2 Chronicles 2: For the Name of the Lord - What Benefits Us All

2 Chronicles 2: For the Name of the Lord - What Benefits Us All

Verse 4: "Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of the Lord my God and dedicate it to him for the burning of incense of sweet spices before him, and for the continual showbread, and for burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths and the new moons and the appointed feasts of the Lord our God, as ordained forever for Israel."

◇ To the author of Chronicles and its readers, the temple was far more than just a building. Temple construction carried profound significance. It served as tangible proof that they were the Lord's chosen people and that their true King was none other than Yahweh himself. For the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile, the temple restored their sense of dignity as God's people and renewed their pride in having the Lord as their sovereign. By emphasizing the temple and its sacrificial system, Israel could experience God's presence and enjoy fellowship with Him.

As Solomon undertakes the construction of this monumentally important temple, he declares that it is "to build a house for the name of the Lord" and "to observe the Lord's eternal ordinances there."

Building the temple was not about showcasing Solomon's own glory. It wasn't meant to display the power or wealth of his kingdom. Perhaps deep in Solomon's heart there were motives of strengthening royal authority or centralizing his control over the people. But the pure purpose of temple construction, as verse 4 makes clear, must be "for the name of the Lord and to keep His ordinances."

This principle extends beyond temple building to encompass all of God's work. Everything we do should be done for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Yet even though we know this truth well, we struggle to live it out. We seek to make our own names known, to receive applause, to win people's favor. Instead of directing our efforts toward God, we aim them toward ourselves, our own interests, and human approval.

What is directed toward ourselves, our own purposes, and human recognition ultimately ensnares us and leads to death. But what is done for God's name and God's glory leads us to life and brings us to a place of honor.

This is because God is greater than all gods, so magnificent that even the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain Him.

♧ Good and righteous God, help us to clearly know who You are, to believe and follow You. May we never forget that what is done for You is ultimately for the benefit of us all. Holy Spirit, make us strong and bold. Amen.