailing the logistics of supplying timber for the temple project. He addresses Solomon directly, promising to deliver the materials to Joppa for transport to Jerusalem.
The words — The Hebrew verb נִכְרֹת (nikh.Rot) means “we will cut,” paired with עֵצִים (‘e.Tzim), “wood” or “logs,” emphasizing the active labor of harvesting timber. The phrase כָּל־צָרְכֶּךָ (khol-tsa.rek.kha) translates literally as “all your need,” indicating the supply will match Solomon’s exact requirements.
The thread — This logistical arrangement echoes Hiram’s earlier commitment in 1 Kings 5:8 to supply cedar and matches the cedar transport described in Ezra 3:7. The destination port, Joppa, is also noted in Joshua 19:46 as part of the coastal territory.
Why it lands — The verse requires the reader to recognize that temple construction depends on coordinated resource management and cross-cultural cooperation. It presents provision as a practical, step-by-step process rather than a miraculous intervention.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
Cross-references
- Joshua 19:46 Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, including the territory across from Joppa.
- 1 Kings 5:8 Then Hiram sent a reply to Solomon, saying: “I have received your message; I will do all you desire regarding the cedar and cypress timber.
- Ezra 3:7 They gave money to the masons and carpenters, and food and drink and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to Joppa by sea, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.
- John 1:3 Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
- Acts 9:36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity.
- Acts 10:32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, by the sea.’